People started to live near rivers for several reasons:

1. Water source: Rivers provide a consistent and reliable source of water for drinking, cooking, and irrigation. This was especially important in areas with limited rainfall or unreliable water sources.

2. Transportation and trade: Rivers served as natural highways, allowing people to easily transport goods and travel between different locations. Living near a river provided access to trade routes and facilitated economic activities.

3. Fertile soil: Rivers deposit sediment along their banks, creating fertile soil that is ideal for agriculture. People settled near rivers to take advantage of the nutrient-rich soil, which allowed for the cultivation of crops and the development of agriculture-based societies.

4. Fishing: Rivers are often home to a variety of fish and other aquatic animals. Living near a river provided communities with a consistent food source, making it easier to sustain themselves.

5. Defense: Rivers can act as natural barriers, providing a certain level of protection from potential invaders. The presence of a river made it more difficult for enemies to attack, thus making it a strategic location for settlement.

In summary, people started to live near rivers because they provided water, transportation, fertile soil, food, and defense advantages.

People started to live near the river because the land near the river was fertile and suitable for agriculture also it has good supply of water for essential life.