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.
A
Tale of Three Merchants
Trade
and Transport
Trading
Places Challenge
