The Cradle of Civilization

“The land between to Rivers”

Rivers support the growth of civilization

Early people settle where they could grow crops

Crops usually grew well near rivers

The Tigris River

The Land between the Rivers

• The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are the two most important characteristics of Mesopotamia

• Mesopotamia is part of a larger region called the Fertile Crescent.

The Rise of Civilization

• Hunter-gatherers first settled in Mesopotamia around 10,000BC

• Over time they learned how to plant crops and produce their own food

• The rivers flooded every year and left silt on the banks of the rivers

• Silt, a mixture of pebbles and dirt, made the land fertile for farming

How farming lead to civilization

• First, people began to farm.• As time passed they learned better

techniques such as the use of the plough, irrigation systems that included canals.

• This lead to a surplus of food, extra food.

How farming lead to civilization

• Second, having a surplus of food, people were able to concentrate on other things beside producing food.

• With more time on their hands people began do other jobs

How farming lead to civilization

• Finally, Doing jobs based on abilities rather than necessities is called division of labor

• Doing different jobs meant more needs could be meet and societies could accomplish more

So there you have it…farming leads to

civilizations

Irrigation and Civilization

Early settlements in Mesopotamia were located near rivers. Water was not controlled, and flooding was a major problem.

Later, people built canals to protect houses from flooding and move water to their fields.

With irrigation, the people of Mesopotamia were able to grow more food.

Food surpluses allowed some people to stop farming and concentrate on other jobs, like making clay pots or tools.