The first civilizations came about in river valleys which provided a constant source of water for crops. Irrigation works were often needed which required leadership perhaps leading to the creation of the first states. In addition rivers facilitated travel helping a common culture spread along its banks. The four river valley civilizations were the worlds first and each shared many common characteristics. The four river valley civilizations: China(along the Yellow River aka. Huáng Hé) Indus Valley(Along the Indus River) Mesopotamia (Along the Tigris and Euphrates river) Egypt(Along the Nile)