The oldest civilizations arose on the banks of the great rivers. This was not a coincidence, since in the early days of history men had sought those places that had the greatest advantages to develop. It was thus that the ideal spaces for the settlement of the populations were the fertile valleys and the alluvial plains.
The most important advantages offered by rivers for human settlement were:
-The waters allowed the development of agriculture.
-Across the rivers it was easier to transport goods, since land roads were practically non-existent.
-The river ensured constant fishing. Fish was fundamental in the diet of ancient peoples.
-The constant flow of the rivers cleaned the air, taking away the pests that could affect the health of men.
The first cultures developed along rivers or near the sea, taking advantage of the advantages offered by nature.
