Six (6) Traits of A Civilized Society

Unit 1 - World History

Six (6) Traits of a Civilized Society

1 2 3

4 5 6

Rise of Cities

Located in river valleys (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, & India).

Were larger than Neolithic towns

Where a significant part of the population lived

Growth of Governments

Needed to maintain the food supply

Needed to build walls for defense

Led by rulers – usually monarchs

Religion

Explained forces of nature and own existence

Gods/goddesses were deemed crucial to a community’s success

Priests supervised rituals aimed at keeping good relations

New Social Structure

Based on economic power

Upper class – priests, government officials, and warriors

Bottom – slaves

Writing

Used by rulers, priests, merchants and artisans

For accurate record keeping

Creative expression – first forms of literature develop

Artistic Activity

Temples and pyramids built

Painting and sculpture

Trade and expansion of new technology