Many features of civilization originated in the lands we call the ancient Near East, a vast and varied area from Turkey to Iran and from the Caucasus to the Arabian Peninsula. This essential guide for K-12 educators introduces the variety and diversity of art produced by the rich cultures that flourished in this region during an equally vast time period, from about 8,000 B.C. to about 650 A.D. This fully illustrated publication provides the cultural, archaeological, and historical contexts for a selection of thirty works of art in the Metropolitan Museum's collection, such as monumental reliefs, silver and gold vessels, cuneiform tablets, and cylinder seals. Curriculum connections, lesson plans, classroom activities, maps, bibliographies, and a glossary provide a comprehensive set of tools to guide classroom or gallery experiences.

Written by Kim Benzel, Sarah B. Graff, Yelena Rakic, and Edith W. Watts.