Iraq: The Rise of the World’s First Cities
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What are the ancient origins of the region that became Iraq?
In recent years, Iraq has often been in the headlines. There's been a long period of instability and conflict. Involving the military intervention of the United States. And the rise of Islamic State. But to understand recent events. And to gain a deeper insight into the country itself. It's helpful to go back to the beginning. What are the origins of a robbed? And how has it evolved over the centuries, becoming the complex nation we know today? From Islamic culture to international conflicts. We'll be looking at some of the defining factors in Iraq's long history. So just relax. And let your mind drift. As we explore a sleepy history. Of a rock.
Long before Iraq existed This region formed the heartland of ancient Mesopotamia. Because of its sophisticated culture, And relatively advanced knowledge in many fields. Mesopotamia is often referred to as the cradle of civilization. From written language to astronomy. The people who lived here were ahead of their time. Mesopotamian civilization began around 4000 BCE. and had declined by the first century. While we don't have time to explore Mesopotamia in detail tonight. It's worth keeping this in mind. As we begin our story. This part of the world has an incredibly rich and ancient heritage. And when Iraq was founded, so to speak. There was a pre existing foundation. Over thousands of years. The people of Mesopotamia had developed a culture and infrastructure.
That would leave a lasting legacy. Give just one example. They built an impressive system of irrigation and canals in the south. This remained in use till For hundreds of years. After the end of the Mesopotamian civilization. In other words Iraq wasn't built out of nothing. So Where to begin? At what point Did this region become Iraq? rather than Mesopotamia. The name Iraq predates the country itself. By the seventh century The name was being used to refer to the land. Oh, the etymology is uncertain. It may derive from the Sumerian city of Aruk. Or perhaps from the middle Persian word Erak meaning lowlands. In the seventh century. This part of the world belonged to Persia. It was a province of the vast Susanian Empire.
But recently Another major power had emerged in the region. The Rashidun Caliphate. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in six hundred thirty two The newly formed Muslim community was led by a succession of caliphs or religious leaders. They came to be known as as the Rashidun Caliphate. and they soon became a significant military and political force. Conquering huge chunks of territory. By six hundred thirty eight, this included Mesopotamia. Arab Muslim forces had led a series of invasions over several years. And Eventually succeeded in taking control of Mesopotamia. In the years to come. They would also conquer most of the Sasanian Empire and much of the Byzantine Empire. After the Arab Muslim conquest, the
Mesopotamia became a province of the Muslim Caliphate. Clearly. This change would transform the region. At the time of the conquest Iraq? As we'll be calling it from now on. Was a huge and culturally diverse land. The people living here included Aramaic speaking communities. Persians, Arabs, Kurds, and Greeks. There were Christians, Jews, Mandaeans, and Zoroastrians. Mm. From the seventh century onward. Iraq was officially under Muslim rule. There was a period of mass immigration following the Arab conquest. Which led to Iraq becoming one of the most populous regions in the Islamic world. It was also the wealthiest area within the caliphate.
How did the Arab‑Muslim Rashidun conquest reshape Mesopotamia?
This helps to explain how Iraq developed. in terms of its religious and cultural identity. Right from the beginning. It was at the heart of the Islamic world. That being said, I To begin with. Despite their influence, Muslims were still a minority in Iraq. It would take a few hundred years to Before they became the majority. Not long after their arrival. The Arab Muslim settlers established two garrison cities. Kufa and Basra. The city of Mosul. which already had a long and ancient history. Also began to grow in importance. The Rashidun Caliphate was followed by the Umayyad Caliphate.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What are the ancient origins of the region that became Iraq?
0:01–5:44
2
How did the Arab‑Muslim Rashidun conquest reshape Mesopotamia?
5:44–11:00
3
Why was Baghdad founded and how did the Abbasid Caliphate influence early Iraq?
11:00–16:09
4
What role did the Ottoman Empire play in governing Iraq and its provinces?
16:09–21:54
5
How did the British mandate and the creation of the Kingdom of Iraq come about?
21:54–27:55
6
What were the major policies and conflicts of Saddam Hussein’s rule?
27:55–33:20
7
Why did the United States lead an invasion of Iraq in 2003 and what followed?
33:20–38:48
8
What is the current state of Iraq’s political stability and regional relationships?
38:48–44:06