Final answer:
The development of agriculture, specialization of labor, social stratification, and the development of writing systems are among some factors leading to complex societies. Environmental forces and resource abundance also contributed significantly, along with the need for social organization, technology, and stable living conditions, including fresh water and food surplus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeologists have hypothesized some factors that contributed to the development of complex societies. One key aspect was the advent of agriculture, which provided a stable food source and allowed people to settle in one area. This led to the specialization of labor, with certain individuals focusing on specific tasks, thus increasing productivity and innovation. Additionally, the development of writing systems was crucial for record-keeping and administration.
The creation of large-scale architecture, a direct result of a sedentary, well-fed society, served as a testament to the organizational and technological capabilities at hand. Moreover, there was a definite social stratification, where rulers and religious leaders often occupied the upper echelons, despite relying on the labor of farmers and builders who generally remained at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
Environmental factors also played a significant role in shaping human societies. Dramatic climate shifts and natural events such as volcanic eruptions or droughts could trigger migrations, the collapse of empires, or the beginnings of new societies. Alongside this, locations with abundant resources, such as the Pacific Northwest coast, facilitated wealth accumulation that was pivotal to social differentiation.
Furthermore, critical prerequisites for the development of a city, as proposed by sociologist Gideon Sjoberg, include a favorable environment with fresh water, advanced technology leading to food surplus, and a strong social organization to ensure stability and a thriving economy. Lastly, transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to sedentary agricultural communities allowed for the rise of governments, social systems, and cultural expressions such as art and music, marking the move toward civilization.