Global 1.3 Beginnings of Civilization

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Global I Table of Contents

Historians define eight basic features common to most early civilizations.
1. Cities- "the first cities grew up after farmers began raising crops along river valleys. Rich soils and reliable water allowed farmers to produce a surplus of crops. *River Valley Civilizations 2. Organized Governments- Social projects and advancement required leadership and well organized governments. 3. Complex Religions*Polytheistic- holding a belief in many gods 4. Job Specialization5. Social Organization*Priest/Noble 6. Arts and Architecture7. Public Works8. Writing*Pictograms- simple drawings used to convey a thought or idea
 * Consistent flooding kept the soil fertile
 * Attracted animals to the region
 * Source of drinking water and transportation for people and goods
 * Cities started in four major separate river valleys
 * Tigris and Euphrates in Middle East
 * Nile River in Egypt
 * Indus River in India
 * Yellow River in China
 * Civilization in the Americas
 * The Aztecs built cities in the highlands of Mexico
 * The Incas started cities in the mountains of Peru
 * Machu Pichu
 * Bureaucracy- a system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials.
 * Wealthy Merchants
 * Artisans- skilled craft workers
 * Peasants/ farmers
 * Slaves
 * Scribes- learned to read & write in order to keep records for priests, rulers, and merchants
 * Compared with the Genesis account how did these features come about?

Spread of Civilization

 * City-state- A political unit made up of a city and the surrounnding lands.
 * Empire- A group of states or territories controlled by one ruler.
 * Steppes- Sparse, dry grasslands where nomadic people herded cattle sheep, goats or other animals.

Civilizations and Change

 * Environmental Change
 * What sort of environmental events could cause a change in civilization?
 * Human Interaction
 * Cultural Diffusion- the spread of ideas, customs, and technology from one people to another. Occurs through migration, trade and warfare.