Ancient West Asia

c. 8000 BCE to 711 CE

Ancient Middle Eastern relief carving depicting four human figures, with the central figure seated, holding a lion, flanked by two standing figures and one partially visible figure on the right, all stylized with detailed facial features and attire, set on a background decorated with geometric patterns.

Sometimes also called the Ancient Near East, Ancient West Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations

What is Ancient West Asia?

Ancient West Asia includes modern-day Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria, the eastern Mediterranean coast, Yemen, and parts of Central Asia. The period spans from the 8th millennium BCE to the rise of Islam in the 7th century CE.

The Basics

Mesopotamia

What is Mesopotamia?

The region in southwestern Asia where the world's earliest civilization developed. Centered between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Its footprint is primarily present-day Iraq, and it also includes parts of Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Kuwait.

Sumer

Located in southern Mesopotamia, Sumer was home to one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations

VIDEO: What is cuneiform? | Early writing

VIDEO: What is a votive? | Standing Male Worshipper, a Sumerian Votive Figurine

Important terms and concepts

Mesopotamia

Ancient Near East

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

votive

cylinder seal

Sumer

cuneiform

Medieval West Asia

Learn more about West Asia from c. 711–1500 CE

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