New research uncovers how ancient tides shaped the rise of Sumer. A newly released study questions established beliefs about how urban civilization first emerged in ancient Mesopotamia, proposing that ...

This is a companion volume and sequel to Early Mesopotamia and Iran: Contact and Conflict, c. 3500-1600 BC. "Funded by a gift from Raymond and Beverly Sackler." Published for the Trustees of the ...

The tablets were found within a thick layer of ash from an ancient fire, suggesting they survived a catastrophic event that destroyed part of the city. According to the announcement, the inscribed ...

From about 2,100 BC, Amorites from the desert began moving into Iraq from the west, and settling around the cities. In about 2,000 BC they contributed to the overthrow of the dominant Third Dynasty of ...

Landscape, climate, population -- The beginnings of sedentary life (ca. 10,000-4000 BCE) -- The first urban society and the use of writing (ca. 4000-3200 BCE) -- City-states and the way toward the ...

Wherever we are we leave traces of our lives. Sometimes they remain buried and undiscovered. Sometimes they leave evidence so compelling that it will affect the rest of the world forever. “Ancient ...

This 8th-century miniature, by the Spanish monk Beatus of Liébana, depicts the Bible story of Babylonian King Nebuchadrezzar eating grass as divine punishment. Photograph by Granger Collection/Age ...