It’s 652 BCE. Assyria is the most powerful empire in the world, and is known for its harsh treatment of enemies and territorial expansion. It is currently ruled by Ashurbanipal, a scholar, who was chosen as heir over his older brother Shamash-shum-ukin. As a conciliatory gesture, Shamash-shum-ukin was appointed as king of Babylonia, a vassal state with a history of uprisings against Assyria. Shamash-shum-ukin has declared he is the true king of Assyria and is leading a Babylonian revolt against Ashurbanipal. Egypt is an ancient, proud and wealthy kingdom with lots of agricultural land, and has just gained independence after a successful revolt against Assyria. Shamash-shum-ukin asks Egpyt for assistance in his revolt.

“Academic stratification” describes education systems that separate school students based on ability, such as streaming, accelerated classes, and selective schools.