Paul Krivacek's book is a powerful, epic overview of ancient Mesopotamia. The author skillfully describes the different cultures, emperors, and kings who ruled the Mesopotamian region from 4000 to 700 BC. e. The book brings to life the daily life of many people of that time, not only rulers and members of the elite, but also the middle class. Krivachek also touches on various social aspects of ancient Mesopotamia, such as religion, economics, education, warfare, and even gives insight into the development of misogyny, talking about Babylonian artifacts found by archaeologists in the 19th and 20th centuries. The author also shows how environmental change affected ancient society. Krivachek's historical essays are also a unique observation of how the lessons of the ancient world can help modern people.