Aim: How did the environment affect the Sumerians

Where Did Early Civilizations Settle? Rivers support growth of civilization Crops grew where water was Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Most important physical feature 2

The Fertile Crescent Includes Mesopotamia Large arc of rich farmland Extends from Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea Includes Mesopotamia Located on current Iran & Iran. 3

Environmental Challenges 1) Unpredictable Flooding and droughts 2) No Natural Barriers 3) Limited Natural resources 4

Solution to Environmental Challenges 1) Digging irrigation ditches 2) Building city walls with mud bricks 3) Trading grain, cloth, & tools with other civilizations in exchange for raw materials 5