Ancient West Asia
c. 8000 BCE to 711 CE
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 comprises 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
Important terms and concepts
Mesopotamia
Ancient Near East
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
votive
cylinder seal
Sumer
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