Final answer:
Early civilizations formed near rivers, developing advanced irrigation systems and governance structures. This allowed for the rise of specialized labor, trade, and cities, as rivers facilitated commerce and sustained agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early civilizations often arose near rivers which were crucial for agriculture and trade. The necessity for complex irrigation systems to manage the unpredictable flooding of rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates led to a high degree of coordination among communities. This need for organization and management of water resources likely contributed to the development of early forms of governance and laid the groundwork for the specialized labor, trade, and urban centers that characterized early civilizations.
Cities emerged as hubs of trade and specialization, resulting in an intricate system of exchange where individuals relied on each other for goods and services. The rise of such societies was rooted in an agricultural surplus that fueled population growth and allowed people to focus on various specialized tasks beyond mere subsistence farming.
Rivers and coasts provided navigable waterways that facilitated trade and urban growth. Break-of-bulk points where rivers met the sea or where navigation was interrupted became attractive spots for cities to develop, stimulating commerce and further specialization.