Early Civilization

Time Line

Early Civilzation

The word civilization means something beyond “human life” or even “human society.” Certain basic elements are necessary to support human life: a source of fresh water, the ability to procure food, and a habitable climate. A civilization is the next step toward social organization. All civilizations have certain common factors.

First and perhaps most important, civilization requires a surplus of food. That means that the people have learned not just to hunt food and gather it but also to plant and grow it. The surplus of food naturally leads to a rise in population and the existence of wealth and disposable income. Society grows more complicated: it organizes itself into classes and begins to build cities. It also becomes literate; all early civilizations had classes of people who could read and write. Advanced human civilizations are also noted for their scientific and artistic achievements. In the field of science, the first sophisticated societies invented the wheel, established the 365-day calendar, and plotted the stars, while their artists created paintings, statues, and jewelry at whose charm and beauty we continue to marvel to this day. The Great Pyramids of Egypt, which still stand after four thousand years, are universally agreed to be one of the great architectural achievements of history.

The first human civilizations all appeared in the same region, which is known as the Fertile Crescent. This area includes present-day Egypt, Pakistan, and Iraq. The presence of rivers, fertile soil, and hot climates combined in this region to make the beginning of human civilization possible.

Practice questions for these concepts can be found at: 

Early Civilization Practice Test