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civilization |
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civilizationHighly developed human society with structured division of labour. The earliest civilizations evolved in the Old World from advanced Neolithic farming societies in the Middle East (Sumer in 3500 BC; Egypt in 3000 BC), the Indus Valley (in 2500 BC), and China (in 2200 BC). In the New World, similar communities evolved civilizations in Mesoamerica (the Olmec in 1200 BC) and Peru (the Chavin in 800 BC). In anthropology, civilization is defined as an advanced sociopolitical stage of cultural evolution, whereby a centralized government (over a city, ceremonial centre, or larger region called a state) is supported by the taxation of surplus production, and rules the agricultural and, often, mercantile base. Those who do not produce food become specialists who govern, lead religious ritual, impose and collect taxes, record the past and present, plan and have executed monumental public works (irrigation systems, roads, bridges, buildings, tombs), and elaborate and formalize the style and traditions of the society. These institutions are based on the use of leisure time to develop writing, mathematics, the sciences, engineering, architecture, philosophy, and the arts. Archeological remains of cities and ceremonial centres usually indicate the civilized state, with all the trappings of both style and content. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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There is a museum there dedicated to artifacts excavated from the ruins and are a testament to the advanced culture that once lived along the banks of the Indus. Excavations (begun in 1931) have revealed that an advanced culture flourished here c. Together, the flute and the figure, found in the same layer of sedimen, suggest modern humans had established an advanced culture in Europe 35,000 years ago, said Wil Roebroeks, an archaeologist at |
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