1. Aim: How did the environment affect the Sumerians

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

3. 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

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

5. 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