Why did early settlers establish communities near coasts, rivers, and lakes on the European Plain?

Following the retreat of glaciers in the postglacial period, early settlers on the European Plain established communities along seacoasts, rivers, and lakeshores primarily to support their way of life. During this era, before agriculture became widespread around 3000 BCE, these populations relied on hunting, fishing, and foraging for survival.1

These water-adjacent locations provided essential resources for these activities. Furthermore, throughout history, rivers have served as the most accessible means of circulation and transport for settlers, traders, and explorers. In later periods, the extensive system of rivers and canals on the European Plain became vital for the transport of bulk cargo, such as coal and iron ore, facilitating the development of industry and the growth of towns and cities.21