AO Magazine - September October 2022

Travel back in time to the rise of civilization among the lush, green lands between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. For more than 3,000 years Mesopotamia flourished with its complex urban societies and powerful kings who expanded their empires with warfare and diplomacy. The Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians all called this region home.

Ancient Mesopotamia is notable for its role in many of humanity’s firsts - written language, the wheel, our concept of time, math, maps, and law codes - these developments set it apart from other civilizations rising around it. This was also a land rich in magic and mystery, so we reveal the legend of the world’s first shaman, how exorcisms, witchcraft, and the gods permeated life, and how lullabies were much more than songs to soothe babies.

Join us as we bring the ruins of ancient Mesopotamian cities up from the sands and animate them by telling their stories. Witness the beauty of the Ishtar Gate and Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but also discover the surprising tale of treasures and sacrifice at the Great Death Pit of Ur. See how experts continue to bring this ancient civilization to life by recreating its beer and culinary wonders. If that’s not enough, you’ll also finally learn the reason why reggae music makes reference to Babylon!