Which historical development was most crucial for people to settle in cities?

The agricultural revolution was pivotal for the establishment of settled communities and the rise of cities. During this period, humans transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of agriculture and permanent settlement. This shift allowed people to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, leading to an increase in food production. With a stable food supply, populations could grow, and individuals were no longer required to move continuously in search of sustenance.

As communities became more stable and larger, they began to develop into organized societies with more complex social structures. The need for cooperation in farming prompted changes in social organization, which laid the groundwork for the development of government and the division of labor. Thus, the agricultural revolution directly facilitated the conditions necessary for urbanization and the formation of cities.