Final answer:
Fertile soil for farming and access to water from rivers through irrigation systems were key factors that gave rise to civilization in Mesopotamia. The ability to control water and grow excess food contributed to the success of cities in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rise of civilization in Mesopotamia can be attributed to various factors. One of the key factors was the fertile soil for farming, which allowed for the cultivation of staple foods like barley, sesame seeds, and dates. Additionally, the availability of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers through irrigation systems supported the growth of a civilized farming community. This, in turn, led to the development of early urban centers in the region.
The control of water and the ability to grow excess food also contributed to the success of cities like Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh. These cities developed extensive irrigation systems and had large grain storage units, which provided the civic structure and the means to develop a military for protection. The region's geographical location, between the rivers and close to the Mediterranean Sea, also facilitated trade and economic growth.