Iraq History

In ancient times the land area now known as modern Iraq was almost equivalent to Mesopotamia, the land between the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates.
Iraq has been home to continuous successive civilizations since the 6th millennium BC. The region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is identified as the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of writing and the wheel.

Sumerian civilization

was at the lower Mesopotamian valley.  This civilization was in the late 4th millennium BC. This civilization invented the world's first writing system and recorded history itself was born.  The Sumerian were an agricultural people who learned to control floods and built strong-walled cities, such as Uruk, the biblical Erech and the modern Warka, and Lagash, the modern Al-Hiba.  Sumerian influence, especially through language, extended widely from its base in southern Mesopotamia, Eastward to Susa Iran, Northward to Assur, and Westward to Syria. The Sumerians developed a complex system of metrology c. 4000 BC. This metrology advanced resulting in the creation of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. They also wrote multiplication tables on clay tablets and dealt with geometrical exercises and division problems.

The Sumerians they were the first in inventing the wheel, cuneiform, arithmetic and geometry, irrigation systems, Sumerian boats, lunisolar calendar, bronze, leather, saws, chisels, hammers, braces, bits, nails, pins, rings, hoes, axes, knives, lancepoints, arrowheads, swords, glue, daggers, waterskins, bags, harnesses, armor, quivers, war chariots, scabbards, boots, sandals, harpoons and beer all these things that we take them for granteted.

The Sumerian civilization flourished for over 3,000 years.

Akkadian civilization

Over two centuries of Akkadian dominance was followed by a Sumerian Renaissance in the 21st century BC.

The Akkadian empire was bound together by roads, along which there was a regular postal service. Clay seals that took the place of stamps bear the names of thier king Sargon and his son.Another achivment that helped this empire to grow was the was highly planned economey, they had taxes system which was paid in produce and labour on public walls, including city walls, temples, irrigation canals and waterways, producing huge agricultural surpluses

An Elamite invasion in 2004 BC brought the Third Dynasty of Ur to an end. Guti  The achievements of Akkad were brought to an end by an incursion of barbarous mountaineers, the Guti, who dominated life in central Mesopotamia for about 60 years.

Babylonia civilization

it started by the 18th century BC , had risen to dominance in central and southern Iraq while a contemporaneous state. Under the rule of its most powerful King, Hammurabi, who was able to reestablish a centralized government that ruled the whole country.  the Babylonian cities, houses and temples walls were brilliantly colored, and sometimes plated with zinc or gold, as well as with tiles.
Their architects used a great of three-dimensional figures in the round — the earliest examples being the Statues of Gudea.
The Babylonian were interested in medicine their they had a handbook called the Diagnostic Handbook written by a babylonian physician Esagil-kin-apli, the Babylonians introduced the concepts of diagnosis, prognosis, physical examination, and prescriptions. In addition they introduced the methods of therapy and aetiology and the use of empiricism, logic and rationality in diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. It also contains a list of medical symptoms and their doctor’s treatments to their patients through therapeutic means such as bandages, creams and pills
They had the first libraries in history which was in most their towns and temples. Women as well as men learned to read and write
There are many Babylonian literary works whose titles have come down to us. One of the most famous of these was the Epic of Gilgamesh translated from its original language
Babylonian were very interested in mathematics they derive the modern day usage of 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and 360 (60 x 6) degrees in a circle

Finally thier king Hammurabi wrote first laws in the world which was found on the Stele of Hammurabi 1880 B.C.

Assyria civilization

Under a king named Shamshi Adad, the Assyrians Dominated the North part of Mesopotamia. By About 900 B.C. the Asyrian dominated the Near East for about three centuries and extended from the Tigris to the Nile and from the Arab/Persian Gulf to Asia Minor. Sargon II Procalimed himself as King of the World, and regarded his city and palace as expresion of his grandeur, which he viewed as founded on the subission and enslavement of his.

Also, Assyrian were very interested in art which is preserved to the present day and their sculpture reached a high level of refinement.

Chaldean civilization

The Chaldean empire ruled Babylonia for 87 years. Approx 625-530 B.C..
They set up the Second Babylonian Empire led by Nebuchadnezzar II (also known as Nebuchadrezzar II). He rebuilt the city of Babylon. It became the largest and most beautiful city in the ancient world.

The Chaldeans also built the "Hanging Gardens" on rooftops of Babylon. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They advanced astronomy by making accurate observations of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. Also, the creation of the Tower of Babel is believed to been built during this time.
Also,they were well versed in literature, Philosophy, Religion, etc.