The Middle East is considered the birthplace of civilization

Photo by Adli Wahid

The birthplace of civilization is often attributed to the region known as Mesopotamia, which corresponds to modern-day Iraq, Kuwait, eastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey. Mesopotamia means "land between rivers" in Greek, referring to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that flow through the area.

Mesopotamia is considered the cradle of civilization because it was home to several ancient civilizations that made significant contributions to human development. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians are among the prominent civilizations that flourished in this region. These cultures pioneered advancements in agriculture, writing systems (such as cuneiform script), mathematics, astronomy, law codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi), and city planning.

The development of complex societies, urban centers, organized governments, and intricate cultural and economic systems in Mesopotamia laid the foundations for what we recognize as civilization today. Therefore, the birthplace of civilization is often associated with this region.

Before you travel to the Middle East, first find out what shots and health precautions you need to take for your trip. Next, investigate security risks on the U.S. State Department website. We recommend you travel with a reputable tour guide service or go to visit someone you know who can guide you around.