This 500000 word reference work provides the most comprehensive general treatmentampnbspavailable of the peoples and places of the regions commonly referred to as the ancient Near and Middle East extending from the Aegean coast of Turkey in the west to the Indus river in the east. It contains some 1500 entries on the kingdoms countries cities and population groups of Anatolia Cyprus SyriaPalestine Mesopotamia and Iran and parts of Central Asia from the Early Bronze Age to the end of the Persian empire. Five distinguished international scholars have collaborated with the author on the project. Detailed accounts are provided of the NearMiddle Eastern peoples and places known to us from historical records. Each of these entries includes specific references to translated passages from the relevant ancient texts. Numerous entries on archaeological sites contain accounts of their history of excavation as well as more detailed descriptions of their chief features and their significance within the commercial cultural and political contexts of the regions to which they belonged. The book contains a range of illustrations including twenty maps. It serves as a major indeed a unique reference source for students as well as established scholars both of the ancient Near Eastern as well as the Classical civilizations. It also appeals to more general readers wishing to pursue in depth their interests in these civilizations. There is nothing comparable to it on the market today.