The map shows the Fertile Crescent. A map of the Fertile Crescent. The Fertile Crescent begins at the northern end of the Persian Gulf, continues north and west following the Euphrates River and Tigris River, and narrows down the western coast of the Syrian Desert ending in Egypt. The Caspian Sea in north and east of the Fertile Crescent. The Mediterranean Sea is west of the Fertile Crescent. The Red Sea is south of the Fertile Crescent. The Persian Gulf is south and east of the Fertile Crescent. The Nile River is east of the Red Sea. The Jordan River is north of the Red Sea. The Zagros Mountains are north and east of the Persian Gulf.

Based on the map, why was the Fertile Crescent favorable for early settlements?

access to water
more fertile soil
a warmer climate
the mountain barrier