As a domain expert in ancient history, I can provide an insightful overview of the historical names and regions that correspond to modern-day Iraq. The region that is now Iraq has been known by various names throughout history, each reflecting the cultural and political shifts that have occurred over millennia.

Step 1: English Answer
The ancient lands that now comprise Iraq have been referred to by several names, each significant in its historical context. The most well-known of these is Mesopotamia, which translates to "Land Between the Rivers." This term refers to the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which is considered the cradle of civilization due to the rise of some of the world's earliest known civilizations.

The Sumerians were among the first to settle in this area, developing one of the earliest known forms of writing, the cuneiform script, and establishing city-states such as Ur, Uruk, and Eridu. The Sumerian civilization laid the foundation for many cultural, technological, and administrative advancements that would influence subsequent societies.

Following the Sumerians, the Akkadians emerged under the rule of Sargon the Great, who established a powerful empire that extended beyond Mesopotamia. The Akkadian Empire is notable for its military conquests and the spread of the Akkadian language, which became a lingua franca in the region.

The Babylonians rose to prominence later, with their most famous ruler, Hammurabi, known for his law code that is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. Babylon became a cultural and commercial hub, with the construction of the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Assyrians, known for their military prowess and the construction of the city of Assur and the great city of Nineveh, also had a significant impact on the region. Their empire was vast and at its height, it was one of the most powerful in the ancient world.

Throughout its history, the region was also influenced by external powers and cultures. The Persians, under the Achaemenid Empire, conquered the area and incorporated it into their vast domain. Later, the region was conquered by Alexander the Great and became part of the Seleucid Empire after his death.

With the rise of Islam in the 7th century, the region was incorporated into the Islamic Caliphate, leading to a period of significant cultural and religious transformation. The Abbasid Caliphate later moved its capital to Baghdad, which became a center of learning and culture during the Islamic Golden Age.

In the medieval period, the region was known as part of the Ajam in the Islamic context, which referred to non-Arab lands under Islamic rule. It was also part of various Sultanates and Emirates before becoming a modern nation-state.

The historical significance of the region now known as Iraq cannot be overstated. It is a place where some of humanity's first cities were built, where foundational legal codes were established, and where diverse cultures and empires have left their mark on the course of history.

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During ancient times the lands now comprising Iraq were known as Mesopotamia (--Land Between the Rivers--), a region whose extensive alluvial plains gave rise to some of the world's earliest civilizations, including those of Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.Mar 28, 2018read more >>