1. Eight Features of Civilization

2. Geography
For a civilization to begin you had select good geography: with resources and protective features.
With good land there would be a food surplus (– an abundance of food)
This led to an increase in population.

3. 1. Cities
Large population centers
Ex. Cairo, Paris, Beijing
2. Central government
All the leadership & decisions come from one place/person. Designed to organize, rule and protect the civilization.
Ex. Monarchy, taxes, laws, army (police)

4. 3. Public Works
Structures designed for the entire community built by the government.
Ex. Roads, bridges, sewers, town hall, post office, town park

5. 4. Job Specialization People work in an area of expertise.
Ex. Engineers, soldiers, architects, priests, farmers, artisans: craftsperson ex. Blacksmith, potters, glass maker, baker, doctors, psychologist, web designer

6. 5. Social hierarchy:
People were ranked according to the job they performed: social hierarchy.
Ex. Upper, middle, lower classes.

7. 6. Art & Architecture
Buildings or sculptures that expressed the beliefs & values of the people.
Ex. Statue of liberty: freedoms
Temple: religion/gods

8. Ex. Sun god, god of war, god of fertility
7. Complex Religion
Often polytheistic – Belief in many gods
People appealed to god (s) they believed they controlled the forces of nature & human activities.
Ex. Sun god, god of war, god of fertility

9. Freedom Tower 1776’

10. 8. Writing
Began in temples by priests to record information. Scribes recorded records.

11. Your Civilization
In pen, write a large body paragraph on a separate sheet of paper:
Describe when & where your civilization is (in the future or the past)
Describe what your civilization (in the future or the past) would look like using all eight features of civilization.
…Turn in at the end of the period.