<P> The ecoregion is characterized by two large rivers , the Tigris and Euphrates . The rivers have several small tributaries which feed into the system from shallow freshwater lakes , swamps , and marshes , all surrounded by desert . The hydrology of these vast marshes is extremely important to the ecology of the entire upper Persian Gulf . Historically , the area is known as Mesopotamia . As part of the larger Fertile Crescent , it saw the earliest emergence of literate urban civilization in the Uruk period , for which reason it is often described as a `` Cradle of Civilization '' . </P>
<P> The ecoregion is characterized by two large rivers , the Tigris and Euphrates . The rivers have several small tributaries which feed into the system from shallow freshwater lakes , swamps , and marshes , all surrounded by desert . The hydrology of these vast marshes is extremely important to the ecology of the entire upper Persian Gulf . Historically , the area is known as Mesopotamia . As part of the larger Fertile Crescent , it saw the earliest emergence of literate urban civilization in the Uruk period , for which reason it is often described as a `` Cradle of Civilization '' . </P>
the area between the tigris and euphrates rivers
the area between the tigris and euphrates rivers
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia