Incorporating the latest scholarly research, the third edition of A History of the Ancient Near East ca. 3000-323 BC presents a comprehensive overview of the multicultural civilizations of the ancient Near East.§Integrates the most up-to-date research, and includes a richer selection of supplementary materials§Addresses the wide variety of political, social, and cultural developments in the ancient Near East§Updated features include new "Key Debate" boxes at the end of each chapter to engage students with various perspectives on a range of critical issues; a comprehensive timeline of events; and 46 new illustrations, including 12 color photos§Features a new chapter addressing governance and continuity in the region during the Persian Empire§Offers in-depth, accessible discussions of key texts and sources, including the Bible and the Epic of Gilgamesh