The Mountain and River System

Abstract

This chapter examines the role of mountain systems and river systems in establishing and transgressing boundaries. On the one hand, Renan’s claim that “mountains separate but rivers unify” is examined in terms of the separating power of the Alps and Pyrenees and the unifying tendencies of the Rivers Lech and Danube. In addition, the Balkans appear as a separating mountain system which includes unifying rivers. On the other hand, Renan’s claim is problematized by such separating rivers as the Araxes and Rubicon, and mountain systems such as the Urals which were discontinuous. The chapter also examines the Wake’s account of how the tendency of rivers to flood or change course was also countered by the building of embankments and catchment basins. Finally, the chapter concludes with an account of how map-making superseded the natural boundaries of rivers and mountains in the establishment of nations.