In this episode of 'The Rest Is History', hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore Uruk, the world's first city, established around 5000 BC in Southern Mesopotamia. They discuss the remarkable urban planning, including temples and irrigation systems, and the critical factors behind Uruk's rise, such as environmental changes and the emergence of organized labor. The impact of Uruk on trade, writing, and societal structure is examined, alongside its darker aspects like slavery. Ultimately, they delve into the complexities of Uruk's decline, caused by external pressures, while reflecting on its enduring legacy within human civilization.