Mesopotamian history refers to the ancient civilization that developed between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq. This region is often called the "Cradle of Civilization" because it was home to some of the earliest cities, such as Ur and Babylon, and significant advancements in writing, agriculture, and governance. The history of Mesopotamia spans thousands of years, beginning around 3500 BCE with the rise of the Sumerians. They created one of the first writing systems, known as cuneiform. Over time, various empires, including the Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires, emerged, contributing to the rich cultural and historical legacy of the region.