This document provides an overview of several Mesopotamian empires including the Babylonian Empire, the Assyrian Empire ruled by kings such as Ashurnasirpal II and Ashurbanipal, the Neo-Babylonian Empire featuring the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Persian Empire under Cyrus II, highlighting important sites, artifacts, and time periods.

1. Mesopotamian Empires

2. The Babylonian Empire
c. 1830-1550 BCE

4. Law Code of Hammurabi, c. 1760 BCE

6. The Assyrian Empire
c. 1100-612 BCE

8. Ashurnasirpal II
r. 883-859 BCE at Nimrud (Calah)

9. The Palaces of Nimrud
1853 Engraving

10. Ashurnasirpal Statue, c. 870 BCE

11. The Palace of Ashurnasirpal

12. Winged Lion Guardian
c. 883-859 BCE

14. Ashurbanipal
r. 669-c. 627 BCE at Nineveh

15. Nineveh

18. Ancient Nineveh
Modern Engraving

19. The Palace of Ashurbanipal

20. Sack of the City of Hamanu by
Ashurbanipal, c. 650 BCE

21. The Lion Hunt
c. 640 BCE

26. The Neo-Babylonian Empire
612-539 BCE

28. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
16th c. Engraving

29. The Ishtar Gate
c. 575 BCE

36. The Persian Empire
c. 539-330 BCE

37. Persian Empire under Cyrus II
(r. 559-530 BCE)

38. Persepolis
Built 518-c. 460 BCE

41. Tribute Bearers Bringing Offerings
c. 490 BCE