The Greek word ‘Mesopotamia’ means ‘the land between two rivers’. The fertile land between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris was suitable for agriculture, which made it possible for Man to stay in the same place for a longer period.
The first urban civilization to have ever emerged on the planet Earth is the Sumerian civilization, of Mesopotamia in 3500 BC. Hence, Mesopotamia is called one of the cradles of civilization.
Agriculture first drew people to the banks of the rivers in Mesopotamia. Soon, they learned to build irrigation canals. As more people began to settle here, they began to build many more villages and towns along the river.
The most important contribution of the Sumerians to mankind was writing. As time went on it became necessary to keep records. This led to the development of writing. The Sumerians used clay tablets to record their accounts.
The Sumerians had well developed systems for counting. They also had a calendar, and a legal system. The Sumerians are often credited with the invention of wheel. They used wheels for carts, and also for making pots. There was a well developed system for the governance of cities.
Today, the region of Mesopotamia is located mainly in Iraq and in parts of Iran, Syria and Turkey.
