The world’s first museum was curated by a princess. A tour reveals the origins of the zodiac, calculus and writing

Approximately 2,500 years ago, a princess in what is now Iraq assembled a collection of artifacts, including a statue, a boundary stone, and a mace head that date back to 2100 BCE to 600 BCE, indicating signs of preservation. This collection is believed to be the world’s earliest known “museum.” “Between Two Rivers” by Moudhy al-Rashid, a scholar from Oxford, narrates the story of ancient Mesopotamia, an era in history sometimes referred to as a “forgotten age.” Al-Rashid highlights various historical firsts of Mesopotamia, such as the first writing system, the potter’s wheel, beer production, and advancements in agriculture.

The book focuses on Ennigaldi-Nanna, the curator of the world’s first museum, and her father, King Nabonidus of Neo-Babylonia, who had a keen interest in history and was regarded as an early archaeologist. Through an exploration of ten items from Ennigaldi-Nanna’s collection, the book delves into Mesopotamian history, culture, and innovations. Al-Rashid’s engaging narrative style and personal anecdotes make the ancient world come alive for readers, providing insights into the lives of people from millennia ago and their impact on modern society.

“Between Two Rivers” sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Mesopotamian history, offering a diverse range of topics from science and leadership to divination and economics. The book also addresses the challenges of deciphering ancient languages like Sumerian and the importance of ongoing research in understanding this ancient civilization. As awareness of Mesopotamian history continues to grow, works like “Between Two Rivers” play a crucial role in making this rich cultural heritage accessible to contemporary audiences.