Beginnings of Civilization We know what irrigation is

Beginnings of Civilization We know what irrigation is but how was it created? Early civilizations much like today (Amish Culture) did everything together. They actually helped one another

I. Advantages of Settled Life �Farming was much harder than hunting and gathering �But it had much greater rewards �Those who farmed had a steady supply of food year round

Population Grows �Having surpluses of food affected families, they were able to grow with extra food � 10, 000 years ago scientists estimate population to be about 5 million people �This is the size of the state of Minnesota today �Farming was what allowed growth for the better and the worse

Early Villages and Towns �Farming settlements grew into villages and then into towns �Surpluses of food allowed people to switch to other kinds of work for additional income. �Many became Artisans or those who were skilled in crafting items by hand

II. Growth of Cities �Cities grew rapidly especially in those areas with good soil which in turn produced good crops �People also looked for areas with good dependable resources suitable for building shelters

Earliest Cities �Early cities were different from farming villages �Cities were larger, had public buildings used for markets, churches, etc… buildings to store surpluses �Plus in cities they had a variety of jobs for many different people

Governments Form �As populations grew governments formed to keep peace and rule in fairness, also kept order and run the city like a business �Leaders and officials often were given powerful positions in the government

Bronze Age �Over years Artisans learned that melting certain rocks at high temps can separate the metal in the rock like copper �Then mixing those melted metals with others can give you bronze �This created the Bronze age, like the stone age all tools, weapons etc… were now made out of bronze which was much stronger and more durable

Trade and Spread of Ideas �Traders were travelers, they would take pottery, tools, weapons, baskets etc… to other cities as trade for things they needed �Biggest Invention at this time: wheel and axle – this made trade easier and allowed people to move goods n mass quantities �Trade over water also developed

Social Class Developed �Growing trade links brought new Prosperity to cities �Social class or a group of people with similar back grounds incomes and ways of living were developed �Large Cities had a king who was most powerful

�Then came 2 classes that were equal in power Priests and Nobles, nobles were like military Below them were artisans, small traders, and merchants Followed by the lowest level which were farmers Also had slaves but were considered not free so they didn’t get any rights or power