Middle East

The Middle East stands at the cross-roads of Asia and Europe. A rich land without any natural defenses, within easy reach of nomads from the steppe, on the main route of traders from India and China, and with all the countries of the Mediterranean rim eager for their goods, it was the scene of many wars, and the birthplace of many new ideas.

It was the center of civilization from about 7000 until about 2500 years ago, when the Mediterranean countries took over.