First Civilizations

Chapter 3:

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?