Erech, Akkad, and Calneh are ancient cities mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of Shinar, which is often identified with the region of Mesopotamia, particularly modern-day Iraq.
1. Erech: Known as Uruk in ancient times, Erech was a prominent city in Sumer. Today, its ruins can be found near the modern town of Warka in Iraq.
2. Akkad: This was the capital of the Akkadian Empire and is associated with the eventual rise of Babylon. The exact location of Akkad is still debated among historians, but it is generally thought to be in the region around modern-day Baghdad, Iraq.
3. Calneh: Calneh is less well-known and there’s much speculation about its precise location. Some scholars suggest it may be located in the area of modern Tall al-Nasriyah in southern Iraq.
In summary, all three cities were significant centers of ancient civilization in the region of Shinar, aligning closely with the historical geography of southern Iraq today.