Overview
This lecture explains the definition of civilization, the significance of the Neolithic Revolution, and how agriculture led to urbanization, social hierarchy, and economic progress.
Civilization and Barbarism
- Civilization is defined as a major culture system based around cities.
- The term "barbarism" historically refers to people outside of cities, often pastoralists, and originally meant "babblers" (those who spoke differently).
Neolithic Revolution
- The Neolithic Revolution (about 10,000–12,000 years ago) marks the shift from hunter-gatherer societies to systematic agriculture and animal domestication.
- Systematic, large-scale farming appeared independently in several regions, fundamentally changing human life.
Impacts of Agriculture
- Agriculture reduced the need for mobility, allowing permanent settlements and decreased exposure to hunting dangers.
- Surplus food production became possible, freeing some people from food production to become specialists (builders, priests, scribes, artisans).
- Surplus and specialization led to social hierarchy and the emergence of property rights.
- Population density increased, leading to villages, towns, and community efforts like building walls and irrigation.
Early Towns and Cities
- Early towns like Çatalhöyük (around 7500 BC) were unique for their size, specialization, and evidence of cooperation.
- The development of cities in southern Mesopotamia (ca. 3500 BC) was much larger in scale and only possible due to surplus and specialization.
Division of Labor and Wealth Creation
- Surplus allows for the division of labor, where people specialize and trade, creating more wealth than individuals acting alone.
- Division of labor and long-distance trade are key to material progress and the creation of wealth.
The Lasting Significance of the Neolithic Revolution
- The Neolithic Revolution is a fundamental turning point, bridging hunter-gatherer life and civilization.
- There was a gap of several thousand years between the first agriculture and the rise of the first cities.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Civilization — A major culture system centered around cities and urban life.
- Barbarism — A term for people outside civilization, especially non-city dwellers or pastoralists.
- Neolithic Revolution — The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to systematic agriculture and animal domestication.
- Surplus — Producing more resources than are needed for immediate survival.
- Specialization — The development of specific skills or jobs not related to food production.
- Division of Labor — The assignment of different tasks to different people to improve efficiency and wealth.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review chapter one for more about notable Neolithic sites.
- Prepare for next class discussion on the historical struggle between agriculturalists (civilized) and pastoralists (barbarians).