The various civilization and their timelines are displayed in the below image-

Tabular Comparison of Different Civilization-

Name	Period	Area	Occupations	Writing	Religion
Mesopotamia	3300–750 BC	Sumer, Babylonia, Assyric Highlands	Dairy farming, textile, metal working, potter’s wheel, sexagesimal system	Cuneiform	Polytheistic
Andean civilizations	3200–1700 BC Norte Chico, 900–200 BC Chavin, 100–800 AD Nazca culture	Peru, Ecuador, Colombia	Maritime Origins, Unique System of Government, Quipu Nazca Lines	None	Polytheistic
Ancient India	3300–500 BC	South Asia	potter’s wheel, Agriculture, dams, city planning, Mathematics, temple builders, Astronomy, Astrology, Medicine, literature, Martial arts	Pictographic	Hinduism
Egyptian	3000–30 BC	North Eastern Africa along River Nile	Egyptian Pyramids, Mummification, Decimal system, Solar calendar	Hieroglyphic	Ancient Egyptian religion
Nubian	3000–350 BC	North Eastern Africa along the Nile	Mud brick temple, pottery, Nubian pyramids, Solar calendar	Hieroglyphic	Ancient Egyptian religion
Greek	2700–1500 BC (Cycladic and Minoan civilization), 1600–1100 BC (Mycenaean Greece), 800–100 BC (Ancient Greece)	Greece (Peloponnese, Epirus, Central Greece, Macedon), later Alexandria	Agriculture, winemaking, architecture poetry, drama, philosophy, history, rhetoric, mathematics, political science, astronomy, physics, chemistry, medicine, warfare	Greek	Ancient Greek religion
Chinese	1600–221 BC Ancient China; 221 BC – 581 AD Early Imperial China	China	Silk, Pottery, Chinaware, Metals, Great Wall, Paper	Chinese	Chinese Folk Religion, Confucianism
Mesoamerica	1500–400 BC – Olmecs, 250–900 AD Maya	Southern Mexico, Guatemala	Agriculture, Olmec colossal heads, Mesoamerican calendars, Popcorn, Bloodletting Agriculture, Maya textiles	Cascajal Block, Maya script	Mesoamerican religion
Iranian	730 BC – 640 AD	Greater Iran	Agriculture, architecture, landscaping, postal service	Cuneiform, Pahlavi	Zoroastrianism
Roman	600 BC – 600 AD	Italy, spread across Europe and North Africa	Agriculture, Roman calendar, concrete	Latin	Religion in ancient Rome

Mesopotamia Civilization

Location: Modern day Iraq in the Middle East near the Persian Gulf

Climate: Mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, often causing extensive flooding in the central and southern parts of the country

Mesopotamia is a historical region of Western Asia situated within the Tigris–Euphrates river system, in the northern part of the Fertile Crescent. In terms of the modern nation-state it corresponds with much of Iraq, Kuwait, the eastern parts of Syria, South-eastern Turkey, and regions along the Turkish–Syrian and Iran–Iraq borders.The Sumerians and Akkadians (including Assyrians and Babylonians) dominated Mesopotamia from the beginning of written history (c. 3100 BC) to the fall of Babylon in 539 BC, when it was conquered by the Achaemenid Empire. It fell to Alexander the Great in 332 BC, and after his death, it became part of the Greek Seleucid Empire. Later the Arameans dominated major parts of Mesopotamia (c. 900 BC – 270 AD)

Around 150 BC, Mesopotamia was under the control of the Parthian Empire. Mesopotamia became a battleground between the Romans and Parthians, with western parts of Mesopotamia coming under ephemeral Roman control. In AD 226, the eastern regions of Mesopotamia fell to the Sassanid Persians. The division of Mesopotamia between Roman (Byzantine from AD 395) and Sassanid Empires lasted until the 7th century Muslim conquest of Persia of the Sasanian Empire and Muslim conquest of the Levant from Byzantines. A number of primarily neo-Assyrian and Christian native Mesopotamian states existed between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, including Adiabene, Osroene, and Hatra. Mesopotamia is the site of the earliest developments of the Neolithic Revolution from around 10,000 BC. It has been identified as having "inspired some of the most important developments in human history, including the invention of the wheel, the planting of the first cereal crops, and the development of cursive script, mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture".

