Which of the following contributed to the increased economic and military power of the Sumerians
1) Agriculture: The Sumerians were among the first civilizations to develop advanced agricultural practices. They utilized irrigation systems to cultivate crops and increase their food production, leading to larger populations and surplus food.
2) Trade: The Sumerians were well-located geographically, with access to important trade routes. They traded with other neighboring civilizations for valuable resources such as metals, timber, and luxury goods. This increased their wealth and enabled them to expand economically.
3) Writing System: The Sumerians were one of the first civilizations to develop a writing system known as cuneiform. This allowed them to record and store information, maintain accurate records for trade and taxes, and develop complex administrative systems. The ability to effectively manage their resources and economy gave them an advantage over less organized states.
4) Military Technology: The Sumerians developed advanced military technologies such as chariots and bronze weapons. These innovations gave them a significant military advantage over their adversaries, allowing them to expand their territories and exert control over neighboring regions.
5) Political Organization: The Sumerians were organized in city-states, each with its own ruler and government. This decentralized political structure allowed for competition and innovation among the city-states, fostering economic growth and military strength.
6) Infrastructure: The Sumerians constructed intricate canal systems for irrigation, as well as defensive walls and fortifications. These infrastructure projects not only facilitated agricultural production but also provided protection against invasions, contributing to their military strength.
It is important to note that these factors did not act independently, but rather worked together to contribute to the increased economic and military power of the Sumerians.
The Sumerians experienced increased economic and military power due to several factors. Here are the main contributors:
1. Agricultural Innovations: The Sumerians developed advanced irrigation systems such as canals and dikes, allowing for efficient cultivation of crops. This resulted in higher agricultural productivity, surplus food production, and a larger population.
2. Trade Networks: The Sumerians established extensive trade networks, especially in relation to their possession of valuable resources like timber, metals, and stone. This boosted their economic wealth and facilitated cultural exchange.
3. City-States: The Sumerians were one of the first civilizations to develop complex city-states. These independent city-states, like Ur and Uruk, became centers of political, economic, and military power. City-states competed with each other, driving technological advances and military strength.
4. Technological Advances: The Sumerians made significant advancements in technology and craftsmanship. They developed advanced techniques in pottery, metallurgy, and textile production, which improved their economic development and trade capabilities.
5. Military Innovations: The Sumerians developed sophisticated military tactics, including the use of chariots, infantry, and siege warfare. This military strength allowed them to protect their territories and expand their influence.
6. Writing System: The Sumerians invented cuneiform, the earliest known writing system. The development of writing facilitated record-keeping, administrative processes, and the dissemination of knowledge. This contributed to the economic and bureaucratic organization of the Sumerian civilization.
Overall, these factors combined to play a crucial role in the increased economic and military power of the Sumerians.