Impact of Civilization Building

The image corresponding with this blog entry is of ancient cuneiform script that was used by the Sumerians and other peoples of the Fertile Crescent to keep records, communicate with one another, and express oneself creatively.  In many ways, writing systems were signs of and and tools for building early civilizations.



Please address the following questions...

In addition to writing systems, what were some other characteristics these early civilizations had in common?  Also, how did the lives of people change as they transitioned from a hunting-gathering lifestyle towards living in urban, populated settlements?  What impact did these new civilizations have on the relationship between humans and the environment?