2. Early River Valleys

3. Early Civilizations
The earliest civilizations rose independently in the river valleys of:
Tigris and Euphrates in the Middle East (Mesopotamia)
Nile River in Egypt
Indus River In India
Huang He (Yellow) River in China

4. Reasons for Development in the River Valleys
Silt from flood waters kept the soil fertile
Animals flocked to rivers to drink and eat
Rivers provided a regular water supply
Provided a means for transporting goods and people

5. Rivers also posed problems that required societal organization
Ex.) controlling floods
Canals, dams,
This led to government