The Beginnings of Civilization

Development of Agriculture

Irrigationsupplying land with water from another place using a network of canals

• Stored floodwaters• Diverted water to farmlands• Supported farming and the development of early communities

Effects of Agriculture

• Farmers produced a surplus of food.They could feed more people.People could settle in one place.

A surplus is more than the amount that is needed.

Effects of Agriculture

The population grew rapidly.– Families could feed more children.– Over 3,000 years, the population doubled!

Effects of Agriculture

Settlements grew into towns.People were able to do other types of work.

Artisans are workers who are especially skilled at crafting items by hand.Artisans made items, such as baskets, leather goods, tools, pottery, and cloth.

What resources were needed to develop cities?

• Rich soil to produce a surplus of crops• Dependable source of drinking water• Materials for building

Early cities developed along…• The Nile in Egypt• The Tigris and Euphrates in Iraq• The Huang in China• The Indus in Pakistan

Farming Villages Versus CitiesFarming Villages Cities

Smaller in size and population Larger in size and populationPublic buildingsBuildings for worshipPlaces to buy and sell goods

Most people were farmers Variety of jobsEarly government

What makes a civilization?

Cities

Government run by official leaders

Job specialization

WritingArt

Architecture

A Civilization is a society with…..

The Bronze Age

What is bronze?

Rise of TradeTraders took valuable goods to faraway cities.

Tools and Weapons Pottery and Crafts Foods and Spices

The wheel and axle improved land trade.Goods could be transported farther and more easily.

Ideas

Sea trade put distant people in contact with each other.

Trade Prosperity Social Classes

Social Class- a group of people having similar backgrounds, incomes, and ways of living.