Thirsty? The need for Water in Ancient Societies

Within the first few lines, the handout asks a question; "What distinguishes human cultures that are termed civilizations from those that are not?" I could say with confidence that cities was not the answer I would have come up with. It makes complete sense after reading all of the evidence to support it, and looking back I have no idea what makes more sense, but cities seem so specific. I like the idea of what cities represent, "any society in which thousands of people live in proximity to one another must agree in general to certain laws or rules governing human behavior." When I got to the part about the drawing of the early Egyptian king cutting an irrigation ditch I am still unclear as to why he is present in that drawing. From what I understand about the limited information I have regarding Egyptian culture, the King would never be doing labor.