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Waterways of the World
For Centuries water has been the means of travel, trading,
and communication throughout the civilized world. The great
seas, rivers and more recently canals have opened up trading
and communications all over the world. These waterways have
had far reaching effects on our civilization and lifestyle.
It makes us stop to think about the various ways our
waterways have affected life through the ages and how we use
them today.
Trading routes:
From ancient times sea routes were used for trade between
coastal communities and countries. Small communities
developed into thriving ports that were the key points of
trade and commerce. Ships loaded with goods and treasures of
all sorts used these routes to import and export to
different countries. Small countries became rich and
important due to their strategic positions in the trading
areas of the world.
Spread of civilization and cultures:
With the trade of goods, ideas also spread throughout the
known world. This led to the exchange of ideas and cultures
that shaped our civilization, and molded it into the
lifestyle we know today. Religions, the arts and education
are but 3 of the many influences trading had on the worlds
way of life.
Imperial dominance with navel superiority:
Many civilizations have risen to power by their seafaring
prowess and expanded into powerful civilizations. They have
used their command of the waterways to dominate commerce and
the trading routes. Great wealth and power were obtained by
this means, allowing them to create empires, like the Greek
and British Empires.
How are the waterways of the world used today?
Trading routes are still used for commerce and travel.
Despite the advent of air transport the great waterways and
trading routes are still used for commerce. Our ships have
become more sophisticated and efficient over the years,
making the trading routes of the world even more important.
Not only the seas but rivers are used as a valuable method
of commercial transport. An example would be the transport
of logs in the lumber industry, and barges that carry goods
from city to city, using the major rivers of the world.
Canals (man made waterways) have opened up even more trade
and communication routes. This has led to increases in water
commerce, and spread of cultures.
This is yet another way that water affects our lives and has
a far-reaching effect on the shaping of civilization, as we
know it. We owe it to our progress and ourselves as human
beings to be aware, and look after the valuable waterways of
the world.
Article written by Richard Deddy
Ric has had a full time business on the internet for over
six years. He is the owner and webmaster of
www.A1-Water-Distiller.com and http://www.HotGiftsandGags.com
He is the author of "The Changing Face of Civilization-Water
Quality and Your Life" and other articles. He is the
publisher of the A-W-D health newsletter.
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