Final answer:
The rise of the city-state in the ancient world is best explained by the availability of an agricultural surplus that enabled the establishment of urban centers (option b) , leading to population growth, specialization of labor, and the need for organized exchange and governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best explains the rise of the city-state in the ancient world is: 'Agricultural surplus allowed for the establishment of urban centers.' This statement reflects the transition from nomadic lifestyles to sedentary agricultural communities. An agricultural surplus enables specialization of labor and supports a larger population, leading to the development of urban centers and city-states.
As early civilizations developed, they produced a surplus of food and other materials, which led to population growth and the necessity for a system of exchange. This surplus was a fundamental factor distinguishing early civilizations from previous societies and enabling the formation of cities. Societies such as those around ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in places like Uruk, saw the rise of urban centers where specialization, trade, and centralized government took shape.