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Mesopotamia: The Epic History of the World's First Civilization From village canals to imperial capitals-discover where cities, writing, law, and science began. Step into the "land between the rivers" and follow the rise of Sumer, Akkad, and Babylon across three millennia. This vivid narrative traces how the Tigris and Euphrates shaped humanity's first great experiment in urban life-from the early irrigation works and the explosive growth of Uruk to the legendary rulers who defined an age: Gilgamesh, Sargon of Akkad, Hammurabi, and Nebuchadnezzar II. Along the way, witness world-changing firsts: the invention of cuneiform, the building of ziggurats, the codification of law in the Code of Hammurabi, and the astronomical insights behind our 60-minute hour and 360-degree circle. Explore iconic places-from the walls of Uruk to Babylon's dazzling Ishtar Gate-and see how Mesopotamian ideas flowed into later civilizations and sacred texts. Clear timeline of eras-from Ubaid and Uruk to Neo-Babylon Engaging profiles of rulers, cities, and innovations Accessible, authoritative history for readers of all levels If you love immersive ancient history and big-picture origins, this is your essential guide to the world's first civilization.