The Pyrenees Mountains, Massif Centrale, the Appenines, the Carpathians, and the Alps are just a few examples of the various mountain ranges which provide advantages an disadvantages for the people living near them during the Middle Ages. Rivers were also beneficial for the people of the Middle Ages.
All of the mountain ranges during the Middle Ages provided safety for the people which lived near them. Invaders and barbarians would have a very difficult time crossing these massive mountain ranges. However, if it was hard for the invaders to get in, it would be hard for the inhabitants to get out. Besides safety, many mountain ranges house animal species such as brown bears, lynx, and wolves as well as many plant species. This creates a thriving environment for the people. Rivers are a source of water for the inhabitants near the rivers, and creates a source of food for the people because of the fish and animals who live there. Also, depending on how deep and far across the river was, it could act as an impenetrable barrier for opposing enemies. However, there are disadvantages to living near the rivers too. If there were heavy rainstorms, peoples homes may be flooded. If invaders had boats or rafts, rivers would create an easy way to overcome the river. As you can see, the mountains and rivers of Europe prove their advantages and disadvantages in many ways.