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Is the Euphrates River Drying Up?

Is the Euphrates River drying up? Learn the history and significance of this cradle of civilization, why it is in decline, and the wildlife affected by it.

By Sara Novak
Feb 8, 2024 7:00 PM
 Boats on dried cracked earth of the Euphrates River. Euphrates river drying up
(Credit: John Wreford/Shutterstock)

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The Euphrates River has been one of the most important rivers throughout human history. Along with the Tigris River, it makes up the cradle of civilization, known as the Fertile Crescent. The river was critical to the development of some of the world’s first agricultural societies like the Sumerians and the Mesopotamians. In the Bible, the Euphrates was even mentioned as one of the four rivers that served the Garden of Eden.

But now, in the face of global climate change and human impact, the river is under threat, presenting conflict in an already white-hot part of the world.

Where Is the Euphrates River?

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