1. 8 Features of Civilization
Civilization: A n advanced and complex society with organized government, religion, customs, and social norms

2. Cities Built around farming centers Grow out of villages Examples:
Tikal (Maya)
Tenochtitlan (Aztec)
Cuzco (Inca)
Mesa Verde (Anasazi)
Cahokia (Missippians)

3. Organized Government Managed surplus foods and supplies
Oversaw business of cities
Ran the military
Examples:
City-states (Maya)
Empire- one ruler (Aztec)
“Sapa Inca”- (Inca)
Elite ruling class – (Mississippian)

4. Job Specialization Allowed for the development of further skills
Possible because farms = extra time
Stone cutters, potters, astronomers, etc.

5. Public Works Public works served the public good
Might cost $ to maintain
Examples: roads, waterways, city walls

6. Established Religion Connected to early government
Often polytheism: many gods/goddesses
Tied to seasons, harvests, sun & stars

7. Social Classes Different people occupy different social ranks
Top: priests, rulers
Middle: farmers, artisans, merchants
Bottom: slaves
Few at the top, many at the bottom

8. Art and Architecture Objects of beauty
Effort in design to appease religious beliefs
Luxuries for upper class (like jewelry)

9. System of Language and Writing
Many early forms of writing in pictures
Used to record:
Laws
Leaders’ and rulers’ family lines
Events