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"A tablet of dark brown clay, much injured, dating from the 8th or 7th century B.C. The two large concentric circles indicate the ocean, or, as it is called in the cuneiform writing between the circles, the 'Briny Flood.' Beyond the ocean are seven successive projections of land, represented by triangles. Perhaps they refer to the countries existing beyond the Black Sea and the Red Sea. The two parallel lines within the inner circle represent the Euphrates. The little rings stand for the Babylonian cities in this region."—Webster, 1913

A Babylonian Map of the World

"A tablet of dark brown clay, much injured, dating from the 8th or 7th century B.C. The two large concentric…

"In their upper course the Euphrates and the Tigris traverse a region of steppes broken by rocky ridges and interspersed with pastures and fruitful districts. The banks of the rivers are fringed with plane-trees, tamarisks, and cypresses. Here and there are meadowlands, alternating with low hills. Further on, as the rivers descend to the level, the valleys broaden; but at the same time the higher district between becomes more sterile kind of upland waste, abounding in ostriches and bustards, the native home of wild asses and nomadic tribes of men."—Ridpath, 1885

Confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates

"In their upper course the Euphrates and the Tigris traverse a region of steppes broken by rocky ridges…

Also known as Phoenix Dactylifera. The date palm tree is one of the oldest fruit trees in the world. Dates held a very important role in certain desert regions as the staple food crop.

Date Palm of the Lower Euphrates

Also known as Phoenix Dactylifera. The date palm tree is one of the oldest fruit trees in the world.…