Considering the five characteristics of civilization - religion, culture, economics, politics, and technology - choose 2 characteristics and explain how where you live qualifies as a civilization.

Question

Compare and contrast your two chosen characteristics to those same found in ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia.

Answer 1

I live in New York City, which can be seen as a civilization based on its economic and technological characteristics.

New York City is an economic powerhouse, with a vibrant and diverse economy. It serves as a global financial center, attracting business and trade from all around the world. The city is home to numerous multinational corporations, stock exchanges, and major financial institutions. It offers a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors, including finance, technology, entertainment, tourism, and more. The economy of New York City contributes significantly to the overall development and prosperity of the region.

In terms of technology, New York City is at the forefront of innovation and advancement. It is characterized by its modern infrastructure, including an extensive transportation network, skyscrapers, and high-speed internet connectivity. The city embraces new technologies and constantly seeks to integrate them into different aspects of daily life, such as digital payment systems, smart home technologies, and advanced communication systems. The use of technology enhances efficiency, convenience, and overall progress within the city.

Comparing these characteristics to ancient Egypt or Mesopotamia, there are both similarities and differences.

In ancient Egypt, the economy was primarily agriculture-based, with farming along the Nile River being the backbone of its economy. The Egyptians developed advanced irrigation systems to support their agricultural activities, which allowed for surplus food production. Their economy also involved trade with neighboring regions, especially in valuable resources such as gold and precious stones. Although the economic structure was different from the modern urban economy found in New York City, both civilizations heavily relied on economic activities to sustain themselves and contribute to their overall development.

Regarding technology, ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia made remarkable advancements considering their time. In Egypt, the construction of grand pyramids, temples, and colossal statues demonstrated their engineering and architectural expertise. The Egyptians also invented innovations such as papyrus, for writing and record-keeping. In Mesopotamia, the development of irrigation systems, the wheel, and the invention of writing (as seen in the cuneiform script) were significant technological achievements. While their technological accomplishments may seem primitive in comparison to the modern advancements of New York City, they were highly significant for their respective eras.

In summary, New York City qualifies as a civilization due to its economic and technological characteristics. It shares similarities with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in terms of economic activities and technological advancements, but it also showcases significant contrasts given the vast progress made in these areas over the centuries.