The Fertile Crescent is a crescent-shaped region in the Middle East, known for its rich soil and favorable climate. It stretches from the eastern Mediterranean coast through modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. This area is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" because it was one of the first places where humans began to practice agriculture and settle in permanent communities. The Fertile Crescent is home to some of the earliest known civilizations, including the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These societies developed writing, trade, and complex social structures, significantly influencing human history. The region's agricultural abundance allowed for population growth and the rise of cities, making it a key area in the development of human culture.