The Geographical Distribution of Urban Centers on the Banks of the Bani Walid Valley and its Historical Relationship to Natural Features

Abstract

This type of study receives special attention for monitoring and tracking the shape and pattern of the geographical distribution of ancient urban centers that existed at some point on the banks of dry valleys, such as Wadi Bani Walid, which was targeted by this research, where residential neighborhoods were distributed on its banks, represented by (the tribes). This valley has long enjoyed agricultural importance resulting from its fertile soil, the abundance of its diverse trees, and its seasonal flow. The availability of its groundwater, represented by a group of old surface wells whose depth does not exceed 60 meters, in addition to cisterns that preserve rainwater, which of course helped to stabilize the population and establish urban centers (the tribes number 55). Hence, this research focuses on three main axes, trying to reveal the impact of the natural geographical factor on the pattern of this distribution, in which it will be sufficient to refer to two factors, namely:

1-      Water

2-      The nature of the valley, which are as follows:

-        The first axis: Introducing the city of Bani Walid (location).

-        The second axis: the pattern of geographical distribution of urban centers in the city.

-         Third axis: Natural factors affecting distribution (water, valley).