These places built their lives around these areas in order to help their society survive. Without the large amount of rivers and mountains, these civilizations would not have survived. Protection, food, water and trade are just some of the things that have been ensured due to the geography of the areas. Some of these places were considered religious guides that formed some of the religions we have today. Societies would not have survived without these characteristics. We don't know where our world would be if they didn't have these elements..