Press Materials

Mesopotamia—the “land between the rivers” in modern-day Iraq—was home to the ancient Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians. Among their many achievements are the creation of the earliest known script (cuneiform), the formation of the first cities, the development of advanced astronomical and mathematical knowledge, and spectacular artistic and literary achievements. The exhibition covers three millennia from the first cities in about 3200 B.C. to Alexander the Great’s conquest of Babylon in 331 B.C. Curated by Timothy Potts and Ariane Thomas, Musee du Louvre, assisted by Jens Daehner and Sara Cole.