Answer:
1. Archaeologists infer that ancient cities were run by a few wealthy families, rather than a centralized ruler, based on the evidence they find at archaeological sites. For example, they may find large, opulent residences that are much larger and more elaborate than the houses of the common people, suggesting that they belonged to the elite. They may also find evidence of craft production and trade, which would have been controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals or families. Additionally, they may find inscriptions or other written records that indicate the presence of powerful families or factions within the city, rather than a single ruler.
2. 1 - Irrigation: The ancient cities developed systems for bringing water from nearby rivers or other sources to their fields, allowing them to grow crops in areas that would otherwise have been too dry. This technology made farming more efficient and allowed for the growth of crops that required more water, such as rice and sugarcane.
2 - The wheel and plows: The wheel was used for transportation and plows were used for tilling the land, which made farming more efficient and productive. It allowed farmers to cover more land in less time and to use animals to pull plows and wagons, reducing the amount of human labor required
3 - Writing: Writing systems were developed to keep records of trade, government, and daily life. This technology allowed for the creation of written records, such as contracts, laws, and records of transactions. It also allowed for the spread of knowledge and ideas, and for the preservation of history.
3. Coins and art can provide valuable insight into the societies that produced them. Coins, for example, can reveal information about the monetary system and economy of a society, as well as its political structure and the images and inscriptions on them can provide information about religious beliefs and cultural values. Art can provide similar information, as well as a glimpse into the society's aesthetic preferences and technical abilities.
One theory about why ancient societies "disappeared" is environmental degradation, which can occur when a society overuses and depletes its natural resources. This can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, making it difficult for the society to sustain itself. Climate change and drought can also lead to collapse of ancient societies, as well as overpopulation, warfare, invasion, and technological advancement of their enemies.