sample Essay I

Environmental degradation contributed to the decline of Mesopotamia civilisation. How far do you agree? Explain your view

AO2 — Explanation, analysis & judgement

The decline of the Mesopotamian Civilization was mainly caused by environmental degradation. How far do you agree?

Environmental degradation was the most important reason for the decline of the Mesopotamian Civilization. Although food shortages and foreign invasions also played a role, these problems were mainly caused by environmental damage that weakened the civilization over time.

One major cause was the misuse of irrigation. The Mesopotamians depended on irrigation to grow crops, but using it for many years caused salt to build up in the soil. This made the land less fertile and reduced crop production. Since agriculture was the main source of food and income, lower harvests led to food shortages, less trade, and lower government income. This made it harder for rulers to maintain order and support their armies.

Environmental degradation also caused food shortages. As farmland became less productive, there was not enough food for the growing population. Hunger and hardship increased, leading to social problems and weakening people's trust in the government. Therefore, food shortages were a result of environmental decline rather than a separate cause.

Foreign invasions also contributed to the decline, but they were not the main reason. Many civilizations faced attacks and survived. However, Mesopotamia had already been weakened by poor harvests and economic problems. As a result, it was less able to defend itself against invading groups such as the Persians.

In conclusion, environmental degradation was the most important factor in the decline of the Mesopotamian Civilization. It reduced agricultural production, caused food shortages, weakened the economy, and made the civilization vulnerable to foreign invasions. Therefore, it was the main cause of Mesopotamia's collapse.