Ancient Mesopotamia: An Enthralling Overview of Mesopotamian History, Starting from Eridu through the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Hittites, and ... Alexander the Great (History of Mesopotamia)

This series of books makes learning so interesting & is a must have if you’ve kids in the family.

It covers the ancient Mesopotanian life and history.

“Ancient Mesopotamia lives on through us all.” This, the concluding sentence of the book, is so true. In culture, knowledge and economy this region of the world laid the basis, the foundation, of the subsequent civilizations and nations. A fascinating account makes clear these roots; an account that is well structured and illustrated. The story grabs the reader’s attention from the start with the description of “The Eridu Genesis” from a Sumerian cuneiform tablet, circa 1600 BCE. From then on it is difficult to put the book down as you discover the origins of the first cities and organized irrigated agriculture plus the beginnings of writing, bureaucracy and mathematics. The maps make clear the importance of the rivers and the Persian Gulf that facilitated trade and the interaction of ideas and cultures. Mythologies are not neglected such as the Sumerian creation myth called The Marriage of Martu, The structure of these early societies is explained and the major political changes are outlined without sinking into superfluous details. Even the importance of climate changes for these civilizations are touched upon: “Core samples taken from the Sea of Galilee in 2014 revealed a megadrought that lasted from 1250 to 1100 BCE. It would have killed off populations and encouraged mass migrations, perhaps even the mysterious Sea People. » Basically the book tells you all you needed and wanted to know about Mesopotamia. It is excellent for the general reader but also an asset for the inquisitive and intelligent youngster.

A must-read book full of useful information the Mesopotamian history, the invention of the wheel, and much more that laid down the foundations of civilization and shaped the world throughout the ages. Highly recommended

Speedy delivery, good seller. As described. Would have liked a few more pic in colour not in black and white.

Plenty of detail - limited depth. Easy read

What a deeply dissatisfying book. Three chapters in, I was left baffled by the lack of flavour, or details and that odd repetition [did I mention again the Sumerians invented the wheel? ...though we never learn exactly by who, where, when or why]. I thought I had bought a Children's Guide to Mesopotamia, by mistake. So, I checked the back cover for some details or a short bio of the author. Oh, but there isn't one. No author or editor even. Hence, no anecdotes gleaned by a professor who might actually have spent a decade researching or even visiting Mesopotamia. And then the penny dropped. Imagine if you asked ChatGPT to write you a history book about Mesopotamia, assembled into chronological order, then add a smattering of grainy, uncopyrighted black & white images also scraped off the internet, and hey presto! There you have it. If this is the AI future of publishing: God save us all. An enthralling read it certainly is not. I learned my lesson. Spend your money on a proper book. I wasted mine, and so am now happily a few chapters into Bartle Bull's: 'Land Between the Rivers' instead. Thank goodness for real authors of quality history - they deserve our support.