Illustrated map depicting the journey of the Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) along the silk road to China.

Floodlit monumental arch marking the entrance to Palmyra. (Credit: Mark Daffey / Getty Images)

Petra, JORDAN: Tourists ride camels at the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan, 16 May 2007. Petra is hosting a two-day conference dubbed as "Petra III: Building a Better World" near the site of Jordan's famed Nabataean ruins. The conference is a collaboration between the King Abdullah II Fund for Development and the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity AFP PHOTO/MARWAN NAAMANI (Photo credit should read MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP via Getty Images)

<p>The ancient Middle East gave rise to some of the greatest empires in human history, including Mesopotamia, Babylonia, the Persian Empire and the Byzantine Empire.</p>


Ancient Middle East

The ancient Middle East gave rise to Mesopotamia, Babylonia, the Persian Empire and the Byzantine Empire.

Ancient Middle East: Cradle of Civilization | HISTORY

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Ancient Middle East ‑ Topics

Alexander the Great in India

Alexander the Great Decimates Persian Forces

8 Ancient Empires You’ve Never Heard Of

History Shorts: Hanukkah’s Celebration of Religious Freedom

Babylon

Persian Empire

Petra

Palmyra

Masada

Sumer

Mesopotamia

Silk Road