River valley civilization

A River valley civilization is an agricultural civilization that is situated beside a river. Civilization develops from the river as it gives the inhabitants a reliable source of water for drinking and agriculture. The river also supports their livelihood through fishing, fertile soil from annual flooding, and ease of transportation.

Overview

Civilizations thrive in river valleys for several reasons. One important reason is the easy access to a usually reliable source of water. The river's annual flood enriches the soil to sustain villages and produce excess crops. Another important reason is the facilitation of trade. Rivers provide an efficient way to transport people and goods, through which civilizations are able to develop trade to outlying areas. The benefits obtained from the river allow excess time for individuals to engage in non-agricultural activities, such as construction, metalworking, trade, and social organization.