According to history, why is it almost all of the buildings/castles/seat of power built near or around a body of water?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Waterways were an essential travel route for trade not to mention source of drinking water for a large community.

anonymous · Answer

Water also helps to act as a defense against invasion, making it difficult for enemies to approach.

matthewrlee · Answer

According to history as record by what group? Poorly designed question. Your instructor should know better.

anonymous · Answer

When a defensible fortification is built around water it makes it a much more political valuable. Not only does it encourage economic trade but it also encourages the importation of foreign goods.

anonymous · Answer

This was called a mote. With a mote, the defending castle or kingdom was able to create a protective barrier to defend against invasions from other regions.