Throughout the history of the earth, man has evolved from nomadic hunters and gatherers into the civilized people we are today. Studying this progression, we come upon many fascinating places, things, and peoples. The most prominent development, in my opinion, would be the development of civilizations. The first of these civilizations would be the Mesopotamians and the Egyptians. The civilizations had many similarities, but they also had their differences.
             There are many aspects that are needed to define a "civilization." However, the most obvious foundation of all civilizations is their need of water sources. Both Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations existed on the banks of major rivers. Mesopotamia resided on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers while Egypt resided on the Nile River. Although they share this characteristic, the difference lies in how each civilization viewed these rivers. In both places, they believed that the forces of nature reflected the decisions and actions of their deities.
             In Mesopotamia, they felt that their deities were not loving, care-taking beings. They felt that their gods were vengeful, jealous, and malicious. This view developed from the many natural obstacles they were burdened with. Although their rivers gave life and enabled agricultural growth, it was these rivers that were turbulent and destructive. At times the rivers would produce deadly flash floods, and on other occasions, there would be droughts that would diminish their water supply. The riverbanks were at times to steep and the rivers to wild to provide a means of transportation or trade. These extreme conditions resulted in the suffering and hunger of the Mesopotamians.
             In contrast, the Egyptians felt that their gods were loving and protective. They felt it was their deities who were responsible for their natural world and human fortunes. It is easy to see where they come to these conclusions. The Nile River was the total opposite of th...