first civilizations. definition: the most complex stage of human societal organization, made...
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Definition: The most complex stage of human societal organization, made possible by the immense productivity of Ag. Rev.
Characteristics often include: People residing in cities numbering 10,000+ Centralized government Written language Organized Religion Different social and economic classes Art and Architecture Specialization of labor (different jobs) Infrastructure (irrigation systems, roads, bridges, temples,
etc.)
Civilizations developed independently in six major locations around world after 3,500 BCE
What is a “civilization?”
Began developing with agricultural revolutionA.R. allowed for surplus production to grow
communitiesA.R. allowed for specialization of elite minorities
Emerged from earlier competing chiefdomsAlready possessed social rank & specializationNot all early chiefdoms became civilizations
One popular civilization development theory is:Population density competition due to limited
available landCompetition led to innovations (irrigation, plows)
and warfareWinners absorbed losing populations into their
societies as lower class worker
How did civilizations get started?
Sumer civilization was oldestSouthern Mesopotamia (fertile crescent)Between 3500 and 3000 b.c.e. First written language
Egyptian civilization appeared around same timeNile River Valley Smaller Nubian civilization to its south
Norte Chico civilizationCentral coastal PeruEmerged between 3000 and 1800 b.c.e. Unique from other civilizations because:
Smaller cities without walls or signs of pervasive warfareLess evidence of economic specialization No grain-based agricultureDid not develop certain technologies like potteryNo writing systemLittle outside trade/imports
What were the earliest civilizations?
Indus River Valley civilizationPresent-day Pakistan Arose between 3000 and 2000 b.c.e. Elaborately planned citiesStandardized weights, measures, architectural
styles, and brick sizesStill undeciphered written languageNo palaces, temples, or political classes (kings,
warriors classes, etc.)Possibly organized around small republics ruled by
priestsEarly form of the caste system
Environmental degradation led to its collapse in 1700 b.c.eSeveral parts of culture influenced late Indian societies
Earliest Civilizations (cont.)
Shang Chinese civilizationModern-day China along Yellow RiverAround 2200 b.c.e.Dynasty system created highly centralized state“Son of Heaven” – Ruler was link between people and
GodsHad power as long as he ruled w/ benevolence and maintained
orderEarly Chinese civilization has strongest link to modern
times of all early civs.Olmec civilization
Modern-day Mexico 1200 B.C.E.Cities created with ceremonial centers
Highly developed religious culture1st written language in Americas in 900 B.C.E. Great influence on Mayan & Aztec civs. which came
later
Earliest Civilizations (cont.)
Cities were most distinctive feature of first civilizations Political capitals Cultural centers Trade hubs Early manufacturing centers
Mesopotamia: Largest city = Uruk
50,000 people surrounded by 20 ft. wallsAt city center was giant stepped pyramid known as ZigguratLarge governmental presenceHighly specialized workforce
Indus River Valley: Largest cities = Mohenjo Daru & Harappa
40,000 peopleStreets in grid system, lined by 2-3 story housesIndoor plumbing w/ extensive sewer networks
What did early civilizations look like?
Coming of civilization resulted in development of vast social inequalitiesNew levels of inequality are a major turning point in the
social history of humankind Creation of cities made social differences greaterPeople moved into professional/craft specialization
Upper classes: Possessed great wealthAvoided physical laborOccupied top positions in political, military, and religious lifeEnjoyed preferred treatment under law, and manner of burial
Free commoners:Formed vast majority of population Included artisans of all kinds, lower-level officials, soldiers
and police, servants, and farmers Their surplus was taken to support upper classes
How did civilizations affect earlier social equality?
Slaves at bottom of social hierarchies everywhere Slavery and civilization emerged together1st generation slaves = prisoners of war, criminals,
debtors Children of slaves sometimes freed
Most often worked in fields, mines, homes, and shops
Commonly part of ritual sacrificesNot defined by race or ethnicityLooked differently in different civs:
More militarized Mesopotamia had more than Egypt or Indus Valley
Social Inequality (cont.)
Coming of civilizations introduced vast gender inequalities to human historyTheories on why patriarchy emerged in First
Civilizations:Animal-drawn plows and large herds favored male
labor…patriarchy emerged in American civs. as well
Men were less important in household and were more available for powerful specialist rolesUsed authority to shape the values of societies to benefit
them at expense of womenWomen associated with nature (their role in
reproduction) Early civilizations highlight human mastery over nature
Prevelance of warfare in most 1st civilizationsWar limited to men
Why did civilizations alter earlier gender equality?