Which period did the first urban societies develop in Mesopotamia?

The development of the first urban societies in Mesopotamia is accurately placed during the Bronze Age, which typically spans from around 3000 to 1200 BCE. This period is characterized by the emergence of cities, such as Uruk and Ur, and the establishment of complex social structures, trade networks, and advancements in technology, including the use of bronze tools and writing systems like cuneiform.

During the Bronze Age, the fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers allowed for agricultural surplus, which in turn supported growing populations and the formation of city-states. These urban centers became the heart of culture, politics, and economics in the region. This set the stage for significant developments in art, governance, and religion, marking a pivotal moment in human history as societies transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled, urban living.

The other periods mentioned—Iron Age, Medieval period, and Modern era—occurred later and do not align with the initial rise of urbanization in Mesopotamia. The Iron Age, following the Bronze Age, saw further advancements but notably did not include the foundational establishment of cities that characterized the earlier period.