My question deals with the ethnic make up of the Middle east and North
Africa.  Today we consider these areas to be Arab.  However, during
the classical period of history -  when these areas of the world were
controlled by the Greeks and then the Romans -- were these areas also
Arab.  Did the Arabs come in much like the barbarian tribes came into
europe toward the end of the Roman Empire. Or did they exist in these
areas all ready. For example, when Alexander the great conquered
Babylon, where they Babylonians the same people as the current day
Iraqs??

Thank you.