The roots of our modern world lie in the civilization of Mesopotamia, which saw the development of the first urban society and the invention of writing. The cuneiform texts reveal the technological and social innovations of Sumer and Babylonia as surprisingly modern, and the influence of this fascinating culture was felt throughout the Near East. Early Mesopotamia gives an entirely new account, integrating the archaeology with historical data which until now have been largely scattered in specialist literature.

`Archaeological and historical knowledge of the past and new evidence are combined with data formerly scattered across academic texts. Provides a good view of the successive stages of Mesopotamian civilisation reinforced with literary cunelform texts of the period.' - ECCAARTH

`Not just an excellent introduction to the subject: it is full of insights and evidence of the breadth of Postgate's scholarship.' History Today