Historical Context of

Euphrates River
Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Period
Ancient Period
• The origins of the Euphrates River were known when the Sumerians
settled in that location and colonized.
• In ancient times the Euphrates River was often used as a boundary
between different regions or kingdoms. Many battles were fought
here, including one in 605 BC between Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon
and Egypt’s Pharaoh Necho II.
Ancient Period
• It was in the Euphrates River was also recognized because of the
Hebrews.
• The story of Gilgamesh and Utnapishtim and his survival on the Great
Flood is an example to this accord. It is somehow the same with the
Bible’s story of Noah and his survival when the Great Flood came.
• The Mesopotamians were able to identify when the riverside will be
dried and will experience flood
Ancient Period
• For several centuries, the river formed the eastern limit of
effective Egyptian and Roman control and western regions of the
Persian Empire. Also, the Battle of Karbala, a defining moment in
Islamic history, when Imam Hussain, along with his family and friends
were martyred, occurred at the banks of Euphrates River.