Final answer:
In ancient Mesopotamian cities, the palace and temple complex acted as an economic redistribution center through centralized control of trade and wealth. Agricultural goods were collected as taxes, stored, and then distributed to artisans and merchants. City gates served as areas for goods exchange, and precious metals were used as a medium of exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ancient Mesopotamian cities, the palace and temple complex functioned as an economic redistribution center through centralized control of trade and wealth. Civic and religious officials collected agricultural goods from farmers as taxes, stored them in the palace or temple, and then redistributed them to artisans and merchants. Massive storage facilities were needed for this purpose. The goods collected and distributed were recorded by scribes using cuneiform script. City gates were also important areas for exchange of goods among farmers, artisans, and merchants. Precious metals were used as a medium of exchange during commercial transactions.