Question

centers of civilization
the people developed fishing and trade. frequent wars were fought between city - states to protect fertile land, limited natural resources, and profitable trade routes.
surplus food gave sumerians time to learn new skills and encouraged trade. though sumer had productive farmland, the area lacked important natural resources, such as tin and copper. these resources had to be acquired through trade. when combined, tin and copper produce bronze, a strong metal used by sumerians to create tools and weapons. because of the importance of bronze, the period around 3000 b.c. is called the bronze age.
surplus food also led to a growth in population. new government systems had to be established to meet the challenge of managing so many people. kings arose to provide strong leadership, and administrators supervised taxes and kept order. because of the wealth created by agricultural surpluses, sumerians could afford to support these government administrators.
sumerian society was organized by social class, an order based on power and wealth. kings ruled at the top, with priests just beneath them. next came administrators, scribes, merchants, and artisans, or people who are skilled at making things by hand. these groups in turn looked down on farmers and less - skilled workers. however, even people at the bottom of this system ranked higher than enslaved sumerians.

1. reading check how did the organization of sumerian society affect the way different roles were viewed by others?
2. integrate visuals in what ways did the rivers support agriculture and the city - states?
3. analyze cause and effect how did food surpluses encourage local and long - distance trade?

Explanation:

1. Sumerian society had a class - based structure. Kings, priests, and administrators were at the top. Surplus food led to growth in population and need for government.
2. Rivers provided water for agriculture and trade routes.
3. Food surpluses allowed for specialization and trade.

Answer:

1. Sumerian society was organized by social class with different roles based on power and wealth.
2. Rivers supported agriculture through water supply and enabled trade via waterways.
3. Food surpluses encouraged local and long - distance trade by allowing specialization.