Fertile Crescent Pathfinder
Art and Literature
Internet History Sourcebook
Great source for early literature including Epic of Gilgamesh, Sumerian mythology, creation myths from
Sumeria and Babylonia, proverbs, the legend of Sargon, Hittite mythology, and other links to religion
sources.
Cuneiform Writing System
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The Cuneiform script, created by the Sumerians in the late 4 millennium BC, is one of the earliest known
forms of written expression.
Ancient Near East
Hammurabi’s Code of Laws, Biblical texts, and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Ancient Near Eastern Art
A good introduction to Ancient Near East art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection.
Excellent graphics with descriptions of sculptures, examples of relief, and other artifacts.
Virtual Tour of the Oriental Institute’s Museum
View Assyrian and Mesopotamian art as if you were actually at the museum.
Government and Politics
Code of Hammurabi
Commentary and text from Ancient History Sourcebook.
A Collection of Mesopotamian Laws
Laws governing private as well as public and political life were written up in Mesopotamia as early as
2250 B.C. These are some phrases of early law and procedure.
General History
What is Archeology?
Simple definitions and examples of famous archeologists and digs.
Introduction to the Fertile Crescent
A simple page introducing the civilizations of the Fertile Crescent.
The Fertile Crescent and Early Mesopotamian Astronomy
This site gives the history of the Fertile Crescent and an explanation of early Mesopotamian astronomy.
The Fertile Crescent
Timeline with specific discussions about Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Persia.
Near East
Includes simple, brief pages on People, Daily Life, Mythology, Death & Burial, Writing, Archaeology.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Includes information on the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Brief History of the Assyrians
Includes geography, history, language, religion, and maps.
Ancient Babylonia – History of Babylonia
Learn about this ancient city, its literature, religion, law and justice, King and State, economy nad social
structure, science, archeology, and Biblical history.
Sumer – the Birthplace for the First Civilization
Besides giving the history of Sumer, this site includes information on its society and economy, culture and
science, language, and religion.
Catalhoyuk – Archaeological Site
An interactive website on Catalhoyuk—an ancient city in Turkey. Learn about the excavations and
artifacts found there. You can even take a virtual tour of this ancient city.
Daily Life
Costumes of the Ancient Near East
Scroll down to Plates #2 and #3 to see colored illustrations of ancient costumes.
Women in Mesopotamia
Some interesting facts about women’s lives in the Ancient Near East.
Swords, Armor, and Stones
Not an easy read, but a good article on the use of metals and artifacts of the Hittite Civilization.
Ziggurats
A brief explanation of Ziggurats and their purpose in Ancient Sumeria.
Medicine in Ancient Mesopotamia
Information on medicine in Mesopotamia—including explanations of the three types of medical
practitioners.
Ancient Near East Music and Instruments
Listen to samples of songs and hear musical instruments that ancients may have listened to.