List of Mesopotamian dynasties

The history of Mesopotamia is one of the oldest known civilizations, starting from very early times and lasting until the late 7th century AD when the area became known as Iraq. This list looks at the important rulers and families, called dynasties, from Mesopotamia until around 539 BC, when a new empire took control and local leaders no longer ruled the land.

The earliest writing in the world comes from Mesopotamia, beginning in a time called the Uruk period over 4,000 years ago. From about the middle of the third millennium BC, we have records kept on special clay tablets called cuneiform. This early time is known as the Early Dynastic Period and includes three parts: from 2900–2750 BC, 2750–2600 BC, and 2600–2350 BC. After this came the Akkadian and Neo-Sumerian times.

Later, Mesopotamia was usually split between two lands: Assyria in the north and Babylonia in the south. Around 609 BC, leaders from Assyria ruled both areas until the Neo-Babylonian Empire took over and became the main power. In 539 BC, a big empire called the Achaemenid Empire conquered Babylon, starting many years of rule by Iranian leaders. This list uses the most common way of dating events in Mesopotamian history, called the middle chronology.

Early dynastic period (c. 2900–2350 BC)

Before the Akkadian Empire began around the 24th century BC, Mesopotamia was made up of many city-states. Some old Mesopotamian writings, like the Sumerian King List, say there was only one true king at a time, and that kingship moved from city to city. But in reality, there were often many leaders at once. The Sumerian King List is not seen as very reliable because it says some rulers lived for hundreds or even thousands of years, and most of the rulers it lists are not proven by other evidence from that time. Today, experts think it's best to use other writings from the Early Dynastic period to learn about real history then.

Akkadian and Neo-Sumerian periods (c. 2334–2004 BC)

The Akkadian and Neo-Sumerian periods lasted from around 2334 BC to 2004 BC in Mesopotamia. During these times, powerful rulers and their dynasties governed the land. Many important events from this era are recorded in ancient writings on clay tablets.

Isin–Larsa and rise of Babylon (c. 2025–1750 BC)

This time period marks the rise of important cities and leaders in ancient Mesopotamia. New rulers and kingdoms began to form after the fall of earlier powerful states.

Fragmentation of Babylonia (c. 1749–1475 BC)

Babylonia and rising Assyria (c. 1475–539 BC)

Main articles: List of kings of Babylon and List of Assyrian kings

The history of Babylonia and Assyria spans from about 1475 BC until 539 BC. During this time, powerful rulers governed these lands. Important leaders from Babylon and Assyria are listed in records that help us understand ancient times. Their stories show how these places grew and changed over many years.