Ancient Near East - Definitions

The ancient Near East is a geographical region that roughly corresponds to the modern Middle East. It is often referred to as the cradle of civilization, as it is the home of some of the earliest known civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.

The ancient Near East is typically defined as including the following regions:

  • Mesopotamia: The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in modern-day Iraq and Syria.
  • Egypt: The Nile River valley, from the Mediterranean Sea to the first cataract.
  • Persia: The region of modern-day Iran, as well as parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.
  • Anatolia: The region of modern-day Turkey.
  • The Levant: The region of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.

The ancient Near East is characterized by its diverse cultures and languages. The region was home to a number of different ethnic groups, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, Egyptians, Canaanites, and Phoenicians.

The ancient Near East made significant contributions to world civilization. The region is credited with the invention of writing, agriculture, and the wheel. The ancient Near Eastern civilizations also developed complex political, social, and economic systems.

The ancient Near East was also a major center of trade and commerce. The region's merchants traded goods with all parts of the known world, from India to China to Europe.

The ancient Near East played a major role in the development of Western civilization. The region's religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, have had a profound impact on the world. The ancient Near East is also the birthplace of many of the ideas and concepts that are the foundation of Western thought, such as democracy, law, and philosophy.

The ancient Near East is a fascinating and important region with a rich history. It is a region that has made significant contributions to world civilization, and it continues to influence the world today.

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