An introduction course to the history and culture of Mesopotamia from the invention of writing to the end of the Late Bronze Age (1200 BCE). Emphasis will be given to the major historical developments, without ignoring key elements of Mesopotamian society and economy. The first section will follow the rise of the first cities in Mesopotamia, the Sumerian culture, and the world’s first empire created by Sargon and his sons. The second section will discuss the Old Babylonian period: the Amorite dynasties in the Euphrates valley and the establishment of Hammurapi’s dynasty will be followed. The early fortunes of the city of Assur will be traced, as her trading posts in Anatolia will be discussed. The third section will deal with the International period in which Babylonia, Egypt, the Hittites and the Hurrian competed for power and prestige.