What are the main characteristics of civilization? Explain how the development of each characteristics affected people's lives in ancient times.

A civilization is a complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common elements. Historians have identified the basic characteristics of civilizations. Six of the most important characteristics are: cities, government, religion, social structure, writing and art.

Writing ; Writing was an important feature in the life of these new civilizations. Above all, rulers, priests, merchants (businessmen), and artisans used writing to keep accurate records.

Cities; people could carry on the large-scale farming that was needed to feed a large population.

Government; the need to maintain the food supply, and the need for defense (protection) soon led to the growth of governments.

Religion; All of them developed religions to explain the forces of nature and their roles in the world.

SociAl; based on economic (money) power also arose.

Art; Painters and sculptors portrayed (showed) stories of nature. They also provided depictions (drawings) of the rulers and gods they worshiped.

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