Question

What major advances was needed before cities could emerge in early civilizations

Answer 1

Well first of all we had to learn how to farm (agriculture) to sustain ourselves in one area (instead of going around hunting and gathering, which made us move a lot once we exhausted the resources there), secondly, we had to domesticate animals in order to do the farm work, well mostly to make our lives easier. And thirdly I would say design some sort of housing that would last all-year round if u plan on staying in that area