Civilizations

2 Pages 376 Words

CIVILIZATION

The term “civilization” means an advanced state of intellectual, cultural and material development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of record-keeping, including writing and the appearance of complex political and social institutions.

The following elements make up a civilization:

Cities - Man becomes settled. Cities and towns are built, become larger and densely occupied dwelling areas are accessed by winding streets and irrigation systems are developed to cultivate the land and grow food. There is a general improvement in the standard of living so man stays home more.

Specialization of Labor – Overpopulation encourages man to find new food sources, hence, he becomes a food producer. This gives birth to the Agricultural Revolution. Also, the domestication of animals is known as the Pastoral Revolution. Some people are farmers but a significant portion of the population could now become non-agriculturists and become specialists in other vocations. Weaving, pottery making, metal-work, trade and construction are a few examples of specializations of labor.

Writing - Not only is a common language being shared, token and ball systems are replaced by flat tablets which have desired information inscribed on it by way of appropriate symbols written with sticks. This form of writing was replaced by using a durable reed stylus known as Cuneiform. However, it was hard to draw pictures with these reeds so symbols were invented for every vowel-consonant combination, known as Phonetic symbols. Without writing, it would be impossible to record history.

Organized Government – Priests stood at the top of these highly theocratic societies. Organized warfare between nomadic people and settled people commences due to Nomadic people yearning to have what settled people have attained. Now development of armies and militia are required to keep order.

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