The regional toponym Mesopotamia  comes from the ancient Greek root words μέσος (mesos, 'middle') and ποταμός (potamos, 'river') and translates to '(land) between rivers'. It is used throughout the Greek Septuagint (c. 250 BC) to translate the Hebrew and Aramaic equivalent Naharaim. An even earlier Greek usage of the name Mesopotamia is evident from The Anabasis of Alexander, which was written in the late 2nd century AD, but specifically refers to sources from the time of Alexander the Great. In the Anabasis, Mesopotamia was used to designate the land east of the Euphrates in north Syria. The Aramaic term biritum/birit narim corresponded to a similar geographical concept. Later, the term Mesopotamia was more generally applied to all the lands between the Euphrates and the Tigris, thereby incorporating not only parts of Syria but also almost all of Iraq and southeastern Turkey.The neighbouring steppes to the west of the Euphrates and the western part of the Zagros Mountains are also often included under the wider term Mesopotamia. A further distinction is usually made between Northern or Upper Mesopotamia and Southern or Lower Mesopotamia. Upper Mesopotamia, also known as the Jazira, is the area between the Euphrates and the Tigris from their sources down to Baghdad. Lower Mesopotamia is the area from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf and includes Kuwait and parts of western Iran. In modern academic usage, the term Mesopotamia often also has a chronological connotation. It is usually used to designate the area until the Muslim conquests, with names like Syria, Jazira, and Iraq being used to describe the region after that date. It has been argued that these later euphemisms are Eurocentric terms attributed to the region in the midst of various 19th-century Western encroachments.

Art Culture of Mesopotamia

Artisans played an important role in the culture of the Mesopotamian people. They made everyday useful items like dishes, pots, clothing, baskets, boats, and weapons. They also created works of art meant to glorify the gods and the king.

Potters

The most common material for Mesopotamian artists was clay. Clay was used for pottery, monumental buildings, and tablets used to record history and legends. The Mesopotamians developed their skills in pottery over thousands of years. At first they used their hands to make simple pots. Later they learned how to use a potter's wheel. They also used high temperature ovens to harden the clay. They learned how to make different shapes, glazes, and patterns. Soon their pottery turned into works of art.

Jewelers 
Fine jewelry was a status symbol in Ancient Mesopotamia. Both men and women wore jewelry. Jewelers used fine gemstones, silver, and gold to make intricate designs. They made all sorts of jewelry including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

 Metalsmiths Around 3000 BC the metal workers of Mesopotamia learned how to make bronze by mixing tin and copper. They would melt the metal at very high temperatures and then poor it into moulds to make all sorts of items including tools, weapons, and sculptures.

Carpenters 
Carpenters were important craftsmen in Ancient Mesopotamia. The most important items were made with imported wood such as cedar wood from Lebanon. They built palaces for the kings using cedar. They also constructed chariots for war and ships to travel on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Many fine pieces of wooden craftsmanship were decorated with inlays. They would take small pieces of glass, gems, shells, and metal to make beautiful and shiny decorations on items like furniture, religious pieces, and musical instruments.

Stone Masons 
Some of the best surviving work of Mesopotamian art and craftsmanship was carved by stonemasons. They carved everything from large sculptures to small detailed reliefs. Most of the sculptures had religious or historical significance. They were usually of the gods or the king. They also carved small detailed cylinder stones that were used as seals. These seals were quite small because they were used as signatures. They were also quite detailed so they couldn't be easily copied.

Interesting Facts about Mesopotamian Artisans and Art

Sumerian sculptures of men usually had long beards and wide open eyes. 
The Ancient Greeks were influenced by Assyrian art.  
One example is the Assyrian winged genie which took the form of winged beasts such as the Griffin and the Chimera in Greek art. 
In the wealthier cities, even the gates to the city became works of art.  
One example of this is the Ishtar Gate of Babylon built by King Nebuchadnezzar II. It is covered with colorful glazed bricks showing designs and pictures of animals. Pottery and sculptures were often painted. A lot of Sumerian jewellery was recovered from the Royal Tombs of Ur.

Great Cities

Uruk 
Uruk was one of the first major cities in the history of the world. It reached its peak around 2900 BC when it had an estimated population of nearly 80,000 people making it the largest city in the world. Uruk was located in southern Mesopotamia along the banks of the Euphrates River. It was the center of the Sumerian civilization. It was able to grow so large because of advanced farming and irrigation techniques. The abundance of food made the city rich. The most famous king of Uruk was Gilgamesh. He was later turned into a mythical hero through the tales of his exploits and superhuman strength in the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Akkad 
The city of Akkad was the center of the world's first empire, the Akkadian Empire. The people of Akkad, under the leadership of Sargon the Great, conquered many of the Sumerian city-states and took control of Mesopotamia. The Akkadian language took the place of Sumerian and continued to be the primary language of the region into the Babylonian and Assyrian Empires. Archaeologists still haven't found the city of Akkad and are unsure where it is located. It was likely located in southern Mesopotamia just east of the Tigris River.

