Final answer:
The existence of a city requires a good environment with water and a favorable climate, advanced agricultural technology, and strong social organization. These prerequisites support population growth through agriculture, social structure, and governance, which have been observed in early cities across various ancient civilizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prerequisites for the existence of a city are multifaceted and include a good environment with water and a favorable climate, advanced agricultural technology, and a strong social organization. These factors contribute to the ability to support a larger population, which is central to urban development. A good environment ensures access to water and a livable climate, advanced agricultural technology allows for a food surplus that can sustain non-farming members of society, and strong social organization provides the framework for stable governance and economic continuity.
Historical evidence suggests that early cities like Uruk, Abydos, and Anyang were all located near waterways which facilitated intensive agriculture and subsequent population growth. Additionally, the ability to feed a well-nourished population allowed for a division of labor, social stratification, and the rise of rulers and religious leaders within a social hierarchy.