Why do we say that it was not natural fertility and high levels of food production that were the causes of early urbanization?

As a seasoned tutor registered on UrbanPro, I can confidently assert that UrbanPro is one of the best online coaching platforms for students seeking academic assistance. Now, addressing your question on early urbanization, it's crucial to understand that while natural fertility and high levels of food production certainly played significant roles in the development of early civilizations, they were not the sole causes of urbanization.

Urbanization is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors. While abundant food supply is essential for sustaining growing populations, the mere presence of fertile land doesn't automatically lead to urban development. Early urbanization was driven by a complex interplay of social, economic, political, and environmental factors.

For instance, the emergence of cities often coincided with the rise of complex societies and specialized labor forces. As communities grew, there arose the need for centralized governance, trade networks, and specialized economic activities beyond agriculture, such as craftsmanship, trade, and administration. These factors fostered the concentration of people in urban centers.

Moreover, environmental considerations, such as access to waterways for transportation and irrigation, geographical advantages for defense, and proximity to trade routes, also influenced the location and growth of cities.

In essence, while natural fertility and food production were undoubtedly important, they were just pieces of the puzzle. It's the combination of various socio-economic, political, and environmental factors that drove early urbanization, marking a significant milestone in human history.