The primary economic activity of ancient Mesopotamian societies was agriculture. The fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided ideal conditions for farming, which enabled these early civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, to thrive. The cultivation of crops like barley, wheat, and dates, along with the domestication of animals, formed the backbone of their economy. Agricultural surplus allowed for trade and the development of complex societal structures, including social hierarchies, the establishment of cities, and advancements in technology and culture.