Crash Course: World History — Season 1, Episode 3: Mesopotamia: Crash Course World History #3

Episode synopsis

John presents Mesopotamia and the early civilizations that arose around the Fertile Crescent. Topics covered include the birth of territorial kingdoms, empires, Neo-Assyrian torture tactics, sacred marriages, ancient labor practices, the world's first law code, and the great failed romance of John's undergrad years.

About Crash Course: World History

Crash Course World History is a video course hosted by John Green that teaches world history from growing the first crops in the First Agricultural Revolution to global textile production in the 2010s. Across the series, it builds skills in identifying and explaining historical developments, analyzing events in broader context, and tracing patterns and connections across time and place—aiming to help viewers become more informed citizens of the world. Season 1 follows the 2012 AP World History curriculum in a 42-episode chronological survey, while Season 2 continues in 30 episodes with a more thematic approach that focuses on systems and encourages viewers to question how “history” is written and what biases shape it.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Agricultural Revolution: Crash Course World History #1
• E2Indus Valley Civilization: Crash Course World History #2
• E4Ancient Egypt: Crash Course World History #4
• E5The Persians & Greeks: Crash Course World History #5
• E6Buddha and Ashoka: Crash Course World History #6
• E72,000 Years of Chinese History! The Mandate of Heaven and Confucius: World History #7
• E8Alexander the Great: Crash Course World History #8
• E9The Silk Road and Ancient Trade: Crash Course World History #9
• E10The Roman Empire. Or Republic. Or...Which Was It?: Crash Course World History #10
• E11Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History #11
• E12Fall of The Roman Empire...in the 15th Century: Crash Course World History #12
• E13Islam, the Quran, and the Five Pillars: Crash Course World History #13