What makes a society a “Civilization”? (Overhead Note)
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from the Latin word, “Civis” which means “citizen” or someone who lives in a
city.
URBANIZATION – the migration of people from a rural setting into a city; the
development of infrastructure in a city to support the needs of a growing
population.
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Typically, a civilization will develop close to a water source (river, ocean, lake) to
supply a steady source of water for irrigation, drinking, fish, and transportation.
Most tend to be located in river valleys with rich soil and generally in areas where
agriculture could flourish and population could grow rapidly.
URBAN REVOLUTION – the development of large densely populated settlements
that were socially and economically diverse.
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Society continued to progress and people
developed a sophisticated knowledge of farming,
trade, government, law, art and science and people
began to specialize in their talents and skills.
Some scholars have tried to identify very specific
requirements or criteria that a society must meet
in order to be considered a civilization. Examples
include:
1) Literacy – is there a written language present?
2) Technology – do they have the ability,
knowledge and expertise to build structures of
stone or brick that can last into the future?
3) Specialization of Labour/Diversity of
Artisans – are their individuals who are experts
in their craft?
Most agree that a civilization should demonstrate most of these essential features but not necessarily all.
Civilizations should possess some of the following characteristics:
State Religion
or Beliefs and
Value
Systems
Centralized
Government or
Good
Governance
Agricultural
Intensification
or Effective Use
of Resources.
Specialization
in
Occupations
Development
of Science
and Writing
Merchants
and Trade.
Class
Structure
How does Trade and Commerce lead to the growth of a Civilization?
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When a city had an abundant supply of a resource, they harvested it to create
tools, weapons, jewellery, and other wares that were in demand by other
merchants.
Merchants created alliances with other merchants from foreign lands.
Kings, queens, and merchants accumulated great wealth that accommodated
grand lifestyles.
Traders were exposed to different cultures and shared each other’s traditions and
ideas.
Trade helped towns grow and attracted educated elite such as teachers, lawyers,
and politicians.
Trade encouraged the development of advanced technologies that helped these
states flourish and prosper.