Eight Characteristics of a Civilization

1
Eight Characteristics of a Civilization
2
Cities

• The first cities came about due to food surpluses.

3
Well-Organized Governments

• Governments were formed to maintain a food supply
  and other projects.

4
Complex Religion

• Ancient religions used ceremonies, hymns,
  prayers, and dances. These rituals were used in
  order to gain the favor of the gods. They also
  built temples, planted special crops, and
  sometimes sacrificed animals and humans in order
  to appease the gods.
• Most ancient people were polytheistic meaning
  that they believed in more than one god.
• Today most people are monotheistic which means
  believing in one God.

5
Job Specialization

• People who lived in cities and did not have to
  grow food for survival could specialize in a
  specific skill. Skilled artisans were people who
  made pottery or finely carved or woven goods.
  Metalworking became increasingly important as
  people were learning to make tools and weapons.

6
Social Classes

• In cities, people were ranked by their jobs.
  This ranking led to the development of social
  classes. Usually priests and nobles were in the
  top level of society. Wealthy merchants were
  found next. Then came humbler artisans followed
  by the majority of the population who were
  usually peasant farmers. These farmers produced
  most of the food for the city. Slaves were found
  at the lowest level of society.

7
Arts and Architecture

• The art and architecture of ancient civilizations
  reflected the beliefs and values of the people in
  that city. Temples and palaces were very
  prominent in most cities.

8
Public Works

• Public works were projects built to protect the
  city from invasion and also to ensure a steady
  food supply.

9
Writing

• Writing may have begun in temples where priests
  recorded important information.