Article: Buying, selling, and renting in sumer.

MESOPOTAMIA HAD FEW NATURAL RESOURCES. THOSE THAT WERE READILY AVAILABLE INCLUDED mud, reeds, bitumen (a petroleum-based, tar-like substance), and limestone. Together with the region's arable land these resources more than met the needs of Sumerian society. Mud brick was the common building material for temples and palaces; mud brick or reeds, for private homes. Mud and reed were also used for writing. Bitumen served as an excellent waterproofing agent for the reed baskets that the Sumerians used for storage, and twisted bunches of reeds and animal dung (manure) served as fuel. Local stone although not of fine quality, was used for wall foundations. It was also-carved. ...

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