“Civilation” = writing as communication
Mesop has some of the earliest evidence of writing
No cities, no civilization.
It’s really that simple.
Just this morning I finished “Old Testament Theology for Christians”. I cannot recommend it highly enough. But he references Mesopotamia a LOT, as well as Levant. And points out the strong similarities with - and differences from - their cultural and religious beliefs and Israel’s.
Maybe farming is another marker and would probably happen before writing.
Or farming would necessitate writing. Gotta keep track of the growing season, how many bails of hay, etc. That would require an understanding of the seasons (stars and constellations and the sun) and some basic math.
Wonder which happened first — match or writing? At the same time?
I like to tell people when they ask where I am from. I answer Mesopotamia; they turn their heads like a cat/dog.