Civilization

Civilization

A civilization (or civilisation) is any complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, a form of government, and symbolic systems of communication (such as writing).Civilizations are intimately associated with and often further defined by other socio-politico-economic characteristics, such as centralization, the domestication of both humans and other organisms, specialization of labour, culturally-ingrained ideologies of progress and supremacism, monumental architecture, taxation, societal dependence upon farming and expansionism.Historically, "a civilization" has often been understood as a larger and "more advanced" culture, in implied contrast to smaller, supposedly primitive cultures. In this broad sense, a civilization contrasts with non-centralized tribal societies, including the cultures of nomadic pastoralists, Neolithic societies or hunter-gatherers, however sometimes it also contrasts with the cultures found within civilizations themselves. Civilizations are organized densely-populated settlements divided into hierarchical social classes with a ruling elite and subordinate urban and rural populations, which engage in intensive agriculture, mining, small-scale manufacture and trade. Civilization concentrates power, extending human control over the rest of nature, including over other human beings.Civilization, as its etymology (see below) suggests, is a concept originally associated with towns and cities. The earliest emergence of civilizations is generally connected with the final stages of the Neolithic Revolution, culminating in the relatively rapid process of urban revolution and state-formation, a political development associated with the appearance of a governing elite.

Latest Publications

Cover image for CACCS Seminar: Culture and Civilization in China and Europe

CACCS Seminar: Culture and Civilization in China and Europe

Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation

This document outlines the program for the CACCS (CASS-ALF Center for China Studies) seminar on "Culture and Civilization in China and Europe: From a Parallel Past to a Common Future" …

Cover image for SCO Young Authors' Conference Successfully Concludes

SCO Young Authors' Conference Successfully Concludes

Government of India, Ministry of Education

The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Young Authors' Conference on "Civilizational Dialogue Among SCO Member States" concluded on April 13, 2023, in New Delhi. The conference, organized by the Ministry …

Cover image for The Regeneration of Spain (1860)

The Regeneration of Spain (1860)

Ignacio Larramendi Foundation

This 1860 book, "The Regeneration of Spain", explores the state of Spain following the African War, progress made, and reforms needed for Spain to achieve prominence among nations. It examines …

Cover image for The Slave Trade as a Means of Immediate Emancipation and Universal Civilization

The Slave Trade as a Means of Immediate Emancipation and Universal Civilization

Ignacio Larramendi Foundation

This text, written by a Spanish author, critiques England's stance on the slave trade and emancipation, arguing that their actions are driven by self-interest and lead to the exploitation of …

Cover image for On the Origins of European Liberalism

On the Origins of European Liberalism

Ignacio Larramendi Foundation

This article, published in 1821, discusses the origins and nature of European liberalism, arguing that it's intrinsically linked to the essence of European societies and is a result of historical …

Cover image for The Greek Insurrection and European Politics in the Early 19th Century

The Greek Insurrection and European Politics in the Early 19th Century

Ignacio Larramendi Foundation

This article from "El Censor" discusses the Greek insurrection against the Ottoman Empire and its implications for European politics. The author argues that the Greek struggle for independence is a …

Cover image for An Introduction to Ancient Mexican History

An Introduction to Ancient Mexican History

Ignacio Larramendi Foundation

This text serves as an introductory historical account primarily focused on ancient Mexico, intended for educational purposes. It begins by explaining the concept of civilization and the importance of progress, …

Cover image for Imperial technology and 'native' agency : a social history of railways in Colonial India, 1850-1920

Imperial technology and 'native' agency : a social history of railways in Colonial India, 1850-1920

LC: Library of Congress 1 Jan 2018

Includes bibliographical references and index. Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (Site, viewed 11/03/2020).

Cover image for Advanced Diploma in French: Culture & Civilization of France (2015)

Advanced Diploma in French: Culture & Civilization of France (2015)

University of Lucknow

This document is an exam paper for an Advanced Diploma in French, focusing on the Culture & Civilization of France. It comprises one compulsory question with ten short answer prompts, …

Cover image for Anthropology of Complex Societies: M.A. & M.Sc. Examination, 2015

Anthropology of Complex Societies: M.A. & M.Sc. Examination, 2015

University of Lucknow

This document is an examination paper for Anthropology VII, focusing on the Anthropology of Complex Societies. The exam requires answering five questions, including a compulsory question, with one question to …