Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, July 29, 2026
The establishment of early human civilizations was heavily influenced by proximity to water bodies, not just for agriculture but also for transportation. Water transportation was significantly cheaper than land transport before the industrial age, leading to the development of cities and commercial centers along rivers and coasts.
“When the first human civilizations arose, almost all of them were established on river banks or long coasts.”
“However, these locations near the water also had another significant advantage: easy transportation and shipping.”
“Before the industrial age, transportation was governed by one overwhelming economic reality. Water transportation was far, far cheaper than land transportation.”
“A ship or river barge could carry a load that would require hundreds of pack animals and dozens of wagons.”