Question

but, growing grain in mesopotamia was not easy. the sumerians had to use irrigation to help their crops grow. look at the image of a field that uses an irrigation method similar to the sumerians. then answer the question below.

based on the image, how did the sumerians irrigate their land?

they built large waterwheels to lift water from the river upwards to their homes.

they cut and burned trees to quickly clear new fields for planting.

they dug long ditches through their fields to direct water from the river to dry regions.

they carved steps into steep hillsides to prevent the soil from washing away in the rain.

Explanation:

To determine how the Sumerians irrigated their land, we analyze each option:

• The first option is incorrect as the image shows ditches, not waterwheels for homes.
• The second option is about clearing fields (slash - and - burn), not irrigation.
• The third option matches the image of long ditches (canals) directing river water to dry areas, which is typical of Sumerian irrigation.
• The fourth option is about terracing (preventing soil erosion), not irrigation.

Answer:

They dug long ditches through their fields to direct water from the river to dry regions.