Construction of Temples and their Increasing Importance Early settlers, in southern part of Mesopotamia, began to build or rebuild the temples at the selected spots in their villages. The earliest known temple was a small shrine which was made up of unbaked bricks. Temples were the residences of different gods

Emergence of Early Cities in Mesopotamia
- The early cities of Mesopotamia emerged around 3500 BC in the region known as the Fertile Crescent.
- These cities developed due to the fertile land provided by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which allowed for agriculture to flourish.
- The surplus food produced by agriculture led to the growth of settlements and eventually the development of urban centers.

Construction and Importance of Temples
- Temples played a central role in the early cities of Mesopotamia, both in terms of their construction and their importance in society.
- Temples were often the most prominent structures in the city, built on raised platforms to symbolize their connection to the divine.
- The construction of temples required significant resources and labor, showcasing the power and wealth of the ruling elite.
- Temples served as centers of religious worship, economic activity, and political power, making them integral to the functioning of the city.
- The increasing importance of temples in Mesopotamian society is evident in the fact that they were often the largest and most elaborate structures in the city, reflecting the significance placed on religious practices and beliefs.