The term civilization describes a particular type of human community. A civilization is a society that has evolved beyond the basic hunter-gatherer model of society and developed a complex culture, including writing, religion, law, state bureaucracies, large-scale architecture, and artistic expression. Many of these communities have also developed advanced agriculture, urbanization, and sophisticated government administrations. The term civilization was a product of the European Enlightenment of the nineteenth century and has since been applied to a variety of non-Western societies, though scholars still debate the definition of the term.
The word civilization is derived from the Latin word civis, meaning “citizen.” Civilization evolved as people developed tools that allowed them to farm and build cities and develop social and cultural institutions. The development of civilization reflects the gradual evolution of mankind from a savage and barbaric condition to a more enlightened and civilized state. Civilization is an important characteristic that distinguishes mankind from other animal species, and it plays a vital role in human progress, national development, and international relations.
Early civilizations were often unified by religion, as many societies believed in some kind of divine kingship or that they were representing gods on earth. The religious aspect of civilization helped to create a strong sense of community among those in the same religion and encouraged trust and respect between different groups of people. In some cases, the same people were the religious and political leaders. This was the case in Ancient Egypt, where the pharaohs were considered to be representatives, or even human incarnations of God.
All civilizations require a significant amount of infrastructure and government bureaucracy to function. Cities are a key element of civilization, and they require an abundance of food to feed all the people living in the city. This requires a large-scale farming industry that provides the food for city dwellers. It also requires a system for managing water supplies, garbage disposal, and other utilities.
The need for food and other resources drives civilizations to form permanent communities in densely populated areas where land is limited. This leads to social hierarchies with clear distinctions of status, such as kings or queens, nobles, freemen, and serfs. This organization provides the basis for a complex legal system and the ability to wage wars against neighboring kingdoms or nations.
As civilizations grow more complex, they often develop a more diverse culture. They can include writing, religion, arts, science, technology, and artifacts. They may develop a complex language that allows for communication with others in the same language. This communication also gives rise to a broader worldview and the development of more sophisticated ideas about politics, economics, and social problems. This, in turn, helps shape modern ideas about human nature and how to best live together in an era of globalization and increased international conflict.