History Chapter 2, Lesson 1
a curved region with rich soil in the Middle East where one of the first civilations developed
Fertile Crescent
How did successful farming and food surplus affect growth in Mesopotamia?
Food surplus led to population growth. Because there was plenty of food it was no longer necessary for all people to work as farmers and herders. Social divisions formed and several villages grew into city-states.
Area of flat land between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Mesopotamia
Why was farming a challenge in Mesopotamia, and how did people overcome it?
The climate was not ideal for farming. Summers were hot, long and dry and crops could not grow. Farmers began moving to the plain between the Tigris and Euphrates river. Rainfall was low there. Farmers built irrigation systems to solve the problem. They built trenches and ditches that brought the water from the rivers to the fields.
Why were Mesopotamians such successful farmers?
Their farming techniques and their tools improved. This resulted in a surplus of food.
Mesopotamians lacked many natrual resources. How did they get what they need?
They traded for goods that they needed
How did the people of Mesopotamia live?
They were problem-solvers. They cut reeds and built huts and then began making bricks from mud and straw. They used these bricks to build homes, temples and palaces. Most people grew barley and raised animals.
craftspeople
artisans
a city that is an individual unit, complete with its own form of government and traditions
city-state
groups of people who have a complex and organized society within a culture
civilizations
rich, good for growing
fertile
method of watering crops
irrigation
area of flat land
plain
an area of high, flat land
plateau
What types of trades grew once everyone didn't have to farm or herd?
political, religious, soldiers, artists, traders. they were all paid in food.
an area on earth with common physical features
region
When did one of the first civilizations begin to develop?
About 3,500 BC