Civilizations Quote by Norman F. Cantor
““The availability of irrigation systems to water the land and produce grain and other food crops was the material foundation for these two great river-valley societies, Egypt and Iraq. They were hydraulic despotisms, in which a small ruling class, with the aid of soldiers and priests, commanded the material resources that gave sustenance to these civilizations and allowed them to build cities, palaces, and tombs.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers”, 1994
Control of water resources created centralized power in ancient river societies.
In simple terms: Water control enabled elite dominance.
Recognize resource control as a power source.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban planning
- agriculture
- environmental policy
- infrastructure development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does water scarcity affect modern politics?
- What safeguards prevent resource‑based tyranny?
Modern societies may face similar water‑resource conflicts.