Question

The Mesopotamian civilisation was one of the earliest river valley civilisations. It is often referred to as the cradle of civilisation because there is corroborating evidence that ancient Mesopotamia was the first place where complex urban settlements grew. Account for the possible reasons as to why urban settlements grew around this area.

• A. Settlements had an army for retaliation and expansion.
• B. They had reliable sources of water.
• C. The rich floodplains between the oceans led to a spurt in agriculture.
• D. Rivers facilitated inland trading of goods and movement of people.

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

Rivers facilitated inland trading of goods and movement of people.

Urban settlements grew in the Mesopotamian area primarily because this area falls between the Euphrates and the Tigris river. This enriched floodplains and favoured agriculture. Thus, it resulted in surplus food production and economic stability. The rivers also served as an efficient mode of trading goods and facilitated the movement of people as well.