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Definition
Mari
Mari was a city-state located near the west bank of the Euphrates River in Northern Mesopotamia (now eastern Syria) during the Early Bronze Age and the Middle Bronze Age. One of the earliest known planned cities, Mari is believed to have...

Book Review
Uncovering the Culture of Ancient Mesopotamia (Archaeology and Ancient Cultures)
Uncovering the Culture of Ancient Mesopotamia by Alix Wood is a part of the Archaeology and Ancient Cultures series. It is designed for younger children aiming to pique their interest in and educate them about ancient cultures. The book...

Definition
Ancient Persian Art and Architecture
Persian art and architecture in the present day is associated with the nation of Iran and usually designated as beginning with the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE) but has an even longer history with its origins dating back to before the...

Article
Ancient Mesopotamian Ghost Spell
Medicine in ancient Mesopotamia was based on the belief that illness was caused by supernatural agencies and, although medicines were given and injuries treated, magical spells and incantations were also understood as effective. Among these...

Definition
Civilization
Civilization (from the Latin civis=citizen and civitas=city) is a term applied to any society which has developed a writing system, government, production of surplus food, division of labor, and urbanization. The term is difficult to define...

Definition
Hammurabi
Hammurabi (r. 1792-1750 BCE) was the sixth king of the Amorite First Dynasty of Babylon best known for his famous law code which served as the model for others, including the Mosaic Law of the Bible. He was the first ruler able to successfully...

Book Review
In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia
In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia by Tate Paulette offers a straightforward introduction to its subject matter. It provides a comprehensive insight into the ancient practice of Mesopotamian beer-making. Each...

Definition
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was a cultural and political entity which flourished in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent between c. 7000 - c. 600 BCE. Its modern name derives from its location in the valley of the Indus River...

Book Review
Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia
Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia by Professor Stephen Bertman is an indispensable treasure for anyone interested in the history of the Near East. The book is formatted for easy reference of topics ranging from the Geography of Mesopotamia...

Book Review
The Looting of the Iraq Museum, Baghdad: The Lost Legacy of Ancient Mesopotamia
In April of 2003, the Iraq Museum in Baghdad was looted of over fifteen thousand priceless artifacts. In only two days, from the 10th to the 12th of April, historical artifacts from ancient Sumerian cities like Uruk, Ur, and Eridu, as well...