This map shows the location of ancient river valley civilizations during the New Stone Age.
In this module, you will learn about those in Africa and western Asia.
If you have ever traveled by air, you likely know that in order to reach your destination, you have to take a flight through a major city. Because such large cities are important arrival and departure points for many people, a lot of products and ideas flow through them. In the same vein, major ocean voyages begin in locations that have ports and harbors on a body of water. In the previous module, you discovered how the presence of a water source was instrumental to the development of Neolithic communities. In this module, you will explore how rivers and river valleys helped influential ancient civilizations thrive. By examining the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and the Hebrews, Phoenicians, Nubians, and Lydians, you will compare and contrast their social, political, economic, and religious patterns.
Location plays an important role in the development of civilizations. In this interactivity, you will familiarize yourself with the geography of ancient river valley regions that are featured in this module. Click the player button to get started.
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the