Mesopotamia translates to "the land between two rivers" - the tigris and the euphrates. why was this location crucial to the development of a civilization? a: the rich soil and the proximity to fresh water created a natural area for crop irrigation. b: the nomadic tribes settled in the area after migrating from africa. c: the egyptians had left structures the mesopotamians could use for housing. d: they were close to the ocean which provided an abundant food source.