Why did Mesopotamia city-states flourished? Was it due to specialized labor or conquered an area large enough to make themselves self-sufficient.
Read these VERY carefully:
http://www.ancient.eu/Mesopotamia/
http://www.worldology.com/Iraq/mesopotamia_advanced.htm
http://www.penfield.edu/webpages/jgiotto/onlinetextbook.cfm?subpage=1525827
http://www.mrdowling.com/603mesopotamia.html
PS -- It happened over a long period of time, and it had far more to do with developing human abilities and talents than conquering other people!
The flourishing of Mesopotamian city-states can be attributed to a combination of factors, including both specialized labor and their ability to control and develop a region large enough to sustain themselves.
1. Specialized Labor: One reason for the prosperity of Mesopotamian city-states was their ability to develop specialized labor. The people of Mesopotamia had a diverse range of skills and occupations, including farmers, artisans, merchants, scribes, and priests. This division of labor allowed for the efficient production of goods and services, which contributed to economic growth and prosperity.
2. Agricultural Productivity: Mesopotamia was located in the Fertile Crescent, an area with rich soil and access to water sources like the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The city-states of Mesopotamia developed advanced irrigation systems, such as canal networks, to control and maximize their agricultural output. This agricultural productivity led to surplus food production, enabling population growth and supporting the development of urban centers.
3. Trade and Commerce: The location of Mesopotamia between different regions facilitated extensive trade and commerce. With access to rivers and the sea, Mesopotamian city-states became crucial hubs for regional and long-distance trade. They imported valuable resources such as timber, metals, and precious stones and exported agricultural products, textiles, and manufactured goods. Trade brought wealth and cultural exchange, contributing to the prosperity of the city-states.
4. Conquered Territories: Expansion and territorial control were also factors in the growth of Mesopotamian city-states. City-states like Babylon, Assyria, and Akkad expanded their territories through military conquest. By establishing control over larger regions, they gained access to more resources, such as arable land, minerals, and labor force. The conquered territories provided a steady supply of resources, increased economic stability, and ultimately enhanced the self-sufficiency of the city-states.
In summary, the flourishing of Mesopotamian city-states was a result of a combination of factors, including specialized labor, agricultural productivity, trade and commerce, as well as territorial expansion. Each city-state's unique circumstances and strategies contributed to their economic prosperity and self-sufficiency.