Which is a reason Sumer declined as a civilization was its over-reliance on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These rivers were the lifeblood of the Sumerian civilization, providing fertile soil for agriculture and a reliable water source for irrigation. However, this dependence on the rivers also made the civilization vulnerable to environmental changes and natural disasters. As the rivers’ flow fluctuated, the Sumerians faced frequent droughts and floods, which disrupted their agricultural practices and led to food shortages. This, in turn, weakened the social and economic stability of the civilization, ultimately contributing to its decline.
Sumer, one of the earliest civilizations in human history, emerged in the region of Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The fertile land surrounding these rivers allowed the Sumerians to develop advanced agricultural techniques, which supported a growing population and the establishment of complex social structures. However, their reliance on the rivers also created a series of challenges that would eventually lead to their downfall.
One of the primary reasons for Sumer’s decline was the unpredictable nature of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The rivers’ flows were subject to seasonal variations and were often affected by climate change. During periods of drought, the rivers would shrink, leaving the Sumerians with less water for irrigation and causing crop failures. Conversely, during periods of heavy rainfall, the rivers would overflow their banks, leading to devastating floods that destroyed homes, crops, and infrastructure.
The frequent occurrence of these environmental disasters had a profound impact on the Sumerian society. As the population grew, the demand for food increased, and the Sumerians had to expand their agricultural activities to meet the needs of their people. This expansion led to the depletion of the land’s fertility and the overuse of resources, further exacerbating the environmental problems. Additionally, the constant threat of droughts and floods made it difficult for the Sumerians to plan for the future, as they were always living on the edge of survival.
The social and economic instability caused by these environmental challenges eventually led to the decline of Sumer. As the Sumerians struggled to maintain their agricultural practices, their society became more fragmented and less cohesive. The power of the ruling elite weakened, and the common people faced increased hardship. This social unrest, combined with the environmental pressures, created a fertile ground for the rise of other competing powers in the region, such as the Akkadians and the Amorites.
In conclusion, which is a reason Sumer declined as a civilization was its over-reliance on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The unpredictable nature of these rivers, combined with the Sumerians’ inability to adapt to the environmental challenges, led to a series of disasters that weakened the civilization’s social and economic stability. As a result, Sumer eventually fell victim to the forces of nature and the ambitions of its neighbors, marking the end of one of the most significant civilizations in human history.
