Common Characteristics of Early Civilizations- Essay

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Eva Peterson

Ms. Ogg

Global Studies 1

25 September 2013

Common Characteristics of Early Civilizations

Throughout history there have been many unique, ancient civilizations. However, they all shared many common characteristics. For example, each of the civilizations were centered around a great water source. Without it, they could not have survived. They also seemed to have similar art styles and architecture. All of which included murals, statues, and pyramids (British Museum Pictures). Another recurring element in early civilizations was similar religious beliefs. They believed that they were at the mercy of the gods, as depicted by murals and texts. Every early civilization was unique, but each of them shared many common qualities.

During these early civilizations, water was a crucial resource for farming, drinking, and the making of various materials such as clay and paint. Without the river, they would have been unable to have access to water as readily and the civilization would have most definitely died out. Reeds were grown in marshes to make rope, paper, and sails as well as other crops to keep the civilizations sustained (Dominique Collon p.16).  Rivers were also used for trade among civilizations. It served as a good way of transporting goods and natural resources to different civilizations that did not have access to them. They also provided water for irrigation channels to carry water to the fields. The rivers of early civilizations benefited them greatly and were essential for their survival (Textbook p.15).

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It seems to us that from what we have been able to discover, that the early civilizations greatly valued artistic skill in their daily lives. This is supported by the findings of many archaeologists. There are many examples of pottery in all of the early civilizations with painted designs on them such as leaves and fish scale-like patterns. Murals depicting the Maya creation myth have been found as well as sculptures and statues decorating temples (El Mirador). The art styles in early civilizations also seem to be quite similar, particularly the Kush and the Egyptians. Artistically, the Kush were greatly influenced by the egyptians The Ankh symbol was found in both civilizations as well as a Sphinx-like sculpture (British Museum). There are multiple examples of art that show all early civilizations valued artistic ability.

By looking back on various murals and texts from the early civilizations, we are able to conclude that early civilizations also had similar religious beliefs. They all worshipped different sorts of gods and goddesses. Most were represented by animals on seals and sculpted onto temples.  Many of them believed in the afterlife and that after one was dead, they needed a proper burial and materials for a safe journey into the afterlife (Egyptians). For some civilizations that meant human sacrifices had to be made, especially for kings (National Geographic). Pots, Jewelry, clothes, and even furniture were put alongside the deceased to honor them and insure their safety. The Indus would put small model people and houses into graves as well to bring along with them to the afterlife, most likely a more pleasant alternative to sacrifice (BBC Pictures). Most of the early civilizations had common ways of worshipping and honoring their gods.

In conclusion, through extensive research, we can conclude that many aspects of

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early civilizations were quite similar. They were all centered around a large water source on which

they could survive, they all greatly valued art and culture, and their religious beliefs were strikingly similar. Although each civilizations had its own special qualities, they were all also very similar in their way of life.