The Rise of Civilization Essay: Explain the Rise of Civilization and include 3 key characteristics. A civilization is the starting point of a society. Civilizations have existed for millions of years and constitute the basic structural unit of a society. Civilizations were the basis of large societies such as Egypt and Rome. If it were not for civilizations, these societies would not have flourished or even existed. A civilization is made up of eight characteristics. 1. Cities 2. Well-organized central government 3. Complex religions 4. Work specialization 5. Social classes 6. Arts and architecture 7. Public works 8. Scriptures Cities are the central feature of a civilization. The first cities arose shortly after farmers began cultivating fertile lands along river valleys and producing surplus food. These surpluses allowed the population to expand. As the population grew, some villages expanded into cities. These cities arose independently in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. River valley conditions favored agriculture in these and other similar river valleys. The flood water spread silt across the valley renewing the soil and keeping it fertile. Animals that drank from the river were also a source of food. The river also provided the population with a regular source of drinking water and transportation. However, rivers also posed challenges. Farmers had to control floods and channel water to their fields. Early farmers built dams, dug canals, and even made ditches for irrigation. Such projects required leadership and a well-organized government. It was necessary for a government to lead the people and help organize a city. City governments were much more powerful than the council of elders and local chiefs of agricultural villages. At first, Priest probably had the upper hand. In time, warrior kings rose to power as major political leaders. They soon established themselves as major hereditary rulers and passed their power from father to son. Governments soon became more complex as rulers enacted laws, collected taxes, and organized defense systems. To enforce order, rulers relied on royal officials. Over time, government bureaucracies have evolved. Rulers almost always claimed that their power came from God or divine right. These rulers then also acquired religious power.