At the dawn of human development, the natural environment was probably the most important factor influencing the structure and organization of ancient civilizations. People could not yet subdue nature at that time, so they relied on it and respected it. Water is the basis of life, so the settlements of such famous giants of antiquity as Egypt and Mesopotamia were built respectively on the majestic Nile River and in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates. Egypt would have been uninhabitable without the Nile carrying its waters for thousands of kilometers. The Egyptians knew how to build irrigation structures around the river’s fertile grasslands, providing food and supplies. They also grew technical crops, such as flax for clothing and the famous papyrus. Learning how to process papyrus gave a huge boost to ancient writing. Without more modern technology, the river was also the main means of communication. In Egyptian letters, the journey was indicated by the image of a bamboo boat. Based on the above, I can confidently state that the Nile influenced the culture, technology, and standard of living of the ancient Egyptians.
In the case of Mesopotamia, the influence of rivers on the lives of its inhabitants is no less obvious. Even the name of the country meant “land between rivers,” as fertile alluvial soils formed in the valley and were cultivated by irrigation structures. The region lacked stone and wood, but the delivery of these materials to Mesopotamia became accessible because of deep navigable rivers. The Tigris and Euphrates proved to be convenient waterways, linking the Persian Gulf region with Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Its geographical position and natural conditions allowed the valley to become a center of attraction for people and an area of trade development. The river culture also played an important role in religion. One of the central figures in the Sumerian pantheon was the water god Ea, who, according to the valley’s inhabitants, was the creator of the first humans on Earth. In conclusion, I am certain that water is the basis of life, influencing all aspects of life, from the daily diet to communication between people. Its influence on the civilizations of the Daytime World is difficult to overestimate.