In the cities, long docks were built along the sides of the rivers so that ships could easily dock and unload the goods they had to trade. Ships brought food, drinks, clothes, jewelry, wine, and other goods up and down the rivers.  The Assyrians, who lived in northern Mesopotamia, were famous traders. They did not use boats to move their goods. They traveled on land. Their donkeys and caravans were known throughout the Mesopotamian area. When new supplies arrived, whether by boat or by caravan, banquets were held in many upper and lower class homes. There was music and dancing. Poets would recite verses about great kingly deeds. Golden cups filled with sweet delicious date wine would be lifted in each home, in a toast to their host.  The ancient Mesopotamians did not have a lot of natural resources. They counted on trade to obtain the goods they needed and wanted.   Economy - Trade and Commerce  A Tale of Three Merchants  Trade and Transport Trading Places Challenge  Free presentations in PowerPoint format  To learn more about Ancient Mesopotamia, click on Gilgamesh