how did geography influence the city-states of Sumer?
The land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers was fertile, allowing the Sumerians to grow crops to feed the people.
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Geography played a significant role in shaping the city-states of Sumer, an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia. Here's how geography influenced the development of Sumerian city-states:
1. Fertile Crescent: Sumer was located in the southern portion of ancient Mesopotamia, along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These rivers created a fertile environment, allowing agriculture to thrive. As a result, Sumerian city-states developed into agrarian societies, relying heavily on farming for sustenance and economic prosperity.
2. Irrigation System: The flat and arid terrain of Sumer required an advanced irrigation system. Sumerians constructed a complex network of canals, dikes, and levees to control the rivers' flow and distribute water for irrigation. This engineering feat allowed them to cultivate crops and sustain a dense population in the region.
3. Trade and Transportation: The rivers not only provided water for agriculture but also served as significant trade and transportation routes. The Sumerians used boats to transport people, goods, and ideas between different city-states and regions. This facilitated trade and cultural exchange, leading to the growth of economic and social networks among the city-states.
4. Defense and Isolation: The geography of Sumer also influenced its city-states' defense strategies. Inundations from the rivers protected the cities from external threats, acting as natural barriers to invasion. Additionally, the flat and marshy landscapes of the region made it challenging for larger armies to maneuver, resulting in a fragmented political landscape of independent city-states.
5. Limited Natural Resources: Sumer lacked many essential natural resources like timber, stone, and metal ores. This scarcity of resources compelled the city-states to establish trade connections with neighboring regions, fostering economic interdependence and cultural diffusion.
In conclusion, the geography of Sumer, with its fertile rivers, irrigation system, trade routes, and defensive features, influenced the development of independent city-states that relied on agriculture, trade, and complex social systems. Understanding the geographical factors at play helps us comprehend the reasons behind the emergence and growth of the Sumerian civilization.