The climate of the Mesopotamian plain included:

The ancient Sumerians handled climate problems by:

Developed and made public an organized set of laws

Created the world's first empire by conquering the Sumerian city states

Built the Assyrian Empire into a trade and military power

Created the Babylonian Empire and came to rule all Mesopotamia

Became king by murdering the King of Kish, taking his throne, and building his own army

Punished the Jews of Judah severely when they refused to pay taxes

Began the practice of relocating rebellious people

Ruled an empire remembered for its achievements in astronomy and mathematics