Mesopotamia: Cradle of Western Civilization

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Ancient existence in Mesopotamia spanned from about 3500 B.C. until 500 B.C. The Sumerians were the first to create civilization in this area.  The Sumerians established cities like Eridu and Ur which later became what is known as city-states.  This land changed hands many times as constant battles were fought over the fertile land, including the establishment of Akkad the world's first empire, ruled by King Sargon. The people of Mesopotamia were always finding themselves having to invent ways to deal with life's challenges (like war). Some of their solutions are similar to the ones we use today.
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A Lamassu: part human, part bull, part bird