In ancient Mesopotamia, kitchens were an important part of daily life. Glass-front cabinets with pressed botanical specimens were not part of Mesopotamian kitchen design. These kitchens were typically small, enclosed spaces with a central hearth for cooking. The Mesopotamians relied on a variety of ingredients such as barley, wheat, dates, vegetables, and meat. They used clay ovens and pots for baking and cooking. The kitchen was a place where family members gathered to prepare and share meals. It was also a space where food preservation techniques such as drying and pickling were practiced.