Final answer:
Mesopotamia's fertile soil from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers along with the region's advanced irrigation systems made it an ideal location for agriculture. This enabled the growth of cities and the development of trade, solidifying its role as a cradle of civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The resources that made Mesopotamia a good place for farming to develop include the fertile soil from the rivers, namely the Tigris and Euphrates. These rivers provided a consistent supply of water which was essential for agriculture. The fertile river soil was enriched annually by the silt deposited by the flooding rivers, making it highly productive for growing staple crops like barley, sesame seeds, and dates. Additionally, the development of irrigation systems allowed Mesopotamians to manage water resources effectively, supporting early urban centers and agricultural productivity.
The region's abundant crops led to a surplus which facilitated the growth of cities, including famous ones like Ur, Babylon, and Nineveh. Despite lacking other natural resources like timber and precious metals, Mesopotamia's agricultural abundance enabled long-distance trade, which secured these materials. This was pivotal in transforming Mesopotamia into a cradle of civilization, with a highly developed craft specialization and administrative class.