Mesopotamia Timeline

  • 3000 BCE

    Civilization in Mesopotamia

    The Sumerians occupied Mesopotamia, creating its first civilization.
  • 3000 BCE

    Cuneiform is Invented

    Sumerians invent the oldest writing system
  • 2300 BCE

    Conquering an Empire

    King Sargon of Akkad begins to conquer the first empire in history.
  • 2100 BCE

    The Decline of the Sumerians

    After the city of Ur becomes the most powerful city-state in Mesopotamia, it starts to decline. The Amorites, nomadic people, start moving into Mesopotamia, marking the decline of the Sumerians.
  • 1792 BCE

    Rise of The Babylonians

    King Hammurabi of Babylon conquers a large empire. He establishes the Code of Hammurabi and Babylon soon takes over much of Mesopotamia. His empire begins to decline immediately after his death.
  • 1530 BCE

    Babylon is Conquered

    Babylonia is conquered by the Kassites, who rule the area for 400+ years
  • 1500 BCE

    Rise of The Assyrians

    The Mitanni, conquer northern Mesopotamia, plus areas of Syria and Asia Minor. After 200 years the kingdom of Assyria conquers northern Mesopotamia from the Mitanni
  • 1250 BCE

    New Technology

    The Assyrians begin to use iron weapons and chariots.
  • 616 BCE

    The New Babylonians

    Nabopolassar takes control of Babylon back from the Assyrians and crowns himself king. The neo-Babylonian empire begins
  • 604 BCE

    The Peak of The Babylonian Empire

    Nabopolassar dies and Nebuchadnezzar II becomes King of Babylon. He will rule for 43 years and bring the Babylonian Empire to its peak.