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Rivers have played a huge part in the world since the beginning of time. They’re used to create fertile land for farming, they act as a source of drinking water for the communities that sit alongside them, and they can even be used as a place of worship in some religions. You might not have really thought about the importance of rivers before, but we have put together some of the greatest in the world for you to peruse.
Mississippi River
States like Arkansas and New Orleans often rely on the river to provide a source of drinking water, and even the earliest Native Americans relied on Mississippi to create arable farmland and provide their communities with food. A number of dams have also been constructed along the river to provide a source of hydroelectric power to some of the biggest cities in North America, so its importance does not look likely to diminish – even though the trade and shipping industries have largely disappeared.
The Danube River
The Danube is the longest river in the European Union and is the second-longest river on the European continent. It passes through some of the most beautiful and most important towns and cities in Eastern and Central Europe and is a staggering 1,780 miles long. It empties into the Black Sea but passes through nine countries before reaching this point, including Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine.
Some of the earliest cultures settled along the Danube, and the Ancient Greeks and Roman Empire both used the river for trade. It was this commerce that led to the formation of the stunning cities that are now situated along its banks, and possibly one of the best ways of absorbing the fascinating history and culture of the river and the places that depend on it is by booking a Danube River Cruise with an operator like Imagine Cruising.
Whether you want to take in the glorious, gothic architecture of Novi Sad or immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, you’ll be able to do this and so much more on a Danube River Cruise.
The Ganges
The Ganges has played an important role in the lives of Hindus for centuries, and it is often labelled as the most sacred river in the Hindu religion. Hindus from all walks of life make their way towards the Ganges to worship, pray and rid their bodies of sins.
The Yangtze River
The Yangtze is truly one of China’s greatest rivers. It is the third-longest river in the world and is by far the longest in Asia at a staggering 3,900 miles long. With such an expansive length, this river connects many Chinese communities, so it’s great for trade and commerce, as well as generating hydroelectric power and creating fertile farmland.
As well as playing a pivotal role in sustaining the lives of millions of people, the river is also home to a diverse range of animals. If you decide to take a trip here, you’ll be blown away by what is on offer. The river allows bamboo forests to grow – forests that are home to the beautiful giant panda. The Yangtze River Dolphin and the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle also call this vast river their home.
The Clyde
Scotland might not be the first country you think of when it comes to great rivers, but the Clyde certainly falls into this category. The river runs through Glasgow and is renowned for its shipbuilding trade.
It’s estimated that over the 19th and 20th centuries, over 30,000 ships were built on the Clyde. It might not be the most famous river in the world, but the Clyde has been essential to the Glaswegian communities for generations and boasts a huge cultural and historical significance.
River Thames
This is arguably one of the best-known rivers in the world. It flows right into the heart of London, and a number of iconic bridges adorn it along its route, including London Bridge and Tower Bridge. The river has long been used as an important English trade route and was vital in securing the prosperity of the Capital. It’s now one of London’s most recognisable locations.
Volga
At 2,294 miles long, the Volga is Europe’s longest river. It flows through some of Russia’s largest cities, including the capital, Moscow. It is seen as one of Russia’s most important rivers, and it played a key role in trade and commerce during Russia’s period of industrialisation and drains into the Caspian Sea.
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Source: pommietravels.com