1. Cities: Civilizations are characterized by the presence of large, densely populated urban centers. These cities serve as centers of trade, government, and cultural development.
2. Organized Government: A complex system of governance with established laws, institutions, and a hierarchy of power is essential to managing a large population and infrastructure.
3. Specialization of Labor: Individuals specialize in specific skills and professions, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. This creates a division of labor that supports the complex needs of a civilization.
4. Complex Social Structure: Civilizations have a hierarchical society with distinct social classes, often determined by wealth, occupation, or birth.
5. Advanced Technology: The development and use of sophisticated tools, weapons, and infrastructure, like irrigation systems, writing, and metalworking, are key indicators of a civilization's progress.
6. Art and Architecture: Civilizations express themselves through art, architecture, and literature, reflecting their cultural values and beliefs. This serves as a marker of their achievements and aesthetic sensibilities.
7. Formalized Religion or Belief System: Civilizations often have a shared system of beliefs and practices that provide a framework for social cohesion, morality, and meaning. This could be organized religion, spiritual traditions, or a shared ideology.
It's important to note that these characteristics are not mutually exclusive or always present in every civilization. The specific manifestations of these features can vary greatly across time and place.