5 Characteristics Of Civilization

5 Characteristics

• Indicate the rise of human civilization• Characteristics continue to define and shape our

civilization• The 5 characteristics are:

1. Advanced Cities2. Specialized Workers3. Complex Institutions4. Record Keeping & Writing5. Advanced

1. Advanced Cities

• Not just large population centers• Centers of religion, politics, & trade for larger

areas• Generally located near important landforms– Ex. Rivers

1. Advanced Cities - Ur

1. Advanced Cities - Harappa

1. Advanced Cities – Mohenjo-daro

1. Advanced Cities – Ancient Egypt

2. Specialized Workers

• Surpluses of food = people specializing in jobs outside agriculture

• This lead to more artisans, traders, and soldiers.

• Allowed for stronger civilizations• Contributed to expansion of certain

civilizations.

2. Specialized Workers – Ancient Egypt

2. Specialized Workers – Indus River Valley

2. Specialized Workers - Mesopotamia

3. Complex Institutions

• Complex institutions were ways for governments to organize themselves

• Examples include:– Government, law codes, religion, and the

economy

3. Complex Institutions - Mesopotamia

3. Complex Institutions – Ancient Egypt

3. Complex Institutions – Indus River Valley

4. Record Keeping & Writing

• Institutions becoming more complex = need for organizing info

• Most civilizations developed writing to organize this info

4. Record Keeping & Writing – Ancient Egypt

4. Record Keeping & Writing – Indus River Valley

4. Record Keeping & Writing

5. Advanced Technology

• Civilizations made new technology• Helped accomplish difficult tasks quicker &

easier• Inventions include:– Drainage Systems– Wells– Water Storage System– Medicine– Wheel

5. Advanced Technology – Indus River Valley

5. Advanced Technology – Ancient Egypt

5. Advanced Technology - Mesopotamia