Question

Why was irrigation important to Sumer?

It led to the invention of the sail.
It helped create food surpluses.
It led to trade with other city-states.
It moved water from mountains to city-states.

Answer 1

Irrigation was important to Sumer primarily because **it helped create food surpluses**. The Sumerians developed advanced irrigation systems to manage the water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, allowing them to cultivate agriculture effectively in an otherwise arid region. This increase in food production supported larger populations, facilitated the growth of cities, and enabled the development of trade and complex societies. While irrigation did contribute to trade and the movement of water, its most significant impact was on agriculture and food security.