Advanced Placement (AP) World History Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP World History Practice Questions and Study Guide

A predictable supply of water is the most important factor determining a favorable location for a village to evolve into a city because access to fresh water is essential for sustaining a larger population. Water is crucial for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation, which are all key elements in the growth and maintenance of urban centers. Cities need reliable agricultural production to support their inhabitants, and irrigation from nearby water sources can lead to more abundant food supplies, enabling a populace to grow and settle permanently.

While the other options may provide benefits, they do not match the fundamental necessity that water supplies offer. Mountains could provide protection but do not guarantee the resources essential for survival. A plentiful supply of clay might support craft production but is secondary to basic survival needs. Hunting can offer food but is not as reliable as cultivated agriculture reliant on consistent water sources. Thus, the predictability and availability of water make it a central element in the development of urbanization.