Final answer:
Irrigation systems have been integral to the development of agriculture and the economy historically, such as the chinampas of the Aztecs and the elaborate water systems in medieval Egypt. The sophistication of these systems allowed societies to flourish in arid lands, support large populations, and lead to economic diversification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The irrigation systems in various parts of the world have played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting the rural economy. In Mexico, similar systems allowed farms to tackle the challenge of dry lands and store water for farmland use. For example, the Aztecs developed a sophisticated irrigation method called chinampas, which were raised planting beds on floating platforms, allowing them to maximize soil fertility and carefully manage water resources. In the United States, areas like California and Arizona benefitted from elaborate dams, canals, and water storage facilities, creating profitable farmlands in otherwise arid regions.
In medieval Egypt, the irrigation system was critical for the economy, where the Nile's flooding was harnessed to distribute water through flood canals for agriculture. The labor-intensive maintenance of these systems was central to Egypt's agrarian sector's success. Furthermore, the development of irrigation and agricultural mechanization throughout history facilitated greater food supplies at reduced costs, leading to significant societal and economic changes that included a shift from a predominantly farming society to the rise of urban centers and industrial jobs.