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As astronomers investigate the galaxies, there is one substance in particular that they hope to find: water. Earth appears to be exceptional, not only because it supports life, but that it contains the combination of hydrogen and oxygen molecules that is vital for sustaining life. It comes as no surprise, therefore, to discover that every place that has revealed early life forms was then, or is now, close to water. Further, every early city, including many of those still surviving today, like London and Paris, are located on water, whether on a riverbank, or an ocean harbour.

Living next to water offers many advantages: it can be used for transport; it can offer protection from enemies; and it can provide food in the form of fish and birds. In many respects, however, fresh water offers even more support to humans, plants and animals than sea water. As well as the advantages mentioned above, it can be consumed, and used for domesticated animals and irrigation of crops.

It is extremely difficult to transport water, being a liquid and also being heavy. Living close to water is clearly advantageous. Living close to moving water is better yet: lakes can dry up, and the water become stale and polluted, while running water stays fresh and healthy.

So it is that we find that all the early civilisations that we know of, world-wide, are situated close to sources of running water - either in river valleys, or at river mouths. Due to the gravitational pull of the earth, water seeks its lowest level. So, not only are rivers found running along valleys (and indeed, as the years pass, they shape these valleys), but the bottom of a valley is generally damper than mountain peaks. As well as this, fertile soil tends to collect in river valleys, meaning that agriculture is more successful, and crops are more productive than those planted on stony, dry ground higher up. Another advantage is that rivers, over time, will shape a large, level river plain through a valley, making soil preparation and harvesting easier.

Being assured of water, and having the regular supply of water almost guarantee good crops and well-fed animals, provides a level of security for those settled in river valleys. Because less energy needs to be expended, and the certainty of food supply is more predictable, than a hunting-gathering way of life that entails constant migration, people who settled in river valleys were able to start devoting time and thought to other, higher matters. These included working

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