1. Beginnings of Civilization
We know what irrigation is but how was it created?
Early civilizations much like today (Amish Culture) did everything together. They actually helped one another

2. I. Advantages of Settled Life
Farming was much harder than hunting and gathering
But it had much greater rewards
Those who farmed had a steady supply of food year round

3. Population Grows
Having surpluses of food affected families, they were able to grow with extra food
10,000 years ago scientists estimate population to be about 5 million people
This is the size of the state of Minnesota today
Farming was what allowed growth for the better and the worse

4. Early Villages and Towns
Farming settlements grew into villages and then into towns
Surpluses of food allowed people to switch to other kinds of work for additional income.
Many became Artisans or those who were skilled in crafting items by hand

5. II. Growth of Cities
Cities grew rapidly especially in those areas with good soil which in turn produced good crops
People also looked for areas with good dependable resources suitable for building shelters

6. Earliest Cities Early cities were different from farming villages
Cities were larger, had public buildings used for markets, churches, etc… buildings to store surpluses
Plus in cities they had a variety of jobs for many different people

7. Governments Form
As populations grew governments formed to keep peace and rule in fairness, also kept order and run the city like a business
Leaders and officials often were given powerful positions in the government

8. Bronze Age
Over years Artisans learned that melting certain rocks at high temps can separate the metal in the rock like copper
Then mixing those melted metals with others can give you bronze
This created the Bronze age, like the stone age all tools, weapons etc… were now made out of bronze which was much stronger and more durable

10. Trade and Spread of Ideas
Traders were travelers, they would take pottery, tools, weapons, baskets etc… to other cities as trade for things they needed
Biggest Invention at this time: wheel and axle – this made trade easier and allowed people to move goods n mass quantities
Trade over water also developed

11. Social Class Developed
Growing trade links brought new Prosperity to cities
Social class or a group of people with similar back grounds incomes and ways of living were developed
Large Cities had a king who was most powerful

12. Then came 2 classes that were equal in power
Priests and Nobles, nobles were like military
Below them were artisans, small traders, and merchants
Followed by the lowest level which were farmers
Also had slaves but were considered not free so they didn’t get any rights or power