3 Beginnings of Civilization
Objectives - What are the basic features of civilizations? - How did the first cities emerge? What developments can cause cultures to change?
Introduction
Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
100,000 workers Years of labor 2 million stones averaging 2.5 tons each
Features of Civilization
Rise of Cities
First cities emerged along fertile rivers Surplus foods aided in population growth
Cahokia, Missouri
Organized Governments
Complex governments emerged
Perhaps religious priests wielded power Warrior kings emerged as rulers Taxes, laws, systems of defense contributed to strong governments Bureaucracies evolved from simple governments
Lex Rex
God gave rules from the beginning of time
Science Math Logic
And to Moses
Ten commandments Mosaic Law
Today society wants us to think that rules are bad for us Early civilizations knew that law was the only way to have peace and agreement among citizens
Complex Religions
Polytheism
Belief in many gods Most civilizations were polytheistic People worshipped the sun, rivers, nature Temples were built, sacrifices were offered
What is a sacrifice?
Social Ranking
High: Leaders, priests, nobles Middle: Warriors, artisans Low: Farmers, peasants Pit: Slaves
Writing
Writing was a critical skill developed by ancient people Pictograms
Early forms of writing using a simple drawing to represent a word Replaced by use of symbols
Scribes were among the only people who could read and write
Spread of Civilization
First empires:
Battle for power sometimes resulted in alliances Empires, groups of territories controlled by one ruler, began to form