What were the major ancient cities and ports that dealt with heavy trade

The rivers and canals of Babylon gave merchants and traders easyaccess to trade transport by means of water. In early times, theBabylonians could build ships, and even navigate them from Eridu toDilmum. Caravans of asses or donkeys also carried exports into Elamand to other countries east of the Tigris, and north into Armeniaand Syria. To the west, the caravans headed towards southernArabia, Egypt, and Sinai. The reason why Babylon became such atrade city was because of its convenient positioning on theEuphrates River. The Euphrates was the route by which the productsof India and Arabia found their way to Europe and the islands ofthe Mediterranean.