Q1. Why do we say that it was not natural fertility and high levels of food production that were the causes of early urbanization?
Ans:
- Urbanization in Mesopotamia occurred not just due to fertile soil or high food production.
- It was mainly due to human efforts: construction of canals, organized labor, and centralized authority.
- The emergence of rulers, temples, and administrative systems enabled cities to grow and function.
- Hence, planned effort and governance, not just nature, led to urbanization.
Q2. What do ancient stories tell us about the civilization of Mesopotamia?
Ans:
- Ancient Mesopotamian stories, like the Epic of Gilgamesh, reflect their beliefs, social structure, and values.
- They highlight the role of kings, gods, cities, and fears like floods.
- These stories give insight into early urban life, religious practices, and human struggles with nature.
Q1. Why Mesopotamia is considered the beginning of civilization?
Ans:
- Mesopotamia is the earliest known civilization.
- It had organized cities, writing (cuneiform), temples, trade, and laws.
- Urban life, division of labor, centralized rule, and written records all began here.
- Hence, it marks the birth of civilization.
Q2. How did irrigation help in the development of agriculture in Mesopotamia?
Ans:
- Mesopotamia had little rainfall, so people built canals from the rivers (Tigris & Euphrates).
- Irrigation improved water supply, which led to surplus crop production.
- Surplus food supported population growth, division of labor, and urbanization.
Q3. What was the role of temples in Mesopotamian society?
Ans:
- Temples were economic, religious, and administrative centers.
- They owned land, employed farmers and craftsmen, and collected taxes.
- Priests were powerful and controlled land, trade, and surplus goods.
- Temples were central to city life and politics.
Q4. Describe the significance of writing in Mesopotamian culture.
Ans:
- Writing was first used for record-keeping: taxes, trade, land, labor.
- It helped in administration and planning.
- Later, writing was used for literature, law, religion, and education.
- Cuneiform script was a major innovation of Mesopotamia.
Q5. What was the system of trade and exchange in Mesopotamian cities?
Ans:
- Mesopotamia lacked many natural resources, so trade was vital.
- They imported wood, metals, stones from places like India, Anatolia, and Iran.
- Trade was organized by temples, palaces, and private merchants.
- Barter system was common initially, later silver was used as a medium.
Q6. What are the sources to reconstruct Mesopotamian history?
Ans:
- Written records on clay tablets (cuneiform).
- Archaeological evidence – ruins of cities, temples, tools, pottery.
- Inscriptions and seals, literature, administrative documents.
- These help historians understand politics, economy, society, and religion.
Q7. Describe the features of Mesopotamian cities.
Ans:
- Mesopotamian cities like Ur, Uruk, and Mari were planned and organized.
- Cities had temples (ziggurats), palaces, houses, markets, and granaries.
- Streets were narrow, houses were made of mud bricks.
- Cities had drainage systems, canals, and walls for protection.
- Administrative buildings, writing schools, and religious centers were important parts.
