Civilization

fehiepsi (Vietnam)
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words only definitions & notes
  1. significant
    rich in implication
    Between 4000 and 3000 B.C., significant technological developments began to transform the Neolithic towns.
  2. technological
    of a practical subject organized by scientific principles
    Between 4000 and 3000 B.C., significant technological developments began to transform the Neolithic towns.
  3. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    Between 4000 and 3000 B.C., significant technological developments began to transform the Neolithic towns.
  4. transform
    change or alter in appearance or nature
    Between 4000 and 3000 B.C., significant technological developments began to transform the Neolithic towns.
  5. invention
    the act of making something new
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  6. enable
    provide the means to perform some task
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  7. record
    anything providing permanent evidence about past events
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  8. marked
    easily noticeable
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  9. level
    a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  10. control
    power to direct or determine
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  11. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  12. resource
    aid or support that may be drawn upon when needed
    The invention of writing enabled records to be kept, and the use of metals marked a new level of human control over the environment and its resources.
  13. discover
    determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    Already before 4000 B.C., craftspeople had discovered that metal-bearing rocks could be heated to liquefy metals, which could then be cast in molds to produce tools and weapons that were more useful than stone instruments.
  14. bearing
    characteristic way of holding one's body
    Already before 4000 B.C., craftspeople had discovered that metal-bearing rocks could be heated to liquefy metals, which could then be cast in molds to produce tools and weapons that were more useful than stone instruments.
  15. instrument
    the means whereby some act is accomplished
    Already before 4000 B.C., craftspeople had discovered that metal-bearing rocks could be heated to liquefy metals, which could then be cast in molds to produce tools and weapons that were more useful than stone instruments.
  16. utilize
    put into service
    Although copper was the first metal to be utilized in producing tools, after 4000 B.C. craftspeople in western Asia discovered that a combination of copper and tin produced bronze, a much harder and more durable metal than copper.
  17. combination
    the act of bringing things together to form a new whole
    Although copper was the first metal to be utilized in producing tools, after 4000 B.C. craftspeople in western Asia discovered that a combination of copper and tin produced bronze, a much harder and more durable metal than copper.
  18. durable
    existing for a long time
    Although copper was the first metal to be utilized in producing tools, after 4000 B.C. craftspeople in western Asia discovered that a combination of copper and tin produced bronze, a much harder and more durable metal than copper.
  19. historian
    a person who is an authority on the past and who studies it
    Its widespread use has led historians to speak of a Bronze Age from around 3000 to 1200 B.C., when bronze was increasingly replaced by iron.
  20. replace
    put something back where it belongs
    Its widespread use has led historians to speak of a Bronze Age from around 3000 to 1200 B.C., when bronze was increasingly replaced by iron.
  21. inhabitant
    a person who lives in a particular place
    But as their inhabitants mastered the art of farming, they gradually began to give birth to more complex human societies.
  22. complex
    complicated in structure
    But as their inhabitants mastered the art of farming, they gradually began to give birth to more complex human societies.
  23. society
    an extended group having a distinctive cultural organization
    But as their inhabitants mastered the art of farming, they gradually began to give birth to more complex human societies.
  24. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    As wealth increased, such societies began to develop armies and to build walled cities.
  25. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    As wealth increased, such societies began to develop armies and to build walled cities.
  26. concentration
    the spatial property of being crowded together
    By the beginning of the Bronze Age, the concentration of larger numbers of people in the river valleys of Mesopotamia and Egypt was leading to a whole new pattern for human life.
  27. valley
    a long depression in the surface of the land
    By the beginning of the Bronze Age, the concentration of larger numbers of people in the river valleys of Mesopotamia and Egypt was leading to a whole new pattern for human life.
  28. pattern
    a repeated design, structure, or arrangement
    By the beginning of the Bronze Age, the concentration of larger numbers of people in the river valleys of Mesopotamia and Egypt was leading to a whole new pattern for human life.
  29. simple
    having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
    As we have seen, early human beings formed small groups that developed a simple culture that enabled them to survive.
