The 6 Characteristics of a Civilization

1. The 6 Characteristics of a Civilization

2. What is a Civilization? A civilization is an advanced state of human society. There are 6 characteristics that define a civilization. Be careful to not associate civilization with civilized and everyone else as barbarians or primitives.

3. GRAPES • G – Geography  • R – Religion  • A – Art and Architecture  • P – Politics and Government  • E – Economics  • S – Social Structures

4. G: Geograhy or 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. Why is this important? Agriculture/Domestication v Hunter/Gatherer

5. R: Religious System • All civilizations need a religious system. This includes, set of beliefs, God(s), and place of worship. • As we progress through the year, we will see how religious views evolved over time. What is religion’s role in society today?

6. A: Arts and Architecure or 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). • What is a piece of culture that is present in our lives?

7. A: 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. Remember Shutruk Nahunte What is an advance in technology for the US?

8. A: 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 would your life be like without any writing?

9. P: Politics or Government or 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. • Every civilization has their own style of ruler -Kings -President -Pope -Pharaoh -Senate -Oligarchy How does the government help you?

10. E: Economics • Civilizations have a trading system such as: • A. Traditional – system where people decide who will do a specific job such as women gather and men hunt and people barter • B. Market – system where people decide what they want to buy and sell based on supply and demand • C. Command - system where governmental leaders decide who does what jobs and what is sold

11. S: Social Structure • Civilizations have a complex organization, or social structure. This 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 South Middle?

12. What is a Civilization? • Each of these steps is a valuable piece of a civilization. • Working in groups of 2, each group will create a collage for one of the key characters. • Must include: 1. Characteristic 2. Definition • At least 3 pictures that describes the characteristic – color, neatness, fill the page • An example of the characteristic in the United States