Final answer:
The establishment of cities is considered to be the main feature of civilization as it reflects several critical developments including settled farming, agriculture, specialization of labor, and urbanization, all of which signify the move towards organized and complex social and political structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Feature of Civilization
When we look at what is considered to be the main feature of civilization, several key elements are brought to the forefront such as agriculture, domestication of animals, development of writing, and the establishment of cities. Each of these has played a critical role in the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled, organized communities.
Settled farming and the agricultural revolution were pivotal in this process. They allowed for the creation of food surpluses, which supported population growth and led to the specialization of labor. This, in turn, made it possible for some individuals to pursue other activities like constructing buildings and arranging trade, which were integral to the urbanization process.
Moreover, the establishment of permanent settlements fostered the development of social stratification and political structures, enabling the creation of early cities such as Uruk in Mesopotamia.
These cities became centers of trade, manufacturing, and cultural development, moving society towards increasingly complex political and social systems. Hence, of the choices provided, the establishment of cities is a prominent indicator of civilization, as it encapsulates the various other factors within it.