The History of the Middle East

The History of the Middle East: From Ancient Times to the Israel-Iran War

By Peter Phillips

Spanning over five millennia of conflict, culture, conquest, and resilience, The History of the Middle East delivers a gripping and comprehensive journey through one of the most complex and consequential regions in human history.

From the cradle of civilization in Sumer and Akkad to the rise and fall of empires like Persia, Byzantium, and the Ottomans; from the birth of the three great monotheistic religions to the cataclysmic Crusades and colonial mandates; from the birth of modern Arab nationalism and the founding of Israel to the oil shocks, revolutions, and global wars that have shaped today's headlines—this sweeping narrative leaves no stone unturned.

Written in a vivid, accessible style, historian Peter Phillips blends rigorous research with a storyteller's eye to bring the Middle East's past to life. Drawing on government records, military accounts, religious texts, and modern journalism, the book leads readers through the ancient world into the tangled politics of the 20th century—and into the urgent realities of today, including the explosive Iran-Israel conflict and the shifting alliances of a region in flux.

Whether you're a student, historian, policymaker, or simply a curious reader trying to understand the news, this book offers clarity, depth, and context.

Discover the history behind the headlines. Understand the roots of modern conflict. Step into the story of the Middle East.