What was the Sumerian economy primarily based on?

The Sumerian economy was primarily based on agriculture, which played a crucial role in the development and sustainability of their civilization. Located in the fertile region of Mesopotamia, Sumerians developed advanced farming techniques, including irrigation systems that allowed them to cultivate crops such as barley, wheat, and various vegetables. The surplus produced from their agricultural endeavors enabled the growth of cities and the establishment of a more complex society, allowing for population increases and the specialization of labor.

Agriculture provided the foundational economic stability and resources that were essential for Sumerians to engage in trade and commerce. While other industries such as trade, mining, and textile production existed, they relied heavily on the agricultural outputs to support these activities and the society as a whole.