Characteristics of Civilizations
What are the 5 Characteristics of a Civilization?
 CAARS
 C omplex institutions
 A dvanced Cities
 A dvanced Technology
 R ecord Keeping
 S pecialized Workers
What are Complex Institutions?
 Long lasting patterns of organization in a
community.
 Government, religion, and an economy.
Religion
Government
Economy/Trade
What makes a City Advanced?
 A city is a center of trade for a larger area.
 Permanent settlements, may also be a center for
political and religious actvities
City – Center for a lager area
Any guesses on what city this is?
What is an Advanced Technology?
 Develop new tools and techniques to solve the
problems of large populations
 Examples
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irrigation systems
oxen and plow to turn soil
potter’s wheel
metal working – bronze instead of copper and stone
Irrigation Techniques
Oxen and Plow – What are the advantages of turning the soil?
What kinds of Records were being kept?
 Complexity of societies caused need to keep records
 Examples
 taxes, laws, food supplies, debts
 calendars for religious events
 wars, natural disasters, reign of kings
Examples of Early Records – Do you recognize any?
What is a Specialized Worker?
 Specialization – the development of skills in a
specific kind of work.
 Food surplus allows people to become experts at jobs
outside of farming.
 Examples
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jewelry design, tool and weapon making, pottery
Food surplus is the key to these activities!
Summary
 4-5 Sentence Summary