Videos

In this third segment from Dr. David Neiman's lecture series, he describes how humans first developed the concept of the written word in Mesopotamia.

In the fourth part of his lecture, Dr. Neiman explains that writing is invented in the Mesopotamian region of Sumer. He describes that once a writing style is developed, literature flourishes. He then describes the first (probably) literary...

In the fifth part of his lecture, Dr. Neiman explains that as the writing system developed, the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations start describing their world. The autobiography of the Akkadian King Sargon of Akkad is recounted.

Cham dance or the dance of Buddhist Lamas wearing elaborate masks is a treat to watch. This video was shot at Gustor Festival of Spituk Monastery located near Leh in Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Buddhist Cham Dance is a ritual dance...

This video provides an overview of Mesopotamian civilization, specifically in the region of Sumer and its city-states. It is narrated by a young Sumerian girl training to be a scribe in the format of a journal.

A brief introduction to the concept of irrigation and how it helped aid growth and development in Mesopotamia.

This video describes the intricate system of writing in cuneiform script, the first written composition ("The Epic of Gilgamesh"), and the role of scribes in Mesopotamia. Courtesy of Discovery Education

This video is a slideshow of pictures of various artifacts and artworks that detail the visage of ancient Near Eastern women, most of which are royalty. Locations include: Mesopotamia (Sumer and Akkad), Arabia, Phoenicia (Lebanon) and Elam...

This video is a historical simulation of a Mesopotamian city-state. This must be a very early representation as there is not formal Ziggurat.

This is the second video in a series of six which describes the many contributions of the Mesopotamians and various aspects of their civilization.