What makes a great civilization?

A recent trip to South Africa allowed me to compare conditions in that nation with what I remember from my two previous visits, as well as what I have read and heard about it before the African National Congress, backed by international pressure, installed itself over the government. Particularly striking were a few news items and interviews brought to my attention on the present state of education there. A once-good educational system has broken down, probably past the point of no return.The present circumstances in South Africa reflect typically human and carnal reactions. After decades of white-rule, South African blacks are relishing their new powers and taking out their pent-up frustrations on whites. To be frank, what is being practiced is reverse discrimination under the guise of government-sanctioned equality programs. Racial quotas are strenuously enforced, rejecting highly qualified candidates in favor of those with the "correct" skin color. In many respects, the game remains the same, but the players have just switched sides.
http://www.europevoyage.net/
 
Some aspects of a great civilization include:

-Military prowess and an effective and a fair legal system, providing security and continuity for its citizens

-Providing a high standard of living and a large degree of freedom

-Producing great art, literature, philosophy, etc.

-Producing great leaders, who rise when needed to meet difficult challenges

-Having a great language

-Inspiring people from both within and without territorial borders with a compelling national concept
 
The expression great civilization is somewhat unclear,it all depends on what part of a civilization you are interested in.
Example : Assyrians were great warriors and conquered a large empire but were total brutes and borrowed every single civilized aspect from the Babylonians.
Egypt and Greece would be the perfect examples of great civilizations. In the case of classical Greece, we have a confederation of city states with great political and military power, inspired leaders,great thinkers and scientists,artistically unequaled,a thriving economy and free citizens.
I believe this to be the main factors of a great civilization. It is not the expansion of its territory that is important but the way it grows from within.
I am not acquainted enough with the fine details of the Aztecs to use them as an example,I therefore stay inside the limits of my knowledge. Hope it still might be of use to you.
 
The answer to that question would be entirely subjective and depend only upon the respondent's opinion. Since you specify the civilization one must assume this is an assignment and I think you should read about it and form your own opinion and do your own work.
 
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