What is considered the 'Cradle of Civilization'?

Mesopotamia is often referred to as the 'Cradle of Civilization' because it is one of the earliest regions where complex urban centers developed. This area, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, saw the rise of some of the first known cities, such as Uruk and Babylon, around 4000 BCE. It was here that people first began to engage in agriculture on a large scale, which led to significant social, political, and technological advancements.

Additionally, Mesopotamia is credited with many foundational aspects of modern society, including the development of writing (cuneiform), legal codes (like the Code of Hammurabi), and early forms of centralized government. The innovations that emerged from Mesopotamia laid the groundwork for subsequent civilizations, including those in Greece, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, making it a pivotal point in human history and deserving of the title 'Cradle of Civilization'.