Practice questions on the key characteristics of civilization

📚 Topic Summary

Civilizations are complex societies that have certain key characteristics. These include things like a stable food supply, specialized labor, a system of government, social classes, culture (art, architecture, religion), and a written language. Understanding these traits helps us compare and contrast different civilizations throughout history.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with the correct definition:

1. Term: Specialization
2. Term: Surplus
3. Term: Social Hierarchy
4. Term: Agriculture
5. Term: Urbanization

1. Definition: The development of cities.
2. Definition: Having more than what is needed.
3. Definition: The growing of crops and domestication of animals.
4. Definition: A system where people are ranked based on status.
5. Definition: When people develop specific skills to perform particular jobs.

(Answers: 1-5, 2-2, 3-4, 4-3, 5-1)

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Early civilizations often developed near _________, which provided water for irrigation and transportation. The development of _________ allowed people to settle in one place and grow crops. This led to a _________ of food, which supported a larger population and the development of _________ labor. A system of _________ was needed to maintain order and manage resources.

(Answers: rivers, agriculture, surplus, specialized, government)

🌍 Part C: Critical Thinking

Imagine you are an archaeologist discovering the ruins of an ancient civilization. What evidence would you look for to determine if it was a complex society with the key characteristics of civilization?