History of Mesopotamia
I have created this page to work in conjunction with my other sites devoted to the history of ancient world civilizations. History is the key to understanding the present. How did we get here? How did cultures develop and change and spread?
In this, Part One of my Introduction to Ancient History series, we will look at the cultures of Mesopotamia, also known as the Cradle of Civilization.
Mesopotamia, which covered the region now occupied by Iran, was the place where man learned how to irrigate for greater crop yield, developed written language, began firing potter, invented the wheel...and much more.
The videos featured here were imported from YouTube, and are just a few of the many informative documentaries available on the subject.
I have also provided links to external websites you may wish to reference, as well as to reading and further viewing materials on the subject.
Whether you are a serious student of ancient history or simply curious to learn more about mankind's past, I hope this series will be useful.
In this, Part One of my Introduction to Ancient History series, we will look at the cultures of Mesopotamia, also known as the Cradle of Civilization.
Mesopotamia, which covered the region now occupied by Iran, was the place where man learned how to irrigate for greater crop yield, developed written language, began firing potter, invented the wheel...and much more.
The videos featured here were imported from YouTube, and are just a few of the many informative documentaries available on the subject.
I have also provided links to external websites you may wish to reference, as well as to reading and further viewing materials on the subject.
Whether you are a serious student of ancient history or simply curious to learn more about mankind's past, I hope this series will be useful.
Ancient Mesopotamia- Part One
A ten minute documentary exploring the geography of Mesopotamia and the beginnings of culture there.
There is an approximately 2 minute interview segment entirely in French for which no translation is offered. With my rudimentary French skills I was able to determine that the man is explaining the landscape of the region and the discovery of these cultures which had previously been unknown and which had great influence on Greece and Rome.
Another important thing to bear in mind while watching is that this video was filmed prior to the first Gulf War.
There is an approximately 2 minute interview segment entirely in French for which no translation is offered. With my rudimentary French skills I was able to determine that the man is explaining the landscape of the region and the discovery of these cultures which had previously been unknown and which had great influence on Greece and Rome.
Another important thing to bear in mind while watching is that this video was filmed prior to the first Gulf War.
Mesopotamia Part Two
In this segment we explore how the early peoples of the region developed agriculture and transitioned from migrant hunter gatherers to sedentary farmers who could stockpile grain for future use. (Again, a 90 second interview in french, basically describing the information given above).
Looks at the developement of irrigation, written language, and the wheel and explores the architecture of early villages remarkably similar to those of recent history's marsh Arabs.
Concludes with the introduction of Ur, shown in vividly animated reconstruction.
Looks at the developement of irrigation, written language, and the wheel and explores the architecture of early villages remarkably similar to those of recent history's marsh Arabs.
Concludes with the introduction of Ur, shown in vividly animated reconstruction.
Life in Ur- Part Three
This segment picks up in the reconstructed model of Ur, describing its make-up and way of life. The discovery of the "standard of Ur" and how it led to our knowledge of everyday life in this ancient city, which is described in depth, again with dramatic animation and architectural models.
We are introduced to some artifacts, including gold and lapis (which the Sumerians loved), and information about early trade routes.
We are introduced to some artifacts, including gold and lapis (which the Sumerians loved), and information about early trade routes.
Did You Know?
Facts About Ancient Mesopotamia
*The wheel was invented in Mesopotamia. It developed from the pottery wheel.
*The Mesopotamians were the first to produce fired painted pottery.
*Irrigation was developed in Mesopotamia.
*The Great Flood appears in early Mesopotamian mythology.
*Sumerians traded with people as far away as eastern Afghanistan.
*The coastline in ancient times was located beside the site of Ur, many miles from its current location.
*The Mesopotamians were the first to produce fired painted pottery.
*Irrigation was developed in Mesopotamia.
*The Great Flood appears in early Mesopotamian mythology.
*Sumerians traded with people as far away as eastern Afghanistan.
*The coastline in ancient times was located beside the site of Ur, many miles from its current location.
Part Four- Laws and Legends
Take a look at Hammurabi's Code, the first written legal and human rights document. Briefly explore trade with surrounding regions. Hear the earliest accounts of the Deluge, also known as The Great Flood. The French commentary describes how the flood story of Christianity seems to come directly from this myth.
The segment concludes with a very basic introduction to Mesopotamian gods and goddesses.
The segment concludes with a very basic introduction to Mesopotamian gods and goddesses.
Part Five- Mesopotamian Myths
Opens with a French commentary on how we know, through myths, that the Mesopotamians had a sense of the divine as being present in everyday life, and how man's role was as servants to the gods.
Offers a description of temple life and religious beliefs and rituals. Introduces "The Epic of Gilgamesh", then proceeds to describe the gradual fall of the empire due to crop failure and other factors.
The final French commentary describes the transference of Sumeria's knowledge to the cultures of ancient Greece and Persia, therefore declaring it did not die, but rather was transformed.
Offers a description of temple life and religious beliefs and rituals. Introduces "The Epic of Gilgamesh", then proceeds to describe the gradual fall of the empire due to crop failure and other factors.
The final French commentary describes the transference of Sumeria's knowledge to the cultures of ancient Greece and Persia, therefore declaring it did not die, but rather was transformed.
Part Six-Conclusion
A brief, 75 second clip which recaps the end of the Sumerian empire.
History of Mesopotamia Reading materials
A sampling of the reading and reference materials available which explore this fascinating culture and era in depth, from daily life to religious beliefs to the development of writing.
For Younger Readers
These books are a great way to introduce your children aged 4-12 to the history of Mesopotamia!
Mesopotamia- Supplemental Video
For those who, like me, can't seem to get enough perspectives on these ancient civilizations!
This is another ten minute clip, released in 1976.
This is another ten minute clip, released in 1976.
The View from Mesopotamia Today
Today, this land where ancient cultures flourished is occupied by the military forces of various modern countries.
It seems Mesopotamia is doomed to be forever embroiled in conflict.
It seems Mesopotamia is doomed to be forever embroiled in conflict.
Don't Miss My Ancient Sumeria Page
For more readings on the history and culture of the region, please visit:
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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JoyfulPamela
Aug 6, 2011 @ 12:47 pm | delete
- Very cool! Looking forward to viewing all of the videos in the near future. :)
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archaeology
Jul 13, 2010 @ 4:25 am | delete
- I found a great informative post for this "Ancient History". I am very impressive from this article post. Great Job very nice present information. I like very much this "Ancient History". I have more interest in archaeology field. I like archaeology and all archaeologist services. my archaeology related blog is archaeology excavations
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poddys
Feb 24, 2009 @ 10:39 pm | delete
- Nice lens, 5***** I am very interested in Mesopotamia and Sumeria, and indeed mankind's most ancient history. I have lensrolled this to my Zecharia Sitchin lens which covers his theories on the origins of man and the histories of Sumeria.
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Monteath
Jan 27, 2009 @ 2:06 pm | delete
- Great lens, and on a really interesting subject. I especially enjoyed the wide variety of video clips on ancient Mesopotamia that you managed to find and put together. Five stars for sure for this ancient history lens!
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Motionstrand
Oct 10, 2008 @ 12:15 pm | delete
- Great Lens!!!
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