Ancient Iraq

The most ancient traces of human presence yet found in Iraq were discovered by Dr Naji-al-'Asil, at Barda-Balka, NE of Chemchemal, between Kirkuk and Suleimaniyah. Paleaeolithic flint tools date to the last glacial and Mousterian culture about 120,000 years ago.
Shanidar Cave is a rock shelter in

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the southern flank of the Baradost mountains overlooking the Greater Zab near Rowanduz. The area is now populated by Kurdish shepherds. Excavation of the Cave has produced Neanderthal family skeletons believed to be about 45,000 years old, and a fourth approximately 60,000 years [52]. Stone Age artefacts have been found throughout the Syrian desert, of course, which was a lush paradise in Paleolithic times.
The scope of the work is from pre-history to the Christian era, touching upon the empires, religions, and the "civilizations" of Sumer, Akkadia,Babylon, and Assyria.
Roux was a medical officer with Iraq Petroleum, and Glaxo International, and has done original research in southern Mesopotamia. He is fluent in Arabic, and has published assyriological and archaelological articles.

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A classic introduction to the Ancient Near East.

Absolutely loved the first half; found the second half inexplicably difficult, despite the topics being arguably more interesting.

Great account of the development of the cradle of civilization. Entirely readable for the layman, yet still academically meaty enough to satisfy the student or scholar. Despite being somewhat out of date, it is still a worthwhile addition to anyone's ancient history library.