# Mediterranean Civilisation Pattern

## Definition

The historical pattern of early economic development that occurred around the Mediterranean Sea due to its favourable geography for navigation and trade. This pattern demonstrates how natural advantages in transportation create conditions for early specialisation, industry, and civilisation.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 3

## Context

Smith identifies the Mediterranean region as the first area of civilisation, attributing this to the sea's smoothness, numerous islands, and proximity of neighbouring shores, which made navigation accessible even to early peoples without compasses or advanced ship-building.

## Economic Domain

General Theory

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