Why did people choose the banks of rivers and seas for settling?

The resettlement of people around the planet until the middle of the 19th century took place in the absence of rail, road and air transport, therefore, it was possible to move only by horse-drawn transport, on foot or by ships. The latter option was the most convenient for trade, since the ship made it possible to carry more cargo than a horse or carriage. This is still noticeable since the voyages of ancient Greek and Phoenician merchants.

Consequently, people settled along the banks of rivers and seas, since there were harbors for ships and trade routes could pass through them. Plus, the presence of a large river contributed to the development of agriculture. This can be seen in the example of the ancient Mesopotamia, as well as medieval Russia, through which the path from the Varangians to the Greeks passed and many cities appeared along it.