  30. culture
    all the knowledge and values shared by a society
    As we have seen, early human beings formed small groups that developed a simple culture that enabled them to survive.
  31. survive
    continue in existence after
    As we have seen, early human beings formed small groups that developed a simple culture that enabled them to survive.
  32. complexity
    the quality of being intricate and compounded
    As human societies grew and developed greater complexity, a new form of human existence-called civilization- came into being.
  33. existence
    the state or fact of being
    As human societies grew and developed greater complexity, a new form of human existence-called civilization- came into being.
  34. civilization
    a society in an advanced state of social development
    As human societies grew and developed greater complexity, a new form of human existence-called civilization- came into being.
  35. elements
    violent or severe weather
    A civilization is a complex culture in which large numbers of human beings share a number of common elements.
  36. identify
    recognize as being
    Historians have identified a number of basic characteristics of civilization, most of which are evident in the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.
  37. characteristic
    typical or distinctive
    Historians have identified a number of basic characteristics of civilization, most of which are evident in the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.
  38. evident
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
    Historians have identified a number of basic characteristics of civilization, most of which are evident in the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.
  39. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  40. urban
    relating to a city or densely populated area
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  41. revolution
    a single complete turn
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  42. political
    involving or characteristic of governing or social power
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  43. economic
    of or relating to production and management of wealth
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  44. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  45. cultural
    relating to the shared knowledge and values of a society
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  46. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  47. distinct
    constituting a separate entity or part
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  48. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  49. deem
    judge or regard in a particular way
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  50. crucial
    of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  51. community
    a group of people living in a particular local area
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  52. success
    an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  53. professional
    of or relating to or suitable as an occupation
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  54. steward
    someone who manages property or affairs for someone else
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  55. property
    something owned
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  56. regulate
    bring into conformity with rules, principles, or usage
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  57. relation
    the state or quality of having something in common
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  58. military
    the armed forces of a nation
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  59. organized
    methodical and efficient in arrangement or function
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  60. bureaucracy
    a government administered primarily by nonelective officials
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  61. arise
    move upward
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  62. administrative
    responsible for managing the affairs of a group of people
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  63. demand
    request urgently and forcefully
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  64. population
    the people who inhabit a territory or state
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  65. gain
    obtain
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  66. base
    lowest support of a structure
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  67. leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  68. warrior
    someone engaged in or experienced in warfare
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  69. dominate
    be in control
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  70. exist
    have a presence
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  71. artisan
    a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  72. artistic
    relating to the products of human creativity
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  73. intellectual
    of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  74. monumental
    of outstanding significance
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  75. occupy
    live in (a certain place)
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  76. prominent
    conspicuous in position or importance
    These include (1) an urban revolution; cities became the focal points for political, economic, social, cultural, and religious development; (2) a distinct religious structure; the gods were deemed crucial to the community’s success, and professional priestly classes, as stewards of the gods’ property, regulated relations with the gods; (3) new political and military structures; an organized government bureaucracy arose to meet the administrative demands of the growing population while armies wer
  77. difficult
    requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish
    Why early civilizations developed remains difficult to explain.
  78. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    Why early civilizations developed remains difficult to explain.
  79. emerge
    come out into view, as from concealment
    Since civilizations developed independently in India, China, Mesopotamia, and Egypt, can general causes be identified that would explain why all of these civilizations emerged?
  80. possible
    capable of happening or existing
    A number of possible explanations of the beginning of civilization have been suggested.
  81. explanation
    making something understandable
    A number of possible explanations of the beginning of civilization have been suggested.
  82. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    A number of possible explanations of the beginning of civilization have been suggested.
  83. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    A theory of challenge and response maintains that challenges forced human beings to make efforts that resulted in the rise of civilization.
  84. challenge
    a call to engage in a contest or fight
    A theory of challenge and response maintains that challenges forced human beings to make efforts that resulted in the rise of civilization.
