The first Civilizations

What does it mean to be civilized?


Historians commonly use the term, civilization represents a new and particular type of human society made possible by the immense productivity of the agricultural revolution.
Differences in economic function, skill, and wealth divide us in to different civilizations. Our actions and behavior within these separate cultures.
- 3500b.c-3000b.c = Cradle, middle Eastern civilization
- They gave rise to the early form of writing in the temples.

3000b.c a third civilization was being developed along the central coast of Peru.
- Norte Chico- archeologists have found monumental architecture in the form of eastern platform mounds.
- this was a huge part of urban life ( structure and stone buildings were constructed).
- There largest food source was in the water (fish).
- The Norte Chico were not as developed in subjects such as writing and the arts.

We may ask how did all this get started?

 Civilizations had their roots in the agricultural revolution. It was gradually an evolution process.
- Early water irrigations are discovered by archeologists which shows us their sense of survival.
- Not many opportunities for territorial expansion were already available.
- Relied on the natural suroundings as food was not man made.

The urban Lifestyle


First civilizations in the middle east built stepped pyramids for worship and keeping food.
-Teotihuacan culture housed nearly 200,000 people in the middle of the first millennium.
- They created broad avenues, dozens of temples, two huge pyramids, and much more.
- For a new visitor this would be seen as another highly developed world.

These cities were the center of productivity as culture such as art, architecture, literature, ritual, and ceremony took place. The people were always at work to keep creating more.

Social Role


Equality was a huge an played a huge role in the daily activities.

- Different hierarchies of class
- Many inequalities in wealth, class, status, and power took place.
  Upper class were able to dodge physical labor and were distinguished by the clothing they wore.
At the bottom of the social hierarchies were the slaves. (male and female).
- Women were involved with spinning, weaving, and making pots.
- Men were in charge of labor such as building and gathering food for the civilizations.
- As time went on, civilizations began to grow with their skills and knowledge.
- Writing became more efficient as language grew throughout the cultures.