Over the past two centuries^[1]http://www.timemaps.com/history/middle-east-200bc the Middle East has been divided^[2]http://www.timemaps.com/history-middle-east#6 between two major powers, Rome to the west, which now controls Asia Minor,^[3]http://www.timemaps.com/history/turkey-30bc Syria and Judaea,^[4]http://www.timemaps.com/history/syria-30bc and Egypt^[5]http://www.timemaps.com/history/ancient-egypt-30bc; and Parthia to the east, which rules Mesopotamia^[6]http://www.timemaps.com/history/iraq-30bc and Iran.^[7]http://www.timemaps.com/history/iran-30bc This political division will characterize the history of the region for several centuries.

The social and cultural division is not so sharp, however. Greek civilization has left its mark on Mesopotamia and other parts of the Middle Eastern world, as a powerful ingredient in a mix containing more ancient cultures. Greek-style (or “Hellenistic”) cities thrive under both the Romans and the Parthians, and in both empires art and architecture continue to be deeply effected by Greek influences.