Which civilization is characterized by its strategic development on river valleys?

The Indus Valley civilization is characterized by its strategic development on river valleys, primarily the Indus River. This civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, utilized the fertile alluvial plains created by the river. The availability of water for irrigation, along with fertile soil, allowed for advanced agricultural practices, which in turn supported the growth of cities such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. These urban centers are known for their sophisticated urban planning, including grid layouts, drainage systems, and standardized fired bricks.

The reliance on river valleys for settlement is a common motif in various early civilizations, as these areas provided essential resources for agriculture and transportation. While Egyptian civilization is also centered around a river—the Nile—it is distinct in its geographic and cultural contexts. Similarly, the Yellow River civilization relies on the Yellow River, but the specific identification of the Indus Valley civilization and its achievements in urban development distinctly highlights its advanced planning and social organization centered on river resources. Mesoamerican civilizations had varied environments and did not exclusively develop along river valleys, further differentiating them from the Indus Valley.