Emergence of Civilization

Unit 1Civilization

Emergence of Civilization CIVITAS - Latin word meaning 'cities‘

Emerges at the end of the Neolithic era

First Civilizations develops in four different areas independently of each other.

5 Characteristics of Civilization

1- Surplus of Food

2- Complex Institutions More complex government and religions High level of cooperation for the good of the

group Technology Advances

3- Division of Labor - Specialized workers Specialized skills & occupations Creates a class of skilled worked called Artisans Merchants and Traders

5 Characteristics of Civilization

4- Writing - Record Keeping Priests were the first to start using marks or drawings

which evolved into writing Needed to keep track of when to do important ceremonies

and rituals to keep the gods happy A sacrifice at the wrong time could ruin a crop Scribes - Those who mastered the writing and reading of

the symbols – Keep Secretive Government

Births, deaths, taxes Ownership, marriages, business contracts, etc..

Became a way to pass down traditions, learning, wisdom, information, ideas and religious beliefs

Characteristics of Civilization

5- Calendar Needed to know when river would flood Time from flood to flood was a year

Time from full moon to next full moon was a month

Not completely accurate – about 11 days off

GROWTH OF CITIES4 Areas of the world develop independently of each

other1. Valley of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers - Middle East2. Valley of the Nile River in Africa – Egypt3. Indus River Valley in South Asia – India4. Yellow River Valley East Asia - China

• All Develop around Rivers• Fertile soil

• Rivers consistently flood every year• Bring moisture to the land• Can be used for Transportation and food

• Fish and animals

GROWTH OF CITIES – Govt.

• Construction projects increased• Need to be Organized

• Clear land for farming• Irrigation systems for dry times of the

year• Temples and palaces• Defense of cities from invaders

- increased size and power of government

Religion POLYTHEISTIC - Belief in many Gods and

Goddesses that control the forces of nature Believed in spirits Believed that the Gods controlled forces of

nature sacrifices to win gods favor

peace, good harvests, rainfall, etc. Priests gained power

carried out the rituals positions in the governments

Religion THEOCRACY - Government controlled by a

church or religion Military leaders - increased in power

worked with priests Defense against enemies Became judges, made laws, supervised

building projects Collected taxes - earliest system of

taxation Labor for construction projects Part of harvest Used to pay for government and building projects

Economy and Society Technology was important

made work easier, faster and more efficient Bronze Age - Vessels, tool, weapons, longer lasting Farming improved

Develop use of irrigation through ditches and canals Fewer farms needed Excess food used for trading with merchants for goods

Barter Economy - Trading goods or services for something you need

Creates a demand for more specialized skills and goods Still used to some extent today

Social structure starts to change Social Classes - Defines a persons place in society Movement between classes

THEN --> No movement – born there die there NOW --> Movement is possible but still hard

Social Classes Kids generally took over

parents profession or occupation

Artisans - People with a specialized skill or trade Skilled Craftsperson

Indentured Servants - People working off debts

Important Point to Note Although civilization developed in

different areas and at different times there was still limited contact between them Trading Migration Wars Brought a spread of ideas, skills, and a

diversity of culture – Cultural Diffusion

The End