What is the Near East?

Near East refers to the region of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Levant, and Persia corresponding to modern Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and part of Turkey.

Is Near East the same as Middle East?

Yes. The term `Near East' was coined in the 19th century to refer to the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire. It has since come to be used as a synonym for `Middle East'.

What are the dates of the ancient Near East?

The ancient Near East is dated from c. 5000 BCE to 651 CE.

Are the civilizations of the Near East considered the oldest in the world?

Yes. The civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia are considered the oldest in the world - although the Indus Valley Civilization may actually be older.

Near East Timeline

Definition

The Near East is a modern-age term for the region formerly known as the Middle East comprising Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and part of Turkey, corresponding to ancient Urartu, Mesopotamia, Elam, Persia, the Levant, and Anatolia. The history of the ancient Near East is usually given as c. 5000 BCE-7th century CE.

More about: Near East

Timeline

10000 BCE
Beginnings of agriculture in the Middle East.
8000 BCE
Ovens in use in the Near East are applied to pottery production.
7700 BCE
First domesticated wheats in the Fertile Crescent.
7000 BCE
Domestication of goats.
5000 BCE
Irrigation and agriculture begin in earnest in Mesopotamia.
c. 5000 BCE - 651 CE
Dates of the history of the ancient Near East.
853 BCE
Babylonian kings depend on Assyrian military support.
850 BCE
Medes migrate into Iran from Asia.
750 BCE
Persians migrate into Iran from Asia.
734 BCE
Babylon is captured by Chaldeans.
729 BCE
Babylon is occupied by Assyrians.
722 BCE - 705 BCE
Peak of the Assyrian empire under the reign of Sargon II.