Final answer:
Antioch was protected by mountains and rivers, which served as natural barriers and supported the city's growth and control over trade routes, benefiting from its proximity to two major rivers. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical features that protected the city of Antioch were mountains and rivers. These natural barriers provided defenses against invasions and facilitated the control of trade routes. The topography of Mesopotamia, where Antioch is located, comprises vast deserts bordered by rugged mountain ranges.
The existence of rivers in this region supports early urban centers, and in Antioch's case, it was ideally situated between two major rivers, which were essential for the city's growth and protection. The correct option is A.