Question

Do modern cities offer any of the same advantages to the people as cities in Ancient Mesopotamia? Compare-and-contrast the advantages and disadvantages between living in an Ancient Mesopotamian city and Beijing. (While there is no word limit, you should provide at least one advantage for living in either a Mesopotamian city or Beijing, and one disadvantage)

Answer 1

Modern cities and ancient Mesopotamian cities both offer centralized trade, resources, and structured societies. Beijing provides efficient infrastructure and opportunities, but faces pollution and high living costs. Ancient Mesopotamian cities were stable but limited by sewage control, food supply, and transport.

Step-by-step explanation:

Modern cities share many advantages with cities in ancient Mesopotamia, such as offering a centralized location for trade, resources, and a structured society. For instance, both civilizations utilized sophisticated urban planning, including the use of waterways, well-organized streets, and the presence of public infrastructure.

Beijing today offers multiple advantages, like efficient public transportation, advanced healthcare facilities, educational opportunities, and a dynamic economy. However, living in a bustling metropolis like Beijing also has disadvantages such as pollution, high cost of living, and sometimes overcrowded conditions.

An ancient Mesopotamian city like Uruk held advantages such as the stability provided by a strong social organization and the innovation from a surplus of food allowing for specialized labor. Drawbacks included limited size due to factors like inadequate sewage control and food supply, as well as transportation challenges.