Trade Dynamics in Early Bronze Age Mesopotamia

The video explores the trade interactions between ancient Mesopotamia and eastern lands, focusing on the need for resources like copper, tin, and luxury goods such as lapis lazuli. It discusses the challenges of trade routes across the Iranian Plateau and the role of Elam in facilitating trade. The video also highlights the significance of lapis lazuli and carnelian in Mesopotamian culture and the various trade methods used to acquire these commodities.

What were the primary sources of food for early Mesopotamian societies?

• Potatoes and tomatoes

• Rice and maize

• Wheat and barley

• Corn and beans

Why did early Mesopotamian city-states need to import raw materials?

• They had no access to water

• They were overpopulated

• They had no agricultural land

• They lacked natural resources

From which regions did Mesopotamia import copper?

• Anatolia and Iran

• Italy and Spain

• Egypt and Greece

• China and Japan

What was a common marker of higher social status in Mesopotamia?

• Building large houses

• Having many children

• Possessing rare and beautiful objects

• Owning large farms

Which region was a major source of gold for Mesopotamia?

• Egypt

• Greece

• Iran and Afghanistan

• China

What was one of the most precious items during the Bronze Age?

• Ruby

• Diamond

• Lapis lazuli

• Emerald

Where was lapis lazuli primarily sourced from?

• China

• India

• Northern Afghanistan and Tajikistan

• Egypt

What was the main purpose of the Harappan trading colony at Shatugai?

• To mine gold

• To build ships

• To facilitate trade in lapis lazuli and carnelian

• To grow crops

What is central place trade?

• Direct trade between producers and consumers

• Producers sending goods to a commercial center for distribution

• Trade conducted only within a single city

• Trade conducted only by sea

Which site was a bustling commercial town on the main land route between the Harappan civilization and Mesopotamia?

• Ur

• Babylon

• Shari Sukta

• Tepe Hissar