Mesopotamian civilization, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," emerged around 3500 BCE in the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in present-day Iraq. This area was home to some of the earliest cities, such as Ur and Babylon, and is known for its advancements in writing, particularly the development of cuneiform script. The Mesopotamians made significant contributions to agriculture, mathematics, and law. They created one of the first known legal codes, the Code of Hammurabi, and developed irrigation systems that allowed for successful farming. Their innovations laid the groundwork for future civilizations in the region and beyond.