National Geographic characterizes civilization as a complex human society, with certain characteristics of cultural and technological development. In many parts of the world, early civilizations formed when people began coming together in urban settlements like the Aztecs and the Inca. However, defining what makes a civilization is still an ongoing topic of conversation among today's academics.

“Civilization” comes from the Latin word “civitas” or “city” and the most basic understanding is “a society made up of cities.” But early in our development anthropologists and scholars started to use the term "civilization" to describe societies they found culturally superior (which they were often a part of), and those they found culturally inferior as “barbaric.” Nowadays our thinking is more inclusive and we recognize civilization is a way that humans can come together and form a society based on a highly developed framework 

Most anthropologists now agree on these criteria to define a society as a civilization. First, Civilizations have some urban settlements and are not nomadic.  They have a division of labor, so not everyone has to focus on growing their own food. They have a class structure and government. They typically have a surplus of food that they can trade as they have the tools and people to grow crops. Writing, trading, artwork and monuments, and the development of science and technology are all aspects of civilizations. And of course, the collection, working and sharing of wooden jigsaw puzzles (just kidding, but we do consider it a highly civilized pastime!).

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzlers and Jacek Yerka enthusiasts, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done time and again. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many shaped whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the theme of the image, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together.