Title: The Cradle of Civilization
1The Cradle of Civilization
- The land between to Rivers
2Rivers support the growth of civilization
The Tigris River
Early people settle where they could grow
crops Crops usually grew well near rivers
3The 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.
4The 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
5How 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.
6How 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
7How 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 itfarming leads to
civilizations
8Irrigation 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.
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