Exploring Ancient World Cultures Information about ancient civilizations of the Near East, India, China, Egypt, and many other places. Includes chronologies, essays, images, Web sites, and primary texts. The normal pattern of history shows one civilization succeeding another, either rapidly or gradually. When a large state-level society falls, the population size and density decrease dramatically. Society tends to become less politically centralized.
Less investment is made in elements such as architecture, art, and literature.
Trade and other economic activities are greatly diminished, and the flow of information among people slows. Every society must provide meaning and motivation to its members. This last prerequisite is more important than it may seem. No societal activity is possible unless people are motivated to participate. Without a sense of meaning and motivation, people will become apathetic.