the Ancient Near East

The Ancient Near East refers to a historic region encompassing modern-day countries like Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and parts of Egypt. It was home to some of the world's earliest civilizations, including Sumer, Akkad, Assyria, and Babylon. This area saw the development of writing, law codes, city-states, and impressive architecture around 3000 BCE to 600 BCE. It was a cultural and technological hub that influenced subsequent societies, contributing foundational ideas in governance, religion, and science that shape the modern world.