13. What were the reasons for the fall of Sumerian civilization?

The fall of the Sumerian civilization was caused by many different things. Each month large numbers of animals and supplies were brought to temples like the shrine at Nippur for sacrifices. The plain was also going through a dry spell lasting for years, meaning the land could no longer be used for farming. The farmers had to deal with salinization as well. Salinization is the accumulation of salts in the soil, greatly decreasing fertility. Since the ability to grow crops was decreasing, the prices were increasing, along with the number of people who were starving. International trade for basic supplies and government communication began to fall apart too.

European Commission Joint Research Center http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/library/themes/Salinization/

Manual pg. 90-91

Alexandra Lewis