A civilization is an advanced state of human society that contains highly developed forms of government, culture, industry and common social norms. Historians, anthropologists and archaeologists have identified several core characteristics that distinguish civilizations from non-civilized societies. These include urban centers, agricultural manipulation and storage, irrigation, written language, standards of measurements, craftsmanship technology and social stratification.
Humans evolved into civilization by overcoming the limitations of their animal instincts. They created bone and stone tools to hunt, protect and kill animals that might otherwise be too powerful or fast for them. They mastered the use of fire, which allowed them to cook meat that would be inedible raw and to shelter themselves against cold and weather.
These early innovations led to the creation of complex societies that became increasingly self-sufficient and specialized in different types of labor. Eventually, some agricultural settlements produced surplus food that allowed people to spend some time in leisure activities. This gave rise to a class system whereby people were organized into political and religious groups that controlled the distribution of wealth, power and goods.
While historians and anthropologists dispute how many societies were classified as civilized, most agree that a civilization is a highly advanced cultural and technological level of a human community. Civilizations are characterized by a large population living in a central urban center, the production of surplus food that allows some of its members to work in other occupations, the development of craftwork and industrial technology and the existence of a common religion.
One of the most significant transitions in human history was when hunter-gatherers began settling in permanent communities and adopting agriculture. Suddenly they had a regular source of food that could be stored for future consumption. This allowed the division of labor to develop with some people working for their food and others engaged in other non-agricultural activities such as pottery making.
In addition, these settled societies had a high standard of living that required a constant supply of food, clothes and shelter. This in turn led to the need for large-scale trade and foreign relations with other communities. The emergence of a civilization also depends on the availability of fertile land, water and a climate suitable for agricultural pursuits.
Ultimately, a civilization is defined by its conformity to the will of Christ. Civilized people are those who obey the commands of the trinitarian God and seek to become like His perfect image. This is reflected in the Christian values of virtue, truth and beauty. When a society lives up to these ideals it is said to be civilized and thus worthy of the name.