The Sumerians are considered the first human civilization in world history. They lived in southern Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Middle East.

Cradle of Civilization

Many historians think that cities and towns were first formed in Sumer around 5000 BC. Nomads moved into the fertile land and began to form small villages which slowly grew into large towns.  This land is often called the “Cradle of Civilization”.

Sumer City-States

As the Sumerian villages grew, they formed city-states.  A city state is when a city government could rule the city as well as the land around it. These city-states often fought each other. They built walls around their cities for protection. Farmland was outside the walls, but people would be in the  city when invaders came.

There were many city-states in Sumer. Some of the most powerful city-states included Eridu, Bad-tibura, Shuruppak, Uruk, Sippar, and Ur.

Sumerian Rulers and Government

Each city-state had its own ruler. They  had various titles such as lugal, en, or ensi. The ruler was like a king or governor. The ruler of the city was often the high priest of their religion as well. This gave him even more power. The most famous king was Gilgamesh of Uruk who was the subject of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the world’s oldest surviving works of literature.

In addition to the king or governor, there was a government with officials who helped to organize city building projects and keep the city running.  The invention of government is often credited to the Sumerians.

Religion

Each city-state also had its own god. In the center of each city was a large temple  called a ziggurat. The ziggurat looked like a step pyramid with a flat top. Here the priests would perform rituals and sacrifices.

Important Inventions and Technology

One of the great contributions the Sumerians made to civilization was their many inventions. They invented the first form of writing, a number system, the first wheeled vehicles, sun-dried bricks, and irrigation for farming. All of these things were important for the development of human civilization.

They also had an interest in science including astronomy and the movement of the moon and the stars. They used this information to make a more accurate calendar.