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Early Hearths

Definition

Early hearths refer to regions where civilization first began; these areas were typically near rivers which provided fertile soil, water, and a means of transportation.

Analogy

Think of early hearths as the original "startup hubs" - like Silicon Valley for tech companies today. These were places where conditions were just right for new ideas (in this case, civilization) to take root and flourish.

Related terms

Cradle of Civilization: This term refers to areas where human civilization is understood to have emerged.

River Valley Civilizations: The earliest civilizations that appeared around rivers due to the fertile land they provide.

Agricultural Density: The ratio of the number of farmers to the amount of arable land; a higher agricultural density suggests that the available agricultural land is being used by more individuals.

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.