The Fertile Crescent was favorable for early settlements primarily due to access to water. The presence of major rivers like the Euphrates and Tigris provided essential resources for agriculture, enabling early civilizations to cultivate crops and sustain larger populations. Additionally, the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Nile River facilitated trade and movement, further enhancing the attractiveness of the region for settlement. While a warmer climate could also contribute to agricultural productivity, it is the access to water that was a critical factor for the development of civilizations in the Fertile Crescent. The mountain barriers, while providing some protection, were less significant compared to the abundant water resources available.
The map shows the Fertile Crescent.
A map of the Fertile Crescent. The Fertile Crescent begins at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, continues north and west following the Euphrates River and Tigris River, and narrows down the western coast of the Syrian Desert ending in Egypt. The Caspian Sea in north and east of the Fertile Crescent. The Mediterranean Sea is west of the Fertile Crescent. The Red Sea is south of the Fertile Crescent. The Persian Gulf is south and east of the Fertile Crescent. The Nile River is east of the Red Sea. The Jordan River is north of the Red Sea. The Zagros Mountains are north and east of the Persian Gulf.
Based on the map, why was the Fertile Crescent favorable for early settlements?
access to water
a warmer climate
the mountain barrier
1 answer
1 answer