World History

Cities: Population centers that are notably larger and more organized than towns or villages and that support the other features of civilization. Organized Governments: Structured governments that coordinate large-scale projects such as food production or construction, established law, and organize defense system. Complex Religion: Systems of religious beliefs that usually include rituals and worship of one or more gods and/ or goddesses. Job Specialization: System in which there are different types of jobs and each worker focuses on one particular type. Social Classes: Ranked groups within society that are determined by job or economic standing. Art and Architecture: Various types of artwork and buildings that express the talents, beliefs, and value of people in a society.

Although the Egyptian and Mesopotamian societies developed independently, they have many societal similarities. Although they had similar political systems in that they both were ruled by kings, the way they viewed their kings and the way that they both constructed their power differed. Both civilizations constructed their social classes similarly in that they had kings at the top, followed by other officials and merchants, and at the bottom the slaves and peasants. They both had their own form of writing; Mesopotamia had cuneiform, and Egypt had hieroglyphics and cursive script, respectively. While they are similar in many different political, social, and cultural activities and ideas, they have enough contrast to be viewed as different societies.