What led to the eventual decline of Sumerian agriculture and the shift of power northward to Babylon?
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Correct answer: Soil salinization from prolonged irrigation
Heavy irrigation in a hot climate led to the buildup of mineral salts in the soil (salinization), which eventually lowered crop yields, especially wheat. This ecological decline weakened Sumerian city-states, allowing northern groups like the Babylonians to rise to prominence.
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