euphrates-tigris valley

Euphrates River, Syria

The rivers in Syria, southwestern Asia, are essential to the country’s agricultural communities. Here, Syria’s longest river, the Euphrates, runs through Karkemish. The river, because of its size, supplies much of the water needed to irrigate the country’s large land tracts.Encarta Encyclopedia

Euphrates River

The Euphrates River at Kh?n al-Baghd?di, on the edge of the Al-Jaz?rah plateau in north-central Iraq.© Nik Wheeler

Nineveh

The ancient city of Nineveh was first settled in Neolithic times, before 6000 bc. The city, which is located in northern Iraq opposite the modern city of Mosul, was once the capital of the Assyrian empire. All that remains of Nineveh are two large mounds and the remains of the city walls. Shown here is a depiction of the royal palace of Assyrian king Sargon II that once stood in the cityEncarta Encyclopedia© 1993-2003

Mesopotamian Relief
The palaces of ancient Mesopotamia were covered with reliefs that told stories. These narrative reliefs, carved from alabas ter, usually depicted scenes from the lives of the kings. This relief, once part of the palace at Dur Sharrukin, now Khorsabad, shows Sargon II (721-705 bc) with one of his subjects.Encarta Encyc lopediaBridgeman Art Library, Londo n/New

Hammurabi

Hammurabi, king of Babylon, united

the diverse tribes in Mesopotamia by strategically conquering territory in the region. During his rule (circa 1792 to 1750 bc), he proved to be as able an administrator as a general. The Code of Hammurabi, a set of laws for the conduct of individuals and society that he codified, is one of the first bodies of written law.Encarta EncyclopediaTHE BETTMANN ARCHIVE©

Ashurnasirpal II

Ashurnasirpal II reigned in the 9th century bc and was one of the most influential Assyrian rulers. Under his rule the Assyrian borders were extended and the capital was moved from Ashur to the restored city of Calah. Many monuments to Ashurnasirpal II have been unearthed, making him one of the best-known rulers of the ancient Middle East.Encarta EncyclopediaTHE BETTMANN © ARCHIVE