The donation will fund Nahrein’s work for the next decade.
UCL’s president and provost Dr Michael Spence said it was “a seminal moment in the decolonisation of knowledge production in Iraq and other regions in the Global South”.
The Nahrein Network has until now been funded by the UK Research and Innovation Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Global Challenges Research Fund.
UCL’s head of history, Prof Eleanor Robson, said ancient Mesopotamia had only really been the subject of academic interest since the 19th century, with most studies coming from a western perspective.
“This outstandingly generous donation will help transcend barriers associated with a fragile, post-conflict state and ensure Iraqis can reclaim their ancient heritage as local history – with all the social, cultural, economic and educational benefits that can bring,” she said.