The persistence of river patterns: a comparative analysis between the potamian civilizations and the development of the state of Tocantins

This article draws a parallel between the life of civilizations during the Potamian era and the territory of the state of Tocantins (Brazil) in the present day. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted (on Scielo and CAPES Periodicals) covering the timespan of 2020 and 2025 to ascertain similarities, differences of the habitation in space; in patterns of organization by forms, in the relationships of socioeconomic organization, as well as relationships with water resources. The research points out, although with different timings and technologies, structural similarities such as the concentration of the developmental process around the river axis and the designation of water resource use for social and economic survival. The article defends that the comparative historical analyses can provide valuable, significant contributions into regional policy planning and sustainable management of water resources.