Final answer:
Ancient Near Eastern Art refers to the art from civilizations situated east of the Mediterranean and is ordered as follows: Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia, Assyria, and the Achaemenid Empire. These societies advanced agriculture, writing, and law, which were intrinsically linked with their arts. Excavations have revealed unique stylistic and technical qualities in their art.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Ancient Near Eastern Art encompasses the art of various civilizations which arose in the area that lay to the east of the Mediterranean, known today as the Middle East. This region was named as such due to its location relative to Europe; it was closer than the Far East countries like China and Japan. The art from these civilizations is integral to the history of Western art, influenced by Western interests in the biblical 'Holy Land' and driven by archaeological discoveries in the 19th century.
The order of Ancient Near Eastern civilizations, beginning from the earliest, is: Sumer, Akkad, Babylonia, Assyria, and the Achaemenid or Early Persian Empire. Each of these societies contributed significantly to the development of culture and the arts, pioneering advancements in agriculture, the invention of the potter's wheel, writing systems, law, and government, which in turn influenced their art and architecture.
Understanding the relationship between these advancements, such as agriculture leading to the development of writing, aids in recognizing how these societies formed and expanded. Furthermore, excavations throughout the Near East have uncovered a range of artistic materials, techniques, subject matter, styles, and conventions unique to this region's art. Through these discoveries, the art of the Ancient Near East reveals a unique beauty and complexity that is still admired today.