Question

Because there was less land to farm in mush than in Egypt

Answer 1

, the Mesopotamians relied heavily on irrigation to cultivate crops. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which flowed through Mesopotamia, provided a constant water source and were harnessed for irrigation purposes.

The Mesopotamians built canals and levees to divert and control the water, directing it to their fields. They used simple tools like shovels and hoes to dig ditches and channels. These systems allowed them to grow various crops, including barley, wheat, dates, and vegetables.

However, the reliance on irrigation also had its drawbacks. The canals sometimes overflowed, causing flooding and damaging crops. Additionally, the accumulation of salts in the soil due to excessive irrigation could lead to reduced fertility over time. As a result, the Mesopotamians had to develop intricate drainage systems to manage water levels and prevent soil salinization.

Compared to Egypt, which had the Nile River providing natural irrigation through annual floods, Mesopotamia's irrigation system required constant maintenance and human intervention. Nevertheless, it allowed the Mesopotamians to sustain a large population and develop one of the earliest civilizations in history.