Ancient settled economies based on fertile lands, irrigated by river systems, gave rise to social structures that were highly centralized, and hierarchical. Gradually these agrarian cultures developed systems of commerce whose focus was newly emerging cities. Kingdoms extended rule over surrounding scattered communities on the fringes of established empires.
These empires evolved systems of communication, which incorporated ancient nomadic routes that linked cultures within a larger all embracing unity. This unity became civilizations, which were increasingly defined in terms of Religions with distinctive myths and images .
Trade routes function in several ways. Originally the way migrant peoples crossed the landscape, these routes were travelled by pilgrims, helping in the process of regional integration. They were also the way conquering armies extended their sphere of influence.
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