Mesopotamia

History 102 with WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Austin Padgett

In this episode of History 102, join WhatIfAltHists creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg as they explore the intricate history of Mesopotamia. This episode dives into the origins, advancements, and eventual decline of one of the world's earliest civilizations, covering everything from early agriculture to the prominent empires and their societal structures.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

--

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast

–

SPONSOR: BEEHIIV | BABBEL

Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months

🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [e-mail].

–

FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction and Setting

(03:53) The Fertile Crescent and Three Cultural Designations

(07:10) The Formation of City-States in Mesopotamia

(09:58) The Impact of Climate Change on Mesopotamia

(10:55) The Role of Warfare in Mesopotamian Society

(12:24) The Rise of the Priest Class and Theocracy

(13:48) City-States and Government in Mesopotamia

(15:05) The Development of Writing and Law Codes

(15:07) Sponsor: Babbel | beehiiv

(17:26) Religion and Idol Worship in Mesopotamia

(21:06) The Influence of Mesopotamian Civilization on the Bible

(22:31) The Decline of Mesopotamian Civilization

(23:57) Sumeria: The First Civilization

(25:22) The Rise of Akkad and the First Empire

(27:19) The Legacy of Mesopotamian Civilization

(28:45) The Rise and Fall of Mesopotamian Empires

(32:01) The Transition to Imperial Rule

(34:22) The Evolution of Babylon

(40:01) The Brutal Conquests of the Assyrians

(42:23) The Impact of the Bronze Age Collapse

(54:15) The Conquest of Mesopotamia by the Persians

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States by James C. Scott

The Story of Civilization by Will Durant

Assyria: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Superpower by Eckhart Frahm

Scribes and Kings: The Lost History of the Ancient Near East by Marc Van De Mieroop

The Guide to the Bible by Isaac Asimov