What are the eight signs of civilization?

Answer 1

NUMBER 1:

Cultivation (GROWTH) of crops.

This means that people could grow crops on their own. They no longer had to follow food, they brought the food to them.

Farming tools such as RAKES and PLOWS were used for the FIRST TIME!

It was so important that farm tools were used because now people could not only grow their own food, but they could do it at a very fast rate. The tools helped people to plant and grow food more quickly.

NUMBER 2:

Domestication of Animals.

This means that animals were used for human purposes.

People could eat, sell, or trade animals.

This was so important because people had tamed animals and no longer had to follow them around for food. Instead people herded animals and had them available when they were needed.

Number 3

Permanent cities and homes - people stayed in one place.

These homes were always near WATER!

Why do you think they were near water?

This is very important because now people stayed in one place. If we look at signs 1, 2, and 3 we see that people are now able to get food, water, and shelter.

Number 4

Economic Achievements - Trading, money, barter.

This was so important because people could trade or exchange goods for things that they did not have. At first, people did this to help meet their basic needs but as civilizations developed people increasingly traded in order to get materials they wanted!

Number 5

High Levels of Art: People created statues, sculptures and jewelry.

People are no longer just making things to survive, they are now making things that they think are appealing to look at, things that they want, and things that represent their society.

Number 6

Highly Organized Society: People created governments, rules, laws, and specialization.

Think of what our world would be like with no rules or laws! It would be hard to imagine! When a society has rules and laws it can function better. In order to create rules and laws and have people buy in or listen to them, you need to have some form of government.

Specialization was also developing. This means that people no longer all did the same jobs, but that each person was a SPECIALIST in ONE job. As a SOCIETY they shared their creations.

Number 7

Intellectual Achievements: People have the ability to write and communicate, keep records, and have created calendars.

Writing helped to keep track of trade and business deals.

People have increased communication between themselves and others. This encouraged a sharing of ideas and a better development of culture.

Number 8

Advances in Technology

New advancements were made like:

The wheel, metal, irrigation, cars

Why do you think advancements in technology are so important?

Are we still making more advancements today?