Why do you think people in early cities began to trade with other cities?

Early cities began to trade with other cities because it allowed them to access materials or supplies that were not common or not accessible in their community.

The other items you could have purchased with your $50

Explanation:

Opportunity cost represent the loss of potential benefit that occurs when you choose an alternative decision. This concept is usually used by businesses during their budget allocation process in order to find out the best way how to spend their capital.

On the example above, You receive $50 as a birthday gift. That $50 can be used for anything. You can choose to use it to purchase games, clothing, foods, etc. But you decided to spent it on wallpaper. By purchasing the ability you lose the opportunity to buy any of those other things. This loss is what considered as opportunity cost.