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.

To fund libraries, local community projects, and building roads and such.