This textbook provides an overview of the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations in global Oriental studies, focusing primarily on the period from the mid-19th century to the end of the 20th century. It explores the forgotten civilizations of the ancient East that developed in the Nile Valley and the so-called "Fertile Crescent"—including Mesopotamia and the Eastern Mediterranean. The book pays particular attention to the current state of historiography concerning the history of the ancient Orient. As one of the first works of its kind in both Russian and international literature, this manual is designed for university students, researchers, secondary school teachers, and educators in lyceums, colleges, and gymnasiums, as well as anyone interested in the history of the ancient East.