Final answer:
The earliest civilizations relied on physical features such as large rivers, which provided water for irrigation, fertile land, and transportation. Rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile were crucial for the growth of these societies, leading to the development of complex social structures and governance systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest civilizations relied heavily upon physical features such as large rivers. Geographical locations like the 'Fertile Crescent' and the Nile River Valley were pivotal in the establishment of these early societies. Rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, and Nile provided essential resources such as water for irrigation, fertile land for agriculture, and a means for transportation, which were conducive to the settlement and growth of civilizations. The ample supply of water led to abundant food production, which supported larger populations and the development of complex societies with specialized occupations, such as farmers, soldiers, and merchants.
Additionally, the criteria that distinguish a civilization include urban development or cities, distinct social structure, a form of government, and often, the advent of writing systems. The construction of monumental structures like temples, palaces, and the development of trade routes were also hallmarks of these early civilizations. The need to manage the natural resource of water, particularly for purposes like irrigation in unpredictable flooding regions, might have been one of the drivers behind the formation of governance and urban settlements.