Located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in modern-day Iraq, the region known as Mesopotamia (Greek for "between two rivers") is often called the "cradle of civilization." The region is known for the rise of the first cities, as well as the invention of writing. Readers will discover that the various empires of the region, like Babylon and Sumer, made many important contributions to law, politics, mathematics, and agriculture.

Between two rivers --The first civilization -- The rise of city-states -- Society and religion -- The Akkadians -- The Babylonians -- The code of Hammurabi -- The Assyrian Empire -- Rise of the Persian Empire -- Alexander the Great.