Iraq: The Rise of the World’s First Cities
Summary
This episode traces Iraq’s history from ancient Mesopotamia through the Islamic Golden Age and the Mongol invasion. It covers the Ottoman era, British mandate, and the rise of Saddam Hussein’s regime. The narrative concludes with the 2003 US invasion, the subsequent power vacuum, and the emergence of ISIS, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle for stability.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the history of Iraq
Ancient Mesopotamia and the origins of the region
The Arab Muslim conquest and the Rashidun Caliphate
Early Islamic rule, garrison cities, and the Umayyads
The Abbasid revolution and the founding of Baghdad
The Islamic Golden Age and the House of Wisdom
Decline of the Abbasids and rise of the Seljuks
The Mongol invasion and the fall of Baghdad
Clarifying historical borders and the Ilkhanate
The Black Death, Jalayirids, and Timur's invasion
Ottoman conquest of Iraq in 1534
Sectarian dynamics and 400 years of Ottoman rule
Mamluk rule and 19th-century Ottoman reforms
World War I and the Mesopotamian campaign
The 1920 revolt against British rule
Establishment of the Kingdom of Iraq and independence
Post-independence coups and the rise of the Ba'ath Party
Saddam Hussein's presidency and the Anfal campaign
The 2003 US invasion and overthrow of Saddam
Post-invasion chaos, ISIS, and modern Iraq
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