#cradleofcivilization

»Versus Eternity — A short motion on cultural images«

Eurasian Bookshelf April 17 at 9:06 AM  · 

The Fertile Crescent in 7500 BC

Around 7500 BC, the Fertile Crescent—spanning modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and southeastern Turkey—was a hotspot of early human innovation. Here, people began transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities.

Welcome to a special edition of Trivia Thursday, where we're taking a historical voyage through the captivating and culturally rich Middle East. Get ready to unearth some remarkable facts and explore the tapestry of history woven across this diverse region.

Cradle of Civilization: The Middle East is often regarded as the cradle of civilization. Can you name the ancient civilizations thrived in this region, laying the foundation for human history?

The Great Pyramids: Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa with strong cultural ties to the Middle East, is home to the iconic Pyramids of Giza.9 How old are these ancient wonders?

The Silk Road: The Middle East was a critical crossroads on the historic Silk Road trade route. What valuable commodities were traded along this ancient network?

The Hanging Gardens: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, is believed to have been located in the Middle East. Who was responsible for its creation?

The Ottoman Empire: At its zenith, the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents and was a major player in world history. In which city was the empire's capital located?

Oil Reserves: The Middle East holds the world's largest proven oil reserves. Which country is the top oil producer in the region?

The Persian Empire: Ancient Persia, known today as Iran, was a mighty empire. Who was its most famous ruler, recognized for his massive expansion efforts?

The Holy City: For three major world religions, Jerusalem is a sacred city. Can you name these religions, and what sites make Jerusalem significant to them?

Law and Code: Hammurabi's Code is one of the earliest known legal systems. In which ancient Mesopotamian city was it created?

The Arab Spring: In the early 2010s, a series of uprisings and protests known as the Arab Spring swept across the Middle East. Which country's protests sparked this transformative movement?

Couples in Mesopotamia could have been the first ones smooching as we know it. New research analyzing written records from the area reveals that people in the Cradle of Civilization could have participated in the oldest recorded acts of kissing. Read more…