Match the items.

a. Organized Central Governments
b. Cities
c. Job Specialization
d. Complex Religions

1. As farmers settled in fertile river valleys, they began to grow surplus or extra food. This extra food increased the population of the settlements. In time, the settlements grew into cities, such as Ur in Sumer or Babylon in Mesopotamia.
2. As cities developed and expanded, the food supply and irrigation systems needed to be maintained. Governments, such as councils or religious leaders, oversaw the business and existence of the cities.
3. Religious leaders would conduct elaborate ceremonies to appease the gods (polytheism) and ensure a bountiful harvest. Floods and droughts were blamed on the gods' anger, so rituals were conducted in the temples.
4. As civilizations became more complex, artisans and craftsmen were needed to maintain specific items and tasks. No longer could individuals do all the work; some concentrated on teaching, scribing, stone cutting, and so forth.

Lesson 2.3 - Eight Features of Civilization
Week 1