Goals and design of this resource -- Maps of the ancient Near East. The ancient Near East -- Resources in the ancient Near East -- A chronology of the ancient Near East -- Introduction to ancient Near Eastern art and archaeology. Uncovering the ancient Near East through archaeology -- A brief history of the ancient Near East. Dating the ancient Near East -- Cuneiform messages -- Animals and humans -- The royal image -- Communicating with the divine. The afterlife -- Materials and techniques -- Quick list of the works of art -- Descriptions of the works of art -- Classroom applications. National standards for education: curriculum connections -- Lesson plans. Writing and art -- The multifaceted animal -- The royal image -- Gods, goddesses, and the supernatural -- Classroom activities --Topics for discussion.