Ancient Civilizations and Physical Environment
The geographical characteristics of Mesopotamia and Egypt heavily influenced the ancient civilizations that grew there. Since these ancient civilizations were agriculturally-dependent, it is clear that abundant fresh water would be important. Not as obvious, but also influential are the degree of natural resources and absence or presence of natural barriers.Most important to early civilizations was the water supply. It is no accident that the great ancient "cradles" of civilization are centered on rivers or river valleys. The Sumerians were based along the Euphrates and the Tigris rivers and their tributaries. For centuries and even in modern times, Egyptians' lives have revolved around the Nile river. Roots of the Indian civilization were based on the Indus river and ancient Chinese centered their culture on the Yellow river.Not only were rivers used for irrigating crops and daily water needs (washing, cooking, bathing), but societies also relied on the rivers for communication and transportation. Rivers were the major highways in these areas. In Mesopotamia, the rivers provided fish to eat and
The Tigris river was turbulent and unsuitable for traffic. Unification efforts were often resisted and led to warfare. In Mesopotamia, at times, floodwaters would destroy large areas of civilization. Egypt was relatively isolated due to the large deserts surrounding the area. Surplus crops allowed some individuals to specialize in other occupations such as pottery or metalworking. With no significant natural barriers, warfare was a way of life for the Sumerians. Though the Nile was relatively tame, Egyptian life was so dependent on its cyclical rhythm that many of their religious beliefs and worship ceremonies referenced it. The unpredictability of rainfall in the Mesopotamia area led to less permanent settlement than the predictable weather pattern in the Nile. It is difficult to imagine how history would be affected had the physical environments of these civilizations been different. reeds and clay for building materials since there was no stone in the area. Natural ResourcesClimates and soils were also important to agriculture customs and needs of these societies. By pooling resources, a community could thrive in security and stability. The large, unified region and relative absence of warfare allowed the Egyptians to focus on arts and crafts-especially in the service of religion and the dead. Natural BarriersNatural barriers play an important role in the character of ancient civilizations. In addition, the rivers frequently changed course forcing settlements to move.
Common topics in this essay:
Egyptian Sumerian,
Navigation Nile,
Roots Indian,
Sumerians Sumerian,
Tigris Euphrates,
Mesopotamia Egypt,
Barriers Natural,
Resources Climates,
Euphrates Tigris,
ancient civilizations,
natural barriers,
,
religious beliefs,
natural resources,
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