- Agriculture: The vast majority of Egyptians were farmers, and the country's economy was based on agriculture. Egyptians grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, flax, and vegetables. They also raised livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Trade: Egyptians traded with other civilizations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They exported agricultural products, such as wheat and barley, and imported luxury goods, such as jewelry and spices.
- Manufacturing: Egyptians were skilled craftsmen, and they produced a variety of goods, including pottery, furniture, and textiles.
- Government: The government also employed a large number of people, including soldiers, civil servants, and priests.
Sumerians
- Agriculture: The Sumerians were also primarily an agricultural society, and they grew a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and dates. They also raised livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Trade: The Sumerians were also skilled traders, and they traded with other civilizations in the Middle East and the Indus Valley. They exported agricultural products, such as wheat and barley, and imported luxury goods, such as gold and silver.
- Manufacturing: The Sumerians were also skilled craftsmen, and they produced a variety of goods, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles.
- Government: The Sumerians lived in city-states, each of which was ruled by a king. The kings employed a large number of people, including soldiers, civil servants, and priests.