Why are many capital cities in Europe built near rivers?

Answer 1

Easy access to water (a basis for life - be it drinking, bathing or irrigation for crops).

The rivers also provided an efficient (relatively fast and secure) way of transporting trade goods between different towns.

Answer 2

Rivers were the primary method of goods transport, making them ideal places to put cities. This way distant goods could come in and local goods could be swiftly and easily exported. Additionally, rivers are constant sources of freshwater that can be used to sustain human populations, irrigate fields, and satiate livestock.

Answer 3

Most European capitals are located on either rivers or the sea. This is because when they were formed in earlier times, they needed a quick and easy water source to sustain its population. It also allowed for easy trading.

Answer 4

To fish and trade goods in the important cities so that people that know that city can buy goods from the city.

Answer 5

For most of history, transportation and commerce have depended on shipping. The capitals were major cities because they could trade along the rivers, and via the rivers to the seas.

Answer 6

Most European capitals are located on rivers or the sea. This is because this allows for a source of water, as well as a source of trade.

Answer 7

Many European cities are built near water because water was an important avenue of commerce. It still is in many areas.