The ancient Mesopotamian civilization occupied the region known as the Fertile Crescent, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in present-day Iraq and parts of Syria. This area is recognized as one of the cradles of civilization where early urban centers, such as Uruk, Ur, and Babylon, developed around 3500–2000 BCE. The rich alluvial soil of this region facilitated agriculture, allowing for surplus food production, which in turn supported population growth and the emergence of complex societies. Mesopotamia is also notable for its contributions to writing, law, and architecture, setting the stage for future civilizations.