What Was Mesopotamia Called in Ancient Times?

Mesopotamia is a region located in the eastern Mediterranean, known for being the cradle of civilization. The name Mesopotamia means “land between the rivers,” referring to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that flow through the area. However, this is not what it was called in ancient times.

In ancient times, Mesopotamia was known by different names depending on who ruled over it during different periods of history. Let’s take a closer look at some of these names:

Akkad

Around 2300 BCE, Sargon of Akkad conquered much of Mesopotamia and established the Akkadian Empire. The empire was named after its capital city, Akkad, which was located on the Euphrates River. Therefore, during this time period, Mesopotamia was referred to as Akkad.

Babylonia

The city of Babylon became one of the most important cities in Mesopotamia around 1894 BCE when Hammurabi became king and established his empire there. The Babylonian Empire lasted for many centuries until it fell to the Persians in 539 BCE. During this time period, Mesopotamia was called Babylonia.

Sumer

Sumer was an ancient civilization that existed in southern Mesopotamia from around 4000 BCE to 2000 BCE. This civilization is considered one of the earliest civilizations in human history and had a profound impact on subsequent civilizations that emerged in the region. During this time period, Mesopotamia was referred to as Sumer.

Assyria

The Assyrian Empire emerged as a dominant power in Mesopotamia around 900 BCE and lasted until its fall in 609 BCE. The empire was named after its capital city of Assur located on the Tigris River. During this time period, Mesopotamia was called Assyria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mesopotamia was known by different names throughout ancient times depending on who ruled over it during different periods of history. These names include Akkad, Babylonia, Sumer, and Assyria. Each of these civilizations left a significant mark on the region’s history and contributed to its rich cultural heritage that is still celebrated today.