Introduction
Human beings have been struggling to improve their lifestyles since the ancient time. “Civilization refers to the advancement in human culture in terms of technology, science, politics and division of labor” (Trigger 12). Different races have always developed differently depending on the prevailing circumstances. The world is currently experiencing technological changes which have made life better for every one. These developments started as early as 1450 CE (Morris 345). The ancient civilization was determined by the following factors.
Causes of Civilization
Spread of diseases
Diseases existed during the ancient world and they always had serious impacts on people. For example epidemic diseases claimed so many lives and this led to depopulation. “Diseases such as small pox and measles were quite prevalent in Europe and Asia” (Trigger 361).
These diseases were very difficult to cure because of poor technology and lack of research on them. As people interacted, these diseases were transmitted to many societies. This caused serious suffering on human beings. People therefore got interested in finding solutions to this problem. Studies that took place during this time had remarkable contributions in medicine.
Trade
Trade was very helpful in the spread and development of civilization. As people exchanged goods from different regions, their technological developments were adopted by different races. Trading was enhanced by the demand for goods and many people came up with several items.
Some of the ancient trading activities included the exchange of food crops which led to development of agriculture in various territories. “Ideas also spread and developed through trading activities” (Morris 390). For example Indian Ocean trade led of the spread of Arab civilization in Africa. The long contact between Arabs and Africans enabled them to adopt new lifestyles. For example Islamic religion found its way into Africa through trading activities.
The demand for better goods facilitated the development of technology. Many urban centers like Greece and Athens became prominent due to trading activities. “Cities along the trade routes became cosmopolitan mixtures of many religions and customs” (Trigger 326). As people traded they could form unions which regulated their activities. “These organizations became quite powerful, passing laws, levying taxes, and challenging powerful merchants” (Morris 370).
Technology
There were considerable technological improvements during 1450 CE especially in Asia and Europe. Some of the technological improvements occurred in the manufacturing of goods, agriculture and making of tools. With the development of technology, wars and conflicts emerged between different territories. These wars also led to the spread of civilization. “Technology mainly advanced in Europe after the end of the dark ages” (Trigger 414). The development of Chinese porcelain enhanced trade. Ideas
Many ideas were spread to many countries during renaissance. At this time many people were concerned with making discoveries, and this contributed to the spread of ideas. Education also became important as people became interested in arts and literature. Writing contributed very much toward the spread of ideas. The emergence of Confucianism in Asia led to political and moral changes especially in China.
Apart from these factors, civilization was also facilitated by religious believes. Many people were influenced by Christianity and Islam which became the major religions during this period. “Between 500-1000 C.E., the Catholic Church emerged in Europe as a unifying institution with great religious, political, and economic power” (Trigger 321).
The role of travelers was significant. “Much of our knowledge of the world in the 13th and 14th century comes from two travelers, Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo, who widened knowledge of other cultures through their writings about their journeys” (Trigger). Civilization was also enhanced by migration of people.
Conclusion
Civilization developed as a result of the discussed factors. Civilization has now led to the integration of the world and many discoveries are still being made even at present. The modern society has been transformed through civilization. Modern technology has really facilitated civilization and we therefore envisage a more civilized world in future.
Works Cited
Morris, Ian. Why the West rule-for now: the partterns of history and what they reveal about the future. New York: Profile Books, 2010.
Trigger, Bruce. Understanding early civilization: a comparative study. London: Cambridge University Press, 2007.