Ancient Mesopotamia, often called the "cradle of civilization," was located between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in present-day Iraq. This region is known for its early development of writing, agriculture, and urbanization. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians were some of the prominent cultures that thrived here. The people of ancient Mesopotamia built impressive cities like Babylon and Ur, and they created one of the first known legal codes, the Code of Hammurabi. They also made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, leaving a lasting impact on future civilizations.