Mesopotamians, through their sophisticated writing system, were able to record trade over long distances. This long-distance trade allowed Mesopotamia to support its scattered populations.

Question

Answer

Con: Written trade records made it easy to track debts. This was very harmful for those who struggled to pay back their debts. People with large unpaid debts were often forced into slavery.

Answer

Pro: The Mesopotamians invented writing as a way to keep track of trade. Their sophisticated record systems were useful for all areas of the economy.

Which Bronze-Age civilization would be better to live in: Egypt or Mesopotamia?

Mesopotamians, through their sophisticated writing system, were able to record trade over long distances. This long-distance trade allowed Mesopotamia to support its scattered populations.

Pros

Cons

The Mesopotamians invented writing as a way to keep track of trade. Their sophisticated record systems were useful for all areas of the economy.

Written trade records made it easy to track debts. This was very harmful for those who struggled to pay back their debts. People with large unpaid debts were often forced into slavery.

Selected claim, opposing its parent

Mesopotamians, through their sophisticated writing system, were able to record trade over long distances. This long-distance trade allowed Mesopotamia to support its scattered populations.

Pro claim 1

The Mesopotamians invented writing as a way to keep track of trade. Their sophisticated record systems were useful for all areas of the economy.

Con claim 1

Written trade records made it easy to track debts. This was very harmful for those who struggled to pay back their debts. People with large unpaid debts were often forced into slavery.