1. Neolithic farmers settle villages in river valleys 1.Flood waters deposit silt making soil fertile 2.Water for irrigation 3.Mode of transportation 4.Attracts animals surplus Farmers produce surplus food Populations of villages grow The Rise of the First Cities CAUSES

2. Organized governments Organized governments developed to control floods, ensure a steady food supply, and protect the people. public works Governments organized public works, such as irrigation projects and defensive walls. Religionscomplex Religions became more complex as priests conducted elaborate ceremonies in temples to ensure good harvests. art & architecture The power of government and religious beliefs were expressed through art & architecture, such as palaces and temples. Writing systems Writing systems were developed in order to keep records. specialize People began to specialize in certain jobs to accomplish all of the above (artisans, scribes, priests, government officials, etc.) social classes People were ranked into social classes depending on the job they performed 1.Government officials and priests = upper classes 2.Artisans, scribes and merchants = middle classes 3.Peasant farmers = lower class The Rise of the First Cities EFFECTS

3. civilizations. These highly complex societies were the first civilizations. city-states empires. In time, civilization spread as strong rulers conquered neighboring lands creating city-states and then the first empires. cultural diffusion. Civilizations have experienced change as a result of the process of cultural diffusion.