World’s oldest civilisation – Where is it and what are its most fascinating fun facts?

World’s oldest civilisation – Where is it and what are its most fascinating fun facts?
Sumerian cuneiform
Long before the rise of famous landmarks and empires that span the globe, a subtle revolution was taking place in a land that was to become the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq, is considered to be the birthplace of the world’s oldest civilization. For the curious who wish to find meaning beyond the usual tourist attractions, this is a land where history doesn’t just happen; it begins.

Where it all began

The Sumerian civilization was born around 3500 BCE in the fertile plains between the Tigris River and the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. What makes the Sumerian civilization so special is that it was not just one of the earliest civilizations; it was also one that was innovative. The Sumerians are credited with building some of the earliest known cities in the world, with Uruk being considered the world’s very first city.
Cuneiform script
Cuneiform script
These settlements were not just a collection of houses but rather civilisations with their governments, trade, and religions. Today, for tourists, visiting these ancient civilisations presents a unique chance to walk on land where civilisation was first established.

What to experience today

Iraq is still an emerging destination for tourists. However, it has tremendous historical potential for tourists who wish to explore and experience its richness. Places like the Ziggurat of Ur and Babylon ruins provide a glimpse of what was present thousands of years ago.Museums in Iraq possess invaluable treasures like clay tablets with writing from one of the earliest forms of written communication and sculptures that represent the artistic and cultural advancements of those periods. Each of these pieces represents a civilisation that was far ahead of its time.
Steps of the Ziggurat of Ur
Steps of the Ziggurat of Ur

Did you know?

The invention of writing: The Sumerians developed cuneiform, one of the earliest forms of written language on clay tablets.
  • Urban living: Places like Ur and Uruk were where city life was first developed.
  • Time and mathematics: The idea of dividing time into 60 minutes and 60 seconds originated in this part of the world.
  • The earliest known written records include everyday things like trade records and even shopping lists.
  • Beer was a common drink and brewing was an important skill to have.
  • The wheel was perfected in this part of the world and changed the face of trade and travel forever.
  • Formal education was around over 4,000 years ago and scribes were taught how to write and do administration.
  • The word ‘Mesopotamia’ actually means ‘land between rivers’ and was given to this region by the Greeks.
Discovering the oldest civilisation on Earth is not about luxury and leisure; it is about gaining a new perspective. It is about walking on land where the very first cities were built and where the very first words were written.

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