Assyriogaming refers to the intersection of Assyriology—the study of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, languages, and cultures—and gaming, particularly in gamified learning experiences and digital media. A niche subfield of archaeogaming, Assyriogaming focuses on how ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria, are represented in video games. This includes the accuracy of historical settings and narratives, the depiction of mythology, and the integration of cuneiform inscriptions and linguistic elements.

Several video games incorporate Mesopotamian themes, either by directly referencing historical events or drawing inspiration from ancient texts and artifacts:

• Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) – Features cuneiform inscriptions, analyzed for historical accuracy.^[1]
• Assassin's Creed Origins (2017) – Includes references to Mesopotamian mythology and artifacts.
• Age of Empires (1997–present) – Depicts Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations with historically based gameplay.
• Total War: Pharaoh (2023) – Explores Near Eastern powers, including interactions with Assyria and Babylon.
• The Forgotten City (2021) – Primarily set in ancient Rome but incorporates Mesopotamian mythological elements.

Assyriogaming aims to enhance public engagement with ancient history by making Mesopotamian civilizations accessible through interactive storytelling. While many games may take creative liberties, their use of Mesopotamian themes can foster interest in Assyriology and ancient studies.

Discussions surrounding Assyriogaming often intersect with archaeogaming, a field that explores the relationship between archaeology and digital media. Scholars assess the accuracy of historical representations while also acknowledging the potential of games to introduce ancient civilizations to a broader audience.

Category:VideoGameCategory