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Understanding Civilization: 7 Key Characteristics Explained

Explore the essential features of a civilization, including stable food supply, social structure, government system, religious beliefs, cultural development, technological advancements, and written language. Learn how these characteristics define advanced human societies and their historical significance. Reflect on modern-day examples of countries that may lack these critical qualities to be considered true civilizations.

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Understanding Civilization: 7 Key Characteristics Explained

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  1. The 7 Characteristics of a Civilization

  2. Pretest QuestionsWrite the answers in your notebook before moving on. • What is a civilization? • What are the 7 characteristics of a civilization?

  3. What is a Civilization? A civilization is an advanced state of human society. There are 7 characteristics that define a civilization. • Stable food supply - Social structure • System of government - Religious system • Highly developed - Advances in technology • Written language

  4. Stable Food Supply • Civilizations need a stable supply of food. Societies can only thrive with plenty of food. • Domesticating of animals and agriculture allowed civilizations to create a stable food supply.

  5. Social Structure • Civilizations have a complex organization, or social structure. This is controlled through different jobs and social levels (or status). • Social pyramids example • Ruler • Landowners/priests/government officials • Common class (merchants, craftspeople, etc) • Slaves • What is the social structure pyramid at Skaneateles?

  6. System of Government • Civilizations need a well organized system of government to help direct people’s behavior and keep life orderly. • The government is in charge of enforcing laws, construction, leading the army, and distribution of food.

  7. Religious System • All civilizations need a religious system. This includes, set of beliefs, God(s), and place of worship.

  8. Highly Developed Culture • All civilizations must have a highly developed culture including the arts, like painting, architecture, and music. • Culture is a way to show what a civilization values (important to them).

  9. Advances in Technology • All civilizations create new forms of technology (tools or inventions). • These advances prove that a civilization not only developed, but also provided contribution to surrounding area and future generations.

  10. Written Language • All civilizations must have a highly developed written language. • The beginning of history means the beginning of writing. The first known language was cuneiform, created by the Sumerians. • An example of writing can also be pictographs.

  11. What is a Civilization? Closing Question: How could you argue that some countries today are lacking the characteristics that make them a true civilization? Be sure to give an example of a modern day country that doesn’t meet the criteria for a civilization. EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER.. DUE FRIDAY

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