i found most of my questions. i still need to know to be civilized (according to historians) what has to be present?
This is only an excerpt, but you may get an idea or two from it:
http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=LFfdRsM0rM1byRG2N6wGtjwmDpNt081FLH3yQGTptVmRp19Hq0Kc!-290722064?docId=5001512027
Many historians claim that civilization started when people developed writing. This allowed them to write their laws, details about government, record trades, and compose literature.
To understand what historians consider to be present for a civilization to be considered "civilized," we need to look at the common characteristics that are typically recognized. These characteristics include:
1. Advanced cities: A civilization must have developed and flourishing urban centers that serve as economic, political, and cultural hubs. These cities usually have complex infrastructure, such as roads, architecture, and organized systems for water supply and waste management.
2. Organized government: A civilization needs a system of governance to establish law and order, enforce rules, and provide leadership. This can range from monarchies and city-states to more complex systems like republics or empires.
3. Complex social structure: A civilized society is characterized by a hierarchy or social classes that reflect varying levels of wealth, power, and social status. This often includes divisions such as nobility, clergy, merchants, and peasants.
4. Writing system: Historians consider a writing system to be a fundamental element of civilization. It allows for the recording and communication of information, the development of literature, law codes, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
5. Technological advancements: A civilization demonstrates a certain level of technological sophistication and innovation. This can include achievements in agriculture, architecture, engineering, medicine, transportation, and more.
6. Specialization of labor: Civilizations tend to have a division of labor, meaning people perform specialized tasks based on their skills or expertise. This allows the society to be more efficient and productive, as different individuals focus on different tasks.
7. Complex religious beliefs: Most civilizations have complex belief systems that encompass spiritual and religious practices. These can range from polytheistic to monotheistic religions, rituals, temples, and the presence of religious leaders or clergy.
8. Art and culture: A civilized society often produces art, music, literature, and other forms of cultural expression. These creative pursuits help shape and reflect the beliefs, values, and achievements of the civilization.
It's important to note that the exact definition of civilization and its characteristics can vary among historians and scholars, as different civilizations throughout history have exhibited unique traits.