"Today, Mesopotamia occupies modern Iraq."
Study the rise and fall of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. Learn about their political, social, and cultural practices.
Geography of Mesopotamia: The location, climate, and topography of the region that encompasses parts of modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria.
Early civilizations of Mesopotamia: A description of the first important civilizations that arose in the region, such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.
Social classes in Mesopotamia: Details of the social hierarchy that existed in Mesopotamian societies, including the ranking of kings, priests, soldiers, and artisans.
Religion in Mesopotamia: The different gods and goddesses worshiped by the Mesopotamian people, and the importance of religion in their lives.
Agriculture in Mesopotamia: The agricultural techniques used by the Mesopotamians, including irrigation systems, crops, and farming practices.
Trade in Mesopotamia: The role of trade in Mesopotamian societies, including the development of a system of international trade between Mesopotamia and other civilizations.
Technology and innovations in Mesopotamia: The development of important Mesopotamian technologies and inventions such as writing, the wheel, and the plow.
Art, architecture, and culture in Mesopotamia: The distinctive style of Mesopotamian art, the architecture of their temples and cities, and their literature and music.
Warfare and conflicts in Mesopotamia: The various wars and conflicts that occurred in Mesopotamian history and the role played by military leaders and tactics.
Decline and fall of Mesopotamian civilizations: The reasons for the decline of important Mesopotamian civilizations and the eventual conquest of the region by foreign powers.
Sumerian Civilization: It was the first civilization that developed in Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. It had a complex social hierarchy, a system of writing, and a sophisticated system of irrigation.
Akkadian Civilization: It was the first empire in Mesopotamia, ruled by Sargon of Akkad. The Akkadian empire expanded rapidly, conquering Sumer and other neighboring regions.
Babylonian Civilization: It was the second major civilization in Mesopotamia, characterized by the rule of Hammurabi, who established a code of law that became the basis for many legal systems throughout history.
Assyrian Civilization: It was a fierce and militant civilization that emerged in Mesopotamia around 2000 BCE. The Assyrians were skilled warriors who made use of advanced weapons and tactics to conquer neighboring territories.
Chaldean Civilization: It was a Babylonian offshoot that was founded by King Nebuchadnezzar II. The Chaldeans introduced new advances in astronomy and astrology, and were known for their impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Elamite Civilization: It was one of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, situated in modern-day Iran. The Elamites had a complex system of trade and commerce, and were known for their metalworking skills.
Kassite Civilization: It was a civilization that flourished in Mesopotamia from around 1500 to 1155 BCE. The Kassites were skilled horse riders and were known for their expertise in metallurgy.
Urartian Civilization: It was a civilization that existed in modern-day Armenia and eastern Turkey, known for their impressive fortresses and sophisticated metalworking skills.
Gutian Civilization: It was a short-lived civilization that existed in Mesopotamia during the 22nd century BCE. The Gutians were known for their brutal and oppressive rule.
Mitanni Civilization: It was a civilization that emerged around 1500 BCE in northern Mesopotamia. The Mitanni were known for their advanced chariot technology and their diplomatic alliances with neighboring powers.
"The historical region included present-day Iraq and parts of present-day Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey."
"The Sumerians and Akkadians (including Assyrians and Babylonians), each originating from different areas, dominated Mesopotamia from the beginning of recorded history (c. 3100 BC) to the fall of Babylon in 539 BC."
"It was conquered by the Achaemenid Empire."
"Mesopotamia was next conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and after his death, it became part of the Greek Seleucid Empire."
"It has been identified as having 'inspired some of the most important developments in human history, including the invention of the wheel, the planting of the first cereal crops, and the development of cursive script, mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture'."
"Around 150 BC, Mesopotamia was under the control of the Parthian Empire."
"It became a battleground between the Romans and Parthians, with western parts of the region coming under ephemeral Roman control."
"In 226 AD, the eastern regions of Mesopotamia fell to the Sassanid Persians."
"The division of the region between the Roman (Byzantine Empire from 395 AD) and Sassanid Empires lasted until the 7th century Muslim conquest of Persia."
"A number of primarily neo-Assyrian and Christian native Mesopotamian states existed between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, including Adiabene, Osroene, and Hatra."
"the development of cursive script"
"the Greek Seleucid Empire"
"The Sumerians"
"the fall of Babylon in 539 BC"
"from around 10,000 BC"
"The Roman Empire"
"modern Iraq"
"The Byzantine Empire from 395 AD"
"mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture"