‎'‎In the original Italian edition of this work‎,‎ Liverani defined and applied‎,‎ with the touch of a master‎,‎ the criteria for proper historical writing as it relates to the ancient Near East‎.‎ This English version will extend the reach of a classic to the much wider audience it deserves‎.‎‎'‎ ‎- Giorgio Buccellati‎,‎ Professor Emeritus‎,‎ University of California‎,‎ USA ‎'‎Mario Liverani‎'‎s classic text is as unusual in its ambitious chronological scope as in its clarity of vision‎:‎ from the Neolithic to the emergence of the Persian Empire‎,‎ his analysis of the history of the Middle East is firmly focused on the interplay between society‎,‎ economy and ideology‎.‎ And yet‎,‎ the vast learning is lightly worn and the volume offers a hugely enjoyable and eye‎-opening read for novice and expert alike‎.‎ A must have for anyone with an interest in world history‎.‎‎'‎ ‎- Karen Radner‎,‎ University College London‎,‎ UK ‎'‎The English translation of Mario Liverani‎'‎s Antico Oriente‎:‎ Storia‎,‎ Societa‎,‎ Economia is a welcomed addition to the publishing world and Routledge has truly done us a great service in making this project possible‎.‎ Since its appearance in 1988‎,‎ Antico Oriente has become the introduction to the ancient Near East ‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎ The author breezes through an astonishing amount of data and material with ease‎,‎ and he makes it accessible to the scholarly and general public alike‎.‎ This is a wonderful book‎,‎ which will make readers fall in love with the wonders of the ancient Near East‎,‎ and at the same time provide them with a firm grasp on the methodological problems one faces when dealing with such a complex but fascinating world‎.‎‎'‎ ‎- Alhena Gadotti‎,‎ Towson University‎,‎ USA ‎"‎Masterfully integrating textual and archaeological sources‎,‎ the author weaves a fascinating‎,‎ enlightening historical narrative‎,‎ focusing throughout on the interplay among politics‎,‎ society‎,‎ economy‎,‎ ideology‎,‎ and the environment‎.‎ Accessible not only to scholars but also to students and general readers‎,‎ this volume will undoubtedly be highly valued both as a work to read cover to cover and as a reference to consult on specific topics‎.‎ Summing Up‎:‎ Essential‎.‎‎"‎ ‎-W Kotter‎,‎ Weber State University‎,‎ USA in CHOICE ‎"‎Liverani‎,‎ the translator Soraia Tabatabai‎,‎ and Routledge have gifted us with an excellent tool for the continued reconstruction and education of the ancient Near East in English‎.‎‎.‎‎.‎The Ancient Near East provides an exemplary treatment of historiographic erudition‎.‎‎.‎‎"‎ ‎-C‎.‎ Jay Crisostomo‎,‎ University of California‎,‎ Berkeley‎,‎ USA