A history of the continuation of humanity's core civilizations, this is a major work by renowned British historian John Robertson and one of the "History Today" magazine's ten best books of the year. It is currently the only comprehensive account of Iraqi history available in China. Recording the origins, development, golden ages, and decline of the many peoples who have lived in Iraq, it lifts the veil on a mysterious ancient land in the East that has stood since 4000 BC. Its legends and history are told with vividness and insight.
The vast land now known as Iraq, lying between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was once the center of the ancient world. It witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, from the Sumerian city-states and the splendor of the Old Babylonian Kingdom to the rise of the Assyrian Empire and the prosperity of the Neo-Babylonian Kingdom. A crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, it gave rise to countless great philosophers, poets, and scientists. It was a haven for humanity, where brave and kind peoples settled and mingled. It also became famous throughout the world for its abundant oil reserves and immense wealth.
Over the past few centuries, from the modern era to the present, the country has instead endured political upheaval and the ravages of war, leaving its people displaced and scattered. In the 21st century, it finally began to get back on track, breaking free from ignorance and embarking on the road to modernization.
How did this land become the cradle of human civilization?
What enabled the peoples who settled here to establish one brilliant dynasty after another?
Is the oil found everywhere here a heaven-sent blessing or a curse?
What historical forces lie behind thousands of years of conflict, conquest, and plunder, and the peace of today?
After years of research and verification, John Robertson has pieced together a complete account of Iraqi history. Drawing on detailed historical sources and vivid narration, he traces the rise of ancient Iraqi civilization, the founding and collapse of successive dynasties, the suffering inflicted by war in the modern era, and the arduous path of modernization and reform. His comprehensive, in-depth account introduces Iraq's past and present, while also looking toward its future, offering readers a fascinating and thought-provoking historical masterpiece.
The content of this book is really exciting! It is like a long scroll of history. Under the pen of the author John Robertson, the glory and suffering of Iraq are displayed in front of us one by one. The descriptions of ancient civilizations in the book made me feel as if I had traveled through time and space and felt the prosperity of that land. Moreover, the author's research is very detailed, which gave me a deeper understanding of the history of Iraq. I think this book is not only suitable for people who are interested in history, but also for people like us who want to understand the culture of other countries. All in all, highly recommended!
The civilizations in the two river basins are mysterious, there are countless wars, there are so many historical names that I can't remember, and the complicated history is dazzling to see, but it is very beautiful. I highly recommend it.