From your Guide, a quick look at the place about which they say history begins. Farras Abdelnour's account of the spread of Aramaic and the history of the Aramaic people from the Arabian peninsula to the Fertile Crescent. Maps and other illustrations. A very basic introduction, with comments on the agricultural revolution, urbanization, Sargon's world's first empire, and the reign of Assurbanipal. The Cradle of Civilization Short history of Mesopotamia, Hammurabi, and the Hanging Gardens.
Page continues with more modern history.
Mesopotamia Small map of the region with general timelines of Persia, Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria, article on the ziggurats, photo of clay tablet, and information on the gods. The ancient walled city, founded c 46000 BC, enclosed 334 acres. During its heyday as a religious center its population around 40,000. Recommended Reading on the Ancient Near East Reading guide about Ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, and Nubian people and cultures. Some selections for kids.