Final answer:
Mesopotamia's development of agriculture contributed to its success as the cradle of civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of civilization, played a critical role in the development of human societies with the advent of farming, pivotal to its success and progress. Located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Mesopotamia's fertile land enabled the transition from nomadic tribes to settled communities that focused on agriculture. The Mesopotamians developed sophisticated irrigation systems, which allowed them to control water flow, manage floods, and cultivate grains and cereals. These advancements led to surplus food production, contributing to the rise of urban centers and complex social structures.
Famous cities like Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh flourished due to the ability to grow excess food, supporting large populations and fostering technological developments such as the invention of the wheel and cuneiform writing. The emergence of cities brought about the need for governance, resulting in centralized governments, law codes, and eventually empires. This also facilitated the development of craft specialization, arts, and trade, as the region needed to import materials such as stone, metals, and timber, which were not locally available.