Why did many civilizations and empires develop in or around Mediterranean Sea?

Why did many civilizations and empires develop in or around Mediterranean Sea?

Many of the ancient civilizations to first develop around the Mediterranean region relied heavily on rivers, and sailing became an immediately important technology. By as early as the third millennium BCE, ancient sailors were using well-established sea routes to trade with cultures all around the Mediterranean Sea.

Why did the Roman Empire surround the Mediterranean sea?

Rome had several trade routes throughout the Mediterranean Sea and established trade with other civilizations throughout the Eastern Hemisphere. Later, the Roman armies used these same routes to conquer large amounts of territory and expand the empire along the Mediterranean.

Why is Mediterranean Sea so special?

Unlike other extremely large bodies of water, the Mediterranean Sea has very limited tides. This is due to the area being almost entirely landlocked and only being connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. Its name means “Center of the Earth”.

Why was the Mediterranean sea Important during ancient times?

From ancient times the Mediterranean Sea served as a great highway, linking the lands around its shores. It played an important role in the Roman Empire, in the rise of Italy’s maritime* cities, and in the expansion of the Islamic world across northern Africa to Spain.

What empire surrounded the Mediterranean sea and Black sea?

At its greatest extent, the Byzantine Empire covered much of the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including what is now Italy, Greece, and Turkey along with portions of North Africa and the Middle East.

What were two major empires that controlled land surrounding the Mediterranean sea?

In the 2nd millennium, the eastern coastlines of the Mediterranean are dominated by the Hittite and Egyptian empires, competing for control over the city states in the Levant (Canaan).

What is the Mediterranean known for?

As for the Mediterranean Sea, its clear blue waters are famous throughout the world. It harbours a tremendous diversity of marine organisms, many of which are endemic to the region. It is estimated that the Mediterranean contains 8–9 \% of all the world’s marine creatures.