How Did Geography Influence The Development Of Ancient Civilization

Geography has played an important role in the development of early and advanced civilizations. Many prosperous civilizations formed along the banks of flood plains in river valleys where the conditions were suitable for agriculture. In spite of that, not all civilizations started out this way; in fact, some advanced civilizations formed in areas where there were poor soil and no flood plains. Even with their differences, all of these civilizations prospered by the impact of their geography. Three notable civilizations that geography impacted where located in the Fertile Crescent, Egypt and in Greece. Around 4500 B.C., people first began to settle in Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates River. As these two rivers flooded annually, they left behind a thick sheet of mud …show more content…
Greece had poor soil, a rocky terrain and an arid climate, which made it an unsuitable place for farming. However, they had access to the sea and had safe harbors that were good for trade. By trading with neighboring civilizations, the Greeks were able to obtain resources that they weren’t found on the Balkan Peninsula. They also exchanged ideas with other cultures, resulting in an advanced culture for the Greeks. Although they did not develop near flood plains, the Greeks’ usage of their geography led to their development as a prosperous civilization. In conclusion, the development of civilizations in the Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece were heavily impacted by the role of geography. Advanced civilizations usually thrive near flood plains while others thrive by other aspects of geography. Without these geographical impacts, these civilizations wouldn’t have developed through trade or agriculture. Although geography affects different regions in various ways, its influences are critical to the growth of advanced civilizations and