The article "The Sumerians - Fall of the First Cities" discusses the decline and collapse of the first cities in Mesopotamia, which were inhabited by the Sumerian civilization. The Sumerians, who were among the earliest urban societies in the world, flourished from around 4000 to 1900 BCE. However, their once-prosperous cities eventually faced a decline and subsequent collapse.

One of the major factors contributing to the fall of the Sumerian cities was environmental degradation. The article notes that the Sumerians had developed sophisticated irrigation systems to support the agriculture that sustained their cities.

However, over time, the excessive use of these systems led to a buildup of salt in the soil, rendering it infertile. This resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and social unrest.

Another significant factor that played a role in the fall of the Sumerian cities was the constant warfare and invasions. The Sumerian city-states were often engaged in conflicts with each other and faced invasions from outside forces. The article mentions that these wars and invasions led to a cycle of destruction and rebuilding, which weakened the cities over time.

The continuous warfare also strained the Sumerian economy and resources, exacerbating the decline.

Furthermore, political instability and internal conflicts within the Sumerian city-states also contributed to their downfall. The article explains that power struggles among the ruling elites and rival factions weakened the authority and ability of the cities to govern effectively. This internal strife weakened the overall social fabric and stability of the cities, making them susceptible to outside threats.

In addition to these factors, the article highlights the influence of cultural changes on the fall of the Sumerian cities. It mentions that as neighboring civilizations like the Akkadians and Babylonians rose to power, their cultural and linguistic influence eroded the dominance of the Sumerians. This gradual assimilation diminished the distinct Sumerian identity and weakened the cities.

Overall, the article explains that a combination of environmental degradation, constant warfare and invasions, political instability, and cultural assimilation led to the decline and eventual collapse of the first cities inhabited by the Sumerians.

These factors, both internal and external, gradually eroded the foundations of the Sumerian civilization, leading to the end of their once-great cities.