Question

Why is southern Mesopotamia known as the cradle of civilization?
Consider two things:
1. The soil.
2. The farming technology.

Answer 1

1. The soil in southern Mesopotamia, specifically the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is incredibly fertile due to the regular flooding of the rivers. This flooding brings nutrient-rich silt that replenishes the soil, making it ideal for agriculture. This abundant fertility allowed for the development of a surplus of food, which in turn allowed for the growth of large, organized societies.

2. The farming technology developed in southern Mesopotamia, such as irrigation systems and the use of the plow, allowed for more efficient and productive agriculture. These advancements in farming technology enabled the inhabitants of the region to support larger populations and create more complex societies.

Overall, the combination of fertile soil and advanced farming technology in southern Mesopotamia laid the foundation for the development of the first known civilizations in human history, earning it the title of "cradle of civilization."