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The 7 Characteristics of a Civilization. Pretest Questions Write the answers in your notebook before moving on. What is a civilization? What are the 7 characteristics of a civilization?. What is a Civilization?.
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Pretest QuestionsWrite the answers in your notebook before moving on. • What is a civilization? • What are the 7 characteristics of a civilization?
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
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.
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?
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.
Religious System • All civilizations need a religious system. This includes, set of beliefs, God(s), and place of worship.
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).
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.
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.
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