'Sup with empires in the desert?

[LightSpectra]

Egypt, Persia, Arabia, etc. have all had extremely prosperous empires... in the desert. Maybe I'm thinking too much in modern civilization, but how exactly did they become so powerful in such a barren terrain? Shouldn't a South African, European or West Asian climate have been superior in every way?

Edit: Actually, this topic would probably be more appropriate on World History.

 

[civverguy]

A South African, European or West Asian society are superior today. I think if you're referring to the ancient times, Egypt Persia, and Arabia civilizations had lot of trade and power from conquests so they were powerful.

 

[Aramazd]

Persia wasn't in the desert, and the major centers of population in Egypt were on the Nile, not in the desert. There has never been an empire in the middle of a desert. As stated above, those civs were on major trade routes, and controlled trade.

 

[Macha]

Also, they only controlled a lot of desert they weren't based in it. They were near nile etc. as said above, and less people in desert = usually easier to conquer

 

[Maniacal]

However, do note that these empries fell to European and other epoples. persia has had a LOT of different people's tramp through there. Same with Russia and eastern Europe.

 

[Macha]

However, do note that these empries fell to European and other epoples. persia has had a LOT of different people's tramp through there. Same with Russia and eastern Europe.

Russia and eastern europe aren't desert countries.

 

[Maniacal]

Russia and eastern europe aren't desert countries.

I know, but they had a LOT of people tramping through.