Fantasies and Realities of Ancient Civilizations

Characteristics of Civilization: Food surplus

enough food for other things to transpire in society - granaries, fields, irrigation

Characteristics of Civilization: Urban Settlements

Concentrated communities with complex social structures.

Graham Hancock

Proposed idea of Hypothetical advanced ancient civilization located in Antarctica..?

Giorgio Tsoukalos

the host of Ancient Aliens

Characteristics of Civilization: Social Stratification

Hierarchical organization of society based on status.

Characteristics of Civilization: Formal Government

Established authority managing societal order and resources.

Characteristics of Civilization: Monumental Works

Large-scale constructions reflecting societal values.

Warka Vase

Ancient artifact illustrating social stratification in Uruk.

Abu Simbel

Egyptian temple complex relocated in the 1960s.

Characteristics of Civilization: Specialists/Craftsmen

Trained artisans in fine arts and crafts.

Characteristics of civilization: System of record keeping

Any symbolic system, usually but not always involving some form of writing, for keeping track of economic transactions, historical events, religious rules, etc.

Maya Calendar

Complex calendar system used by the Maya, multiple types; Tzolkin, Haab, Calendar round

Stonehenge

Prehistoric monument in England, built 5,000 years ago. Was a calendar and served some funerary purpose

Henge

Prehistoric monument with a circular arrangement.

Gobekli Tepe

Ancient site in Turkey, dating back 8,000 ya. large pillars, carvings,

Crop Circles

Patterns created by flattening crops, often mistaken for aliens

Pyramid of the Moon

Natural mountain in Utah, mistaken for a pyramid.

Bosnian Pyramid

Alleged artificial pyramid with no archaeological evidence. Just a mountain