Which two characteristics allowed southern Mesopotamia, to become the cradle of civilization
The two characteristics that allowed southern Mesopotamia to become the cradle of civilization are:
1. Fertile Land: The region of southern Mesopotamia, also known as the "land between the rivers," was located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The flooding of these rivers deposited rich silt and created a fertile agricultural zone. The availability of fertile land allowed for the growth of crops, which supported a permanent settlement and the development of agriculture as the main economic activity. This agricultural surplus allowed the population to expand, leading to the formation of towns, cities, and eventually civilizations.
2. Irrigation: The people of southern Mesopotamia recognized the importance of managing water resources for agricultural purposes. They developed an advanced system of irrigation by constructing canals and channels to control the flow of water from the rivers into the fields. The ability to divert and distribute water for irrigation ensured a reliable and abundant food supply, which in turn supported a more settled and complex society. The management of irrigation systems required advanced knowledge of engineering and organization, leading to the development of sophisticated governance structures and institutions, laying the foundation for complex civilization.
These two characteristics combined – fertile land and advanced irrigation systems – created a favorable environment for agricultural productivity and population growth. The increased surplus and specialization in various economic activities, along with more complex governance structures, eventually led to the rise of early city-states and the development of writing systems, laws, mathematics, religion, and other defining characteristics of civilization in southern Mesopotamia.