What is the role of natural factors in the development of early civilizations?

Nature played one of the most important roles in the formation of early civilizations. 1. Most of the first states arose on the banks of large rivers, it served them as a means of communication and help in irrigating lands (China, Egypt, Mesopotamia and others). 2. Most often, the population chose places with constant warm weather throughout the year (about +20 degrees). These two points allowed states to actively develop. But it was not always so. Scientist Toynbee created the challenge-response theory. When weather conditions forced states to adapt. For example, Assyria arose in an arid, mountainous zone, which led first to the development of trade, and with the deterioration of life, to a policy of conquest against neighbors. Or Ancient Greece, which had little territory and fresh water – this led to the development of trade and colonialist policies.