What is the conventional view of when civilization began?

The conventional view is that civilization began around 3,500 to 3,000 BCE with the rise of complex societies in the Near East, particularly in Mesopotamia. This period marked the development of urban centers, writing systems, and organized governance, distinguishing these societies from earlier hunter-gatherer groups. Key advancements such as agriculture, trade, and social stratification contributed to the establishment of what we recognize as civilization.