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The Rise of Civilizations
Civilization
There are many ways to define a civilization, but most scholars agree that when a society begins to form cities, it becomes a civilization. In fact, the word itself comes from the Latin civilis, meaning "of the city." Most civilizations have the following elements:
1. A surplus of food: Prehistoric people were nomadic. They had no home because they were constantly in search of food. When people cannot rely on having a steady supply of food, then finding food becomes their highest priority. When people have enough food, they begin to develop other needs.
2. A division of labor: When people have one job, through constant practice, they tend to do that job very well. They are also more likely to work at a job that brings them satisfaction. In order for people to work at individual jobs, people must cooperate with one another.
3. Organized government and religion: When people have the same laws, it is easier to trade. People living under the same government, or having the same religious beliefs are likely to have the same values. A level of trust and mutual responsibility often grows among people who share the same values.
4. Writing: Writing allowed people to keep records and communicate. With writing you can pass knowledge through time and space. A written message can travel great a distance, and a message can also live on past the life of the writer.
1. A surplus of food: Prehistoric people were nomadic. They had no home because they were constantly in search of food. When people cannot rely on having a steady supply of food, then finding food becomes their highest priority. When people have enough food, they begin to develop other needs.
2. A division of labor: When people have one job, through constant practice, they tend to do that job very well. They are also more likely to work at a job that brings them satisfaction. In order for people to work at individual jobs, people must cooperate with one another.
3. Organized government and religion: When people have the same laws, it is easier to trade. People living under the same government, or having the same religious beliefs are likely to have the same values. A level of trust and mutual responsibility often grows among people who share the same values.
4. Writing: Writing allowed people to keep records and communicate. With writing you can pass knowledge through time and space. A written message can travel great a distance, and a message can also live on past the life of the writer.