Describe three resources that the people of Mesopotamia needed to import from other regions. What items did they trade in order to acquire these resources?

Answer 1

1. Timber: Mesopotamia was mostly devoid of forests, so the people had to import timber for construction, shipbuilding, and fuel. They traded grain, textiles, and metal goods in exchange for timber from regions such as Anatolia, Lebanon, and Iran.

2. Precious metals: Mesopotamia had limited sources of precious metals like gold and silver. These metals were highly valued for their use in jewelry, religious items, and as a medium of exchange. To acquire these metals, the people of Mesopotamia traded agricultural products, wool, and pottery with regions such as Anatolia, Iran, and the Indus Valley.

3. Stone: Mesopotamia lacked natural sources of stone for building materials and tools. They had to import stones like limestone, marble, and obsidian for construction and crafting. In exchange for these stones, the people of Mesopotamia traded goods like textiles, oils, and pottery with regions such as Anatolia, Armenia, and the Arabian Peninsula.