HistoryExtra podcast Ancient Mesopotamia: everything you wanted to know
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Jan 19, 2025 
Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History," dives into the vibrant tapestry of ancient Mesopotamia. He unveils the impressive advancements in writing and mathematics while sharing fascinating insights about the Sumerians and Babylonians. Al-Rashid examines the intriguing origins of kingship and the famous flood myth, drawing parallels with biblical stories. Listeners also learn about the cultural significance of daily life, their pantheon of gods, and the enduring impact of this cradle of civilization.
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Cuneiform: A Versatile Writing System
- Cuneiform wasn't a language, but a writing system adapted for several languages.
- Primarily used for Sumerian and Akkadian in Mesopotamia, it also recorded Hittite, Eblaite, and others.
The Rise and Fall of Empires
- Sumerian speakers lived in independent city-states, not a unified civilization, during the 3rd millennium BCE.
- Sargon the Great's Akkadian empire arose around 2330 BCE, extending to Syria, Turkey, and parts of Iran.
Kingship: From Legend to Reality
- The concept of kingship predates Sargon, possibly originating in Kish or Eridu.
- The Sumerian King List blends mythology and history, listing both legendary and historical rulers.