Assur
Located in northern Mesopotamia on the western bank of the river Tigris, Assur became the first capital city of the Assyrian Empire. Although other cities would later take over as capital of the Assyrian Empire, Assur was always recognized as the religious center of the empire. Assur was named after the primary god of the Assyrians. The city and the god are sometimes called Ashur.

Babylon
Babylon was the capital city and center of the Babylonian Empire. During its peak, Babylon was the largest city in the world with populations exceeding 200,000 people. It was home to kings such as Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar as well as the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon which are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Babylon is located in central Mesopotamia along the banks of the Euphrates River. Today the ruins of the city can be found around 50 miles south of Baghdad, Iraq. Babylon is mentioned several times in the Bible.

Nimrud
Nimrud became the capital city of the Assyrian Empire in the 13th Century BC. Although the city later fell into ruins, the great King Ashurnasirpal II rebuilt the city and made it the Assyrian capital once again in 880 BC. Nimrud was home to some of the most magnificent palaces built in ancient history. The palace of Shalmaneser III covered over 12 acres and had more than 200 rooms.

Nineveh 
The greatest city of the Assyrian Empire was Nineveh. It became the largest city in the world at the height of the Assyrian Empire. The city was largely built under the rule of King Sennacherib around 700 BC. The great walls of Nineveh enclosed an area of 7 square kilometers and had 15 gates. There were 18 canals that brought water to different areas of the city. Nineveh was home to King Ashurbanipal, the last great king of the Assyrian Empire. Under his rule a great library was built that housed over 20,000 clay tablets. Much of what we know about Mesopotamia is from these tablets. Nineveh is also famous from the story of Jonah and the Whale from the Bible. In the story, God tells Jonah to travel to Nineveh, but Jonah refuses. Jonah then tries to run from God, but is swallowed by a great fish and spit out on the shore. Jonah then travels to Nineveh in obedience to God.

Persepolis
Persepolis was the capital of the Persian Empire. The name is actually Greek for "Persian city". The city was originally built by Cyrus the Great around 515 BC. Other kings such as Darius I and Xerxes completed the palace and other buildings. The city was located in southeast Iran. Much of the city is currently being reconstructed by archeologists. Some of the structures include the Gate of Nations, the Throne Hall, and the Apadana Palace.

Religion and Gods

Mesopotamians were polytheistic, or believed in many gods and goddesses.  They believed in four primary gods of the hills, sky, wind and water.  There were also numerous local gods that protected individual cities and kings.  They tried to keep the gods happy and satisfied.  If bad events occurred, like a drought, then they knew they had upset the gods.  The king and priests were required to keep in contact with the gods to make sure they remained content. 

The Ancient Sumerians worshipped many different gods and goddesses. They thought that the gods influenced much of what happened to them in their lives. Babylonian and Assyrian religion was heavily influenced by the Sumerians.

A God for Each City Each city had its own god. At the center of the city was a large temple or ziggurat built to that god. This was where the priests would live and make sacrifices. Some of the ziggurats were huge and reached great heights. They looked like step pyramids with a flat top.

Sumerian Gods Some of the Sumerian gods and goddesses included: Anu - Sometimes called An, Anu was the god of the heavens and king of the gods. The city associated with Anu was Uruk. Enlil - The god of air, wind, and storms, Enlil held the Tablets of Destiny. These tablets gave him control over the fate of man and made him very powerful. He wore a crown with horns. He was associated with the city of Nippur. Enki - Enki was the shaper of the world as well as god of wisdom, intellect, and magic. He invented the plough and was responsible for making plants grow. He is drawn holding Zu, the storm bird. He was god of the city of Eridu. Utu - The god of the sun as well as justice and the law, Utu is drawn holding a saw like instrument. Mythology says that Utu travels across the world each day in a chariot. Inanna - Inanna was the goddess of love and war. Her symbol is a star with eight points. Her primary city was Uruk, but she was also prominent in the city of Babylon. Nanna - Nanna was also called Sin. He was god of the moon. His home was the city of Ur.

