Final answer:
Mesopotamia and Egypt relied on their respective rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, and the Nile, to support agriculture and enable the growth of early civilizations. Unpredictable flooding in Mesopotamia led to water management practices and governance, while the Nile's reliable floods provided fertile soil and a sense of cosmic order, helping Egypt to flourish.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both Mesopotamia and Egypt were ancient civilizations that needed rivers for survival due to the surrounding geography. In Mesopotamia, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided abundant water but were highly unpredictable, with periodic flooding that could shift the riverbeds over the plains. This led to the construction of levees, canals, and to control the water and prevent flooding, which may have additionally spurred the development of organized governance and the rise of early cities.
On the other hand, ancient Egypt's survival was closely tied to the Nile River, which benefitted them with its predictable flooding patterns. The Nile's floods deposited nutrient-rich soil that was favorable for agriculture and ensured a regular and controlled supply of water. This predictability allowed for surpluses in crops, which supported a growing population and the establishment of cities along the riverbanks, and contributed to a worldview of order and balance in Egyptian society.