A Manual of the Ancient History of the East, Volume 1 To the Commencement of the Median Wars is a comprehensive guide to the history of the ancient Near East, written by the renowned French historian and archaeologist, Francois Lenormant. The book covers the period from the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the rise of the Persian Empire and the beginning of the Median Wars. Lenormant provides a detailed and engaging account of the political, social, and cultural developments of the ancient Near East, drawing on a wide range of sources including archaeological discoveries, ancient texts, and historical accounts. He explores the rise and fall of the great empires of the region, such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Persians, and examines their interactions with each other and with neighboring civilizations.The book is divided into chapters that cover specific periods and regions, such as the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, the rise of Egypt, the Hittite