The “Land Between the Rivers” has been a source of both savage barbarism and great civilizations. Mesopotamian culture reached its peak between ca 3000-550 BCE. Yet, much of Mesopotamian culture goes unnoticed, despite its rich heritage. A vast bulk of the great early civilizations developed in the land known as Mesopotamia. It can, in fact, be proven, without question, that because of Mesopotamia’s extensive trade routes, its excellent leaders, and the astronomical growth in technology that occurred, that Mesopotamia was one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed.

For its time, Mesopotamian culture had the greatest trade routes. Its trade network reached from the sands of Egypt to the deserts in India. Most certainly no civilization in the western world at that time had not heard of the great cultures that existed between the Tigris and the Euphrates. Egypt, in itself, had an excellent trade route with its access to the Mediterranean sea. Mesopotamia, however, had trade routes not only in Egypt, but in many other locations to the east as well. All previous trade routes had been confined from village to village. Through its extensive trade route, it can be seen that Mesopotamia was a great civilization.

Mesopotamia did not only have trade routes as a testament to its greatness, but a flourishing government as well. As Mesopotamia was racked with barbarian invasions, the rise of some of History’s most fearsome and great leaders can be seen. Sargon I, for example, managed to unify one of the largest areas of civilization at that time. Sargon I is also noted having never lost a single war in his entire life. As well, with Mesopotamia, the first system—and indeed the most extensive in that point in time—of codified law. King Hammurabi’s aptly titled system of codified law, the Code of Hammurabi, while seemingly harsh in today’s view, was heralded as a just and fair law back in its day. History also shows that one of the greatest Ziggurats of all time was created in the land of Mesopotamia.. Nebuchadrezzar II’s Hanging Gardens of Bablyon is noted as being one of the greatest marvels of the ancient world. With such a glorious string of leaders, it is obvious to conclude that Mesopotamia was one of the greatest civilizations ever to have existed.

Aside from its string of incredible leaders, History shows that Mesopotamian culture gave birth to some of the greatest technology man has ever developed. In Mesopotamia, a scientific revolution took place. It was so incredible that the sheer amount of advances would not be seen for another 4000 years. Mesopotamian culture is noted as having the first mathematical breakthrough with the invention of exponents and their sister, roots. This new system of mathematics allowed for the creation of basic architectual designs such as the arch, the dome, and vaulted ceilings. Concepts so simple that man cannot, to this day, improve upon them. This advancement in architecture allowed for more people to fit in less space. This allowed for a population growth as less people had to leave cities. Because of this, there is a need for communication other than speech. Through this need comes the first system of writing, Cuneiform. All these advancements would be enough to prove that Mesopotamia was a great civilization, however, those alone do not give Mesopotamian culture the full recognition it deserves. It also gave rise to practical medicine. No longer would a headache be cured with a ceremonial dance. Detailed pharmaceutical tablets have been found with cures ranging from battle wounds to venereal disease. Mesopotamia also gave birth to Astronomy, making such leaps which would not be matched until Galileo invented the telescope. All these developments in science and technology make it clear that Mesopotamia was one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed.

It is obvious to conclude that because of Mesopotamia’s flourishing trade routes, its rich history of leaders, and its advancements in science and technology that Mesopotamia should be regarded as an extraordinary civilization. Modern man owes a great deal, indeed, to Mesopotamian culture. Everywhere there is evidence of ancient Mesopotamian influence. From the wheel to the sails on ships, Mesopotamia has truly left its mark on society as any great civilization would.