Ancient People Had Different occupations
While the leaders ruled, the common people had other occupations. As the common people specialised in specific occupations, they started thinking of new ways of doing things. This led to developments in science and the arts which will be discussed in Chapter 7. Farmers began to use bronze farming tools while craftsmen made beautiful ornaments and sculptures. Those who became traders then bought and sold these products to people of other civilisations.
Ancient People Had Complex Beliefs
As civilisations developed and the people led more comfortable lives, they could afford to spend more time thinking about issues such as life and death, and the existence of a god or gods. Sometimes, these thoughts and ideas developed into religions and philosophies, such as Buddhism and Confucianism, that are still practised today. We will learn more about religion and philosophy in Chapter 6.
Ancient People Had a Writing System
All civilisations had some way to record their thoughts and actions. The development of a writing system allowed the ancient people to communicate with one another. Today, historians rely on the written records left by the people of ancient India, China and Southeast Asia to get information about the past.