The recently published Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East by Amanda Podany is well worth a read for anyone interested in ancient Syro-Mesopotamian history. Though the usual kings and queens appear, she focuses on some of the less famous but equally fascinating people from the ancient Near East.

Podany’s earlier book, Brotherhood of Kings: How International Relations Shaped the Ancient Near East, also combines excellent scholarship with an engaging writing style.