Babylonian Gods - Marduk was the primary god of the Babylonians and had Babylon as his main city. He was considered the supreme deity over all the other gods. He had as many as 50 different titles. He was sometimes pictured with his pet dragon. Nergal - God of the underworld, Nergal was an evil god who brought war and famine on the people. His city was Kuthu. Tiamat - Goddess of the sea, Tiamat is drawn as a huge dragon. Marduk defeated her in battle. Shamash - The Babylonian version of Utu Ea - Same as Enki

Assyrian Gods Ashur (Assur) - The primary god of the Assyrians. He was also the god of war and married to the goddess Ishtar. His symbols are a winged disc and the bow and arrow. Ishtar - Similar to Inanna, she was goddess of love and war. Shamash - The Assyrian version of Utu Elil - The Assyrian version of Enlil. Ea - Same as Enki

Persian Religion The main religion of the Persians was called Zoroastrianism. It was based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster. In this religion there was only one god named Ahura Mazda. Ahura Mazda created the world. He was all good and constantly fought against evil. The Persians believed that good thoughts and actions would help to fight the evil.

Interesting Facts About Mesopotamian Religion

• The Sumerian gods often had human characteristics in that they were sometimes good and sometimes bad.
• Although Anu was an important Mesopotamian god, archaeologists have yet to find a picture of him.
• They also believed in genies, demons, and evil spirits.
• The god Shamash was served by scorpion people, a combination of man and scorpion.
• They believed that the Earth floated on an ocean of fresh water.
• Enlil was said to be so powerful that the other gods could not even look at him.
• Greek mythology likely borrowed many ideas from the Mesopotamian gods.

GOVERNMENT-

 Mesopotamia was ruled by kings. The kings only ruled a single city though, rather than the entire civilization. Each king and city designed the rules and systems that they thought would be most beneficial for their people.

Sumerians Gilgamesh (c. 2650 BC) - Gilgamesh was the fifth king of the Sumerian city of Uruk. He became known as a demigod with superhuman strength in later legends and tales such as the Epic of Gilgamesh.

Akkadian Empire Sargon the Great (reigned 2334 - 2279 BC) - Sargon the Great, or Sargon of Akkad, founded the world's first empire, the Akkadian Empire. He conquered many of the Sumerian city-states and united them under one rule. Naram-Sin (reigned 2254 - 2218 BC) - The Akkadian Empire reached its peak under the kingship of Naram-Sin. He was the first Mesopotamian ruler to claim to be a god. He was also the grandson of Sargon.

Babylonian Empire Hammurabi (reigned 1792 - 1752 BC) - Hammurabi was the sixth king of Babylon and founded the first Babylonian Empire. He is most famous for establishing a written code of laws called the Hammurabi Code. Nabopolassar (c. 658 - 605 BC) - Nabopolassar allied with the Medes to overthrow the Assyrian Empire and conquer the city of Nineveh. He then established the second Babylonian Empire and ruled for twenty years. Nebuchadnezzar II (c 634 - 562 BC) - Nebuchadnezzar II expanded the Babylonian Empire conquering Judah and Jerusalem. He also built the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned several times in the Bible as he sent the Jews into exile after conquering them.

Assyrian Empire- Shamshi-Adad I (1813 -1791 BC) - Shamshi-Adad conquered many surrounding city-states in northern Mesopotamia. He was an excellent leader and organizer. He established the first Assyrian Empire. Tiglath-Pileser III (reigned 745 - 727 BC) - Tiglath-Pileser III introduced many advances to the Assyrian Empire including military and political systems. He established the world's first professional standing army and greatly expanded the Assyrian Empire. Sennacherib (reigned 705 - 681 BC) - Sennacherib conquered the city of Babylon. He also rebuilt much of the Assyrian city of Nineveh turning it into one of the great cities of ancient history. Ashurbanipal (reigned 668 - 627 BC) - Ashurbanipal was the last strong king of the Assyrian Empire. He built a massive library in the capital city of Nineveh that contained over 30,000 clay tablets. He ruled Assyria for 42 years, but the empire began to decline after he died.

Persian Empire- Cyrus the Great (580 - 530 BC) - Cyrus rose to power and established the Persian Empire (also known as the Achaemenid Empire) when he overthrew the Medes and conquered Babylonia. He believed in human rights and allowed the nations he conquered to worship their own religion. He allowed the exiled Jews to return home to Jerusalem. Darius I (550 - 486 BC) - Darius I ruled the Persian Empire at its peak. He divided the land into provinces that were ruled by satraps. Darius invaded Greece in the First Persian War where his army was defeated by the Greeks at the Battle of Marathon. Xerxes I (519 - 465 BC) - Xerxes I was the fourth king of Persia. He returned to Greece in the Second Persian War. He defeated the Spartans at the famous Battle of Thermopylae and then took control of the city of Athens. However, his navy was defeated at the Battle of Salamis and he retreated back to Persia.