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Which two rivers were most important to Mesopotamia?
Tigris and Euphrates
What is silt?
Rich soil mixed with tiny rocks left by floods
Why was the land in Mesopotamia good for farming?
It had rich soil from river floods
What are 2 irrigation methods still used today?
Sprinkler and drip irrigation
What roles did cities play in Mesopotamian civilization?
Centers for trade, religion, government, and culture
What does the word Mesopotamia mean?
Between the rivers
Where is Mesopotamia located?
Between Asia Minor and the Persian Gulf
What was one result of food surpluses in Mesopotamia?
The population grew and civilization began
When did Mesopotamian settlements grow into cities?
4000–3000 BCE
Why was division of labor important?
It made it easier to build big projects and organize society
Mesopotamia was part of a region known as the:
Fertile Crescent
What does “exotic rivers” mean in Mesopotamia’s context?
Rivers that begin in humid areas and flow across dry land
What is irrigation?
A way to water crops using canals and basins
What did Mesopotamians build to prevent floods?
Raised riverbanks
What does “division of labor” mean?
Workers specialize in different jobs
When did hunter-gatherers first settle in Mesopotamia?
12,000 years ago
Where do both the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers begin?
Mountains of Asia Minor
What is the area where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet called?
They formed the Shatt al-Arab
Why was irrigation important in Mesopotamia?
It helped farmers grow crops even in dry seasons
What new jobs appeared because of food surpluses?
Crafters, religious leaders, and government workers