This handy introduction to the peoples of ancient Iraq, the Assyrians and Babylonians has been recognized for generations as a readable and sensible entrance point to the subject. Frequently cited, it has been out of print for many years. Goodspeed ably takes the reader through a survey of Mesopotamian archaeology, history, language and literature, as well as an overview of the physical geography. He then explores in some detail the history of Babylonia from the earliest written records up to 2000 BCE. This exploration is followed by an account of the rise of the Assyrians and a detailed account of their ascendancy. The final section of the book examines the rise of the Neo-Babylonian, or Chaldean, Empire. A useful chronological summary is provided along with indices that make the work practical for student use.

George Stephen Goodspeed (1860-1905) was a biblical scholar and orientalist. He was a Baptist minister and after completing his doctorate he became Professor of Ancient History at the University of Chicago. Until his untimely death, he was instrumental in establishing the field of religious studies at the University.