Civilization

In order to determine whether or not a society can be considered a civilization, it is essential to have a clear definition of the word itself. Webster’s dictionary defines a civilization as an advanced state of intellectual, cultural, and material development in human society, marked by progress in the arts and sciences, the extensive use of writing, and the appearance of complex political and social institutions. While this may seem to be an acceptable …showed first 75 words of 1148 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1148 total…ten characteristics are each good indications of a civilization, but cannot all be used together to determine whether or not a society is a civilization. It should be used as more of a model than a standard. It has been shown that both the Incas and the Maya civilizations fulfill two of Childe’s characteristics, in that they both are perfect examples of societies that demonstrate a clear social stratification, as well a monumental architecture.