  85. response
    the speech act of continuing a conversational exchange
    A theory of challenge and response maintains that challenges forced human beings to make efforts that resulted in the rise of civilization.
  86. maintain
    keep in a certain state, position, or activity
    A theory of challenge and response maintains that challenges forced human beings to make efforts that resulted in the rise of civilization.
  87. effort
    use of physical or mental energy; hard work
    A theory of challenge and response maintains that challenges forced human beings to make efforts that resulted in the rise of civilization.
  88. scholar
    a learned person
    Some scholars have adhered to a material explanation.
  89. adhere
    stick to firmly
    Some scholars have adhered to a material explanation.
  90. material
    the substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
    Some scholars have adhered to a material explanation.
  91. surplus
    a quantity much larger than is needed
    Material forces, such as the growth of food surpluses, made possible the specialization of labor and development of large communities with bureaucratic organization.
  92. specialization
    making something suitable for a particular purpose
    Material forces, such as the growth of food surpluses, made possible the specialization of labor and development of large communities with bureaucratic organization.
  93. labor
    any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
    Material forces, such as the growth of food surpluses, made possible the specialization of labor and development of large communities with bureaucratic organization.
  94. bureaucratic
    of or relating to unnecessary procedures and red tape
    Material forces, such as the growth of food surpluses, made possible the specialization of labor and development of large communities with bureaucratic organization.
  95. area
    the extent of a two-dimensional surface within a boundary
    But the area of the Fertile Crescent, in which Mesopotamian civilization emerged, was not naturally conducive to agriculture.
  96. fertile
    capable of reproducing
    But the area of the Fertile Crescent, in which Mesopotamian civilization emerged, was not naturally conducive to agriculture.
  97. crescent
    having a curved shape that tapers at the ends
    But the area of the Fertile Crescent, in which Mesopotamian civilization emerged, was not naturally conducive to agriculture.
  98. conducive
    tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
    But the area of the Fertile Crescent, in which Mesopotamian civilization emerged, was not naturally conducive to agriculture.
  99. agriculture
    the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock
    But the area of the Fertile Crescent, in which Mesopotamian civilization emerged, was not naturally conducive to agriculture.
  100. abundant
    present in great quantity
    Abundant food could only be produced with a massive human effort to carefully manage the water, an effort that created the need for organization and bureaucratic control and led to civilized cities.
  101. massive
    containing a great quantity of matter
    Abundant food could only be produced with a massive human effort to carefully manage the water, an effort that created the need for organization and bureaucratic control and led to civilized cities.
  102. manage
    be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
    Abundant food could only be produced with a massive human effort to carefully manage the water, an effort that created the need for organization and bureaucratic control and led to civilized cities.
  103. create
    bring into existence
    Abundant food could only be produced with a massive human effort to carefully manage the water, an effort that created the need for organization and bureaucratic control and led to civilized cities.
  104. civilized
    having a high state of culture and social development
    Abundant food could only be produced with a massive human effort to carefully manage the water, an effort that created the need for organization and bureaucratic control and led to civilized cities.
  105. primarily
    for the most part
    Some historians have argued that nonmaterial forces, primarily religious, provided the sense of unity and purpose that made such organized activities possible.
  106. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    Some historians have argued that nonmaterial forces, primarily religious, provided the sense of unity and purpose that made such organized activities possible.
  107. unity
    an undivided or unbroken completeness with nothing wanting
    Some historians have argued that nonmaterial forces, primarily religious, provided the sense of unity and purpose that made such organized activities possible.
  108. purpose
    what something is used for
    Some historians have argued that nonmaterial forces, primarily religious, provided the sense of unity and purpose that made such organized activities possible.
  109. doubt
    the state of being unsure of something
    Finally, some scholars doubt that we are capable of ever discovering the actual causes of early civilization.
  110. capable
    having ability
    Finally, some scholars doubt that we are capable of ever discovering the actual causes of early civilization.
Created on Sun Dec 30 19:57:51 EST 2012 (updated Sun Dec 30 19:58:00 EST 2012)

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