Which civilization is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization"?

Mesopotamia is referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" because it is one of the earliest regions where complex urban centers grew, characterized by the development of writing, advanced agricultural practices, and organized political structures. This area, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria, is significant due to its contributions to human development, such as the invention of cuneiform writing, the establishment of city-states, and advancements in mathematics and astronomy.

Mesopotamia's rich agricultural land supported the growth of its population and cities, leading to the rise of several influential cultures, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The innovations and governance established in Mesopotamia laid foundational elements for future civilizations, making it pivotal in early human history.

Other civilizations, while also contributing significantly to human progress, did not hold the same historical role in the emergence of urban societies and organized government as Mesopotamia did.