What major development is associated with the Ubaid Period in Mesopotamia?

The Ubaid Period, which took place from around 6500 to 3800 BCE in southern Mesopotamia, marks a significant phase in the development of complex societies. This era is particularly associated with the establishment of temple centers, which served as important religious, economic, and administrative hubs for the communities during that time.

The emergence of these temple centers is indicative of a shift towards more centralized forms of governance and social organization, linking religious practices with the growing complexity of societal structures. These centers often featured monumental architecture and facilitated the development of specialized labor and trade, reflecting the increasing social stratification and political organization of Ubaid society.

In contrast, while the first cities did appear later in Mesopotamia, the Ubaid Period itself is primarily recognized for these early temple centers rather than urban centers. Metalworking innovations became more pronounced in later periods, such as the Uruk Period, and nomadic settlements do not represent the significant agricultural and sedentary developments that characterize the Ubaid Period's cultural advancements.