Characteristics of Civilization

Overview Social Structure Writing Art Government Cities Religion

Social Structure People and Society became divided by economic power (wealth) Upper Class – wealthiest, most powerful Middle Class- farmers and workers Lower Class- slaves

Upper Class Rulers Priests Warriors And Government Officials Middle Class Free People Farmers Artisans – make art things Craftspeople – make tools and things like wagons Lower Class Slaves

Writing Writing was used to keep accurate records. Also used for creative expression. Hunters and Gatherers didn’t have to remember everything and they could pass it along by word of mouth.

Art Artistic activity also defines a civilization Architects built temples and pyramids Painters and sculptors portrayed stories of nature and depicted rulers and gods.

Government Created to defend the people and the food supply. Governments organized armies and made laws to regulate their people’s lives. First governments were usually run by a Monarch (king or queen)

Cities Large numbers of people living together

City map of ancient Ur.

Artists version of ancient Ur in Mesopotamia

Religion Religion explained the forces of nature and man’s role in the world. Priests would perform rituals to guarantee the gods were pleased. Priests became important people

Ziggurat of Ur

Review Pictures

City map of ancient Ur.

Artists version of ancient Ur in Mesopotamia

Ziggurat of Ur