New research uncovers how ancient tides shaped the rise of Sumer. A newly released study questions established beliefs about how urban civilization first emerged in ancient Mesopotamia, proposing that ...

The story of how the first cities rose from southern Mesopotamia has long fascinated scientists and historians. Many explanations point to fertile soil, farming, and trade networks as the engines of ...

Analyzing ancient texts on cuneiform, or clay tablets, may seem like an esoteric endeavor. Not so, say the scholars working on the Yale Cuneiform Commentaries Project (CCP). They argue that these are ...

Unveiling the mysteries of early civilization, Mesopotamian clay provides valuable insights into the origins of chemistry. The artifacts and technologies of this ancient society demonstrate a profound ...

A radically expanded view of the origin of civilization, extending far beyond Mesopotamia is being proposed. Mesopotamia is widely believed to be the cradle of civilization, but a growing body of ...