Port

Many ancient civilisations relied on naval power, both mercantile and military, to maintain their empires. At its height, the Seleucid Empire reached the Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea, and the Mediterranean, where its trade influence spread into the Black Sea beyond. Closer to home, fish were a vital food resource for many cultures, supplementing agriculture especially in arid coastal regions. In comparison to the dangers of drought and flood that could destroy crops, fish were a resource that could be relied upon whatever the weather.