Final answer:
Settlers in Mesopotamia ushered in significant changes, including urbanization, the dominance of agriculture, a complex social structure, the necessity for long-distance trade, centralized governance for managing irrigation systems, and increased specialization in crafts and artistic production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effects of Settlers on Mesopotamia
The settlers had several effects on Mesopotamia, one of the cradles of civilization located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Here are six effects that settlers had on this ancient land:
- Urbanization: The growth of settlements in southern Mesopotamia led to the emergence of the Sumerian civilization and the transformation of small farming villages into bustling urban centers.
- Agriculture and Animal Husbandry: The settlers made agriculture the backbone of the cities' economies, employing a majority of the population in this sector.
- Labor and Social Structure: The division of land among temples, kings, powerful landowners, free peasants, and enslaved people created a complex social and economic structure.
- Trade: The lack of local resources such as stone, precious metals, and timber necessitated the development of trade networks to secure these materials.
- Irrigation and Centralized Authority: The management of large-scale irrigation systems for extensive farming led to the development of a centralized authority.
- Specialization and Production: With an organized food supply and a strong administrative class, Mesopotamia became a center for craft specialization and artistic production.
These effects shaped Mesopotamian society and had a long-lasting impact on the region's culture and historical development.