5,000 years ago, between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in present-day Iraq, the culture commonly known as the cradle of civilization emerged: Mesopotamia.
Here the written language was invented and several powerful kingdoms, including Assyria and Babylon, flourished during different eras.
Civilizations left behind invaluable cultural treasures and monuments, but when IS took control of the area, a relentless destruction of the ancient remains began.
With this, IS wanted to prevent what was considered idolatry.
Restores what has been destroyed
Iraqi archaeologist and author Jawad Bashara has lived in exile for decades, but now, after IS ravages his homeland, he has returned.
With the help of new technology, Jawad hopes to be able to recreate what has been destroyed.
He has local guides, archaeologists and other researchers to help him.
The goal is to create a kind of virtual museum, with 3D models of monuments and objects from the great civilizations.
Watch "The Battle of Babylon's Treasures", in The World of Science on SVT Play already now, or in SVT2 20:00 on Monday 24 January.