The Importance of Trading in Sumerian Civilization

Trade played a crucial role in the development of Sumerian civilization. The Sumerians began trading because some essential resources required for their civilization were not available locally in Mesopotamia.

They were curious to learn about other people's civilizations, which influenced them to start trading. This curiosity led them to engage in trade with other ancient civilizations such as the Harappans in northern India.

The Sumerians developed a complex system of labor division, which enabled them to produce goods to trade. They utilized ships to travel into the Persian Gulf and trade various items such as textiles, leather goods, and jewelry for Harappan semiprecious stones, copper, pearls, and ivory.

Trade was essential to Sumerian civilization because Mesopotamia lacked vital resources like wood, metal, and stone. Through trade, the Sumerians were able to obtain these resources from other regions, allowing their civilization to thrive and grow.

Therefore, the statement that the Sumerians began trading because some resources they needed were not found in Mesopotamia is true.