Mesopotamia, Rise and Fall: A History of Civilizations, A Legacy of Science, and the Birth of Literature in the Ancient Near East
About this audiobook
The most famous legacies of Mesopotamia are its human-headed, winged bulls and wedge-shaped writing system. Even though these objects offer a glimpse into an ancient culture's grandeur and mystery, the region's influence extends far beyond them. One of the first civilizations in the world, Mesopotamia is often called the "cradle of civilization." The civilization contributed to the development of written language, economics, law, and religion. The pages of this book discuss many of these contributions. In Mesopotamia, for example, the lunar calendar was divided into two seasons, and the year was divided into 12 months. There were seven days in a week in the Sumerian calendar. Sexagesimal, or base 60, mathematics survives to this day based on 60-minute hours and 24-hour days in Mesopotamia.
The term Mesopotamia is typically used by historians to refer to the region in southwest Asia that includes modern-day Iraq and parts of Turkey, Iran, and Syria. Hellenistic Greeks used Mesopotamos to refer to the area between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Fertile soil and water provided by these rivers enabled humankind to abandon its nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and become sedentary and agrarian. The agricultural revolution was born in Mesopotamia because of this feature.
Almost 2,000 years ago, Mesopotamia had little information about itself. The history and culture of the region are revealed in the Hebrew Bible. During the fifth century BC, Herodotus described the area for the first time. Anabasis ("Upcountry March"), a Greek mercenary, historian, and philosopher's account of his experiences crossing Anatolia and traveling along the Tigris and Euphrates, was written over 100 years later. A Chaldean priest of Bel who migrated to Greece left behind some of the region's most detailed and reliable accounts, even though his writings are only extant in fragments.
About the author
AJ Carmichael is a renowned author and explorer known for his expertise in ancient history, ancient mysteries, and adventure. With a passion for uncovering the secrets of the past, AJ has dedicated his life to exploring the ancient cultures of the world.
AJ's journey began at a young age when he became fascinated with the ancient Egyptians and their mysterious pyramids. As he grew older, he began to delve deeper into studying ancient history, immersing himself in the cultures and customs of civilizations long gone.
After completing his studies, AJ set out on a journey to explore the ancient world firsthand. He traveled to Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, studying the ruins and artifacts left behind by these ancient cultures. Along the way, he made many exciting discoveries, in addition to his explorations. He has published several bestselling books on ancient history and mysteries, including his ‘Ancient Worlds and Civilizations’ series. These works have earned AJ international acclaim and have established him as a leading authority on ancient history and adventure.
AJ continues to travel the world in search of new discoveries and adventures. His passion for ancient history and his thirst for adventure have taken him to some of the most remote and exotic locations on earth, and his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
With his combination of knowledge, skills, and passion, his work continues to shed new light on past civilizations, and his discoveries and explorations have helped bring the ancient world to life for countless readers and enthusiasts.
