Civilizations
What is a civilization ?
The stage of human, social and cultural development and organization that is considered most advanced.
What does ancient mean ?
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
What are the characteristics of civilization ?
Good governance, surplus food production, organized trade and commerce, social and economic divisions in society and existence of a written language and different religious beliefs.
What does it mean to be civilized ?
At an advanced stage of social and cultural development.
What is development ?
A specified state of growth or advancement.
Why are they called river valleys ?
Because the earliest civilizations developed on the banks of rivers.
What are the four ancient civilizations ?
The Ancient China, Mesopotamian, Indus River and Ancient Egypt
Who is a nomad ?
A member of a people that travels from place to place to find fresh pasture for its animals and has no permanent home.
Why did these civilizations develop near rivers ?
Abundant supply of water, easy means of transportation and the regular floods ensured the fertility of the area.
What are the traits of civilization ?
Fresh water, agriculture, cities, specialized jobs, writing, laws and government, social structure, arts and culture and belief systems and religions.
What does it mean to live a sedentary lifestyle ?
Inhabiting the same locality throughout life: not migratory or nomadic.
What are the conditions necessary for civilizations to develop ?
Advanced Technical Skills, Intensive Agricultural Techniques, Government, Division of labour, Calendar, Advanced form of Writing, Forming permanent settlements, Formal social institutions and Economic exchange.
What is an emergence ?
The process of coming into existence or prominence.