ESSAY -

Respond to the following prompt, demonstrating your ability to present a clear argument and support it with historical evidence:

Several key developments were necessary for the emergence of complex societies. By 3,000 B.C.E., Mesopotamian and Egyptian societies possessed social hierarchy, government, religion, writing, economic exchange, craft specialization, military power, engineering, and art. Ultimately, each of these key developments owed its origin to the advent of agriculture.

In essay form, highlight the overall importance of a few of the key developments mentioned above. Explain the relationship between these key developments and agriculture. How exactly did agriculture provide the inspiration, resources, and time for these key developments?

There is no "right" or "wrong" answer to this questions; rather, this assignment allows each student to construct an argument based on his or her own analysis of the evidence. However, you must answer the prompt directly. Do not take this exercise as an opportunity to write about your favorite key developments or offer a general narrative of the period. Before writing, review the instructions for essays and writing in your syllabus.