
What is an Ancient Civilization?
6th Grade · Social Studies · 39 min
Lesson Preview
Learning Objective
I can identify the characteristics of an ancient civilization.
- 1
Early civilizations were often formed near rivers because they provided fresh water, food, transportation, and protection.
- 2
Key characteristics of civilizations include specialized jobs, writing, laws and government, social structure, arts and culture, and a belief system or religion.
- 3
Civilizations developed laws and governments to create rules for cities, with the Code of Hammurabi being one of the oldest examples.


