Mesopotamia is considered as the place where the first civilization emerged. The first civilization, at least fro what is known so far, is the Sumerian civilization, which developed in Mesopotamia.
The meaning of the word Mesopotamia means ''the land between the/two rivers''. The word has Ancient Greek origin.
The reason why this area was given this name was as the name suggests, that it was situated between two rivers. The two rivers were Tigris and Euphrates, both of which are large rivers, and they both provided suitable conditions for a civilization to develop and prosper.
Apart from the Sumerians, on this territory flourished several other civilizations, such as the Akkadian, the Babylonian Kingdoms, and the Assyrians.
What was Mesopotamia in ancient times, is part of the modern day nation of Iraq, and the area still plays crucial part in sustaining the humans.