Like so much of their Empire, the Babylonians controlled the Euphrates River, by 1792 BCE. The Euphrates river was very important to the Babylonians because it acted as a lifeline, providing them crops and water. It was also very important for trade and transporting things. Canals and waterways were dug out for plumbing and drinking. The workers often had to dredge the canals so they would not become clogged. The Euphrates river played a big role in the growing of the Empire.