
Sumerian City-States
Sumerian city-states were independent, self-governing cities that emerged in ancient Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. Each city-state, like Uruk or Ur, consisted of a central city and surrounding farmland. They had their own rulers, temples, and economies, often engaging in trade and warfare with one another. The Sumerians developed advanced writing, mathematics, and law, contributing significantly to human civilization. These city-states laid the foundation for later cultures in the region and are regarded as some of the world's first political entities, reflecting early urbanization and organized society.
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Sumerian city-states were independent, self-governing urban centers that emerged in ancient Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE. Each city-state, such as Ur, Uruk, and Lagash, had its own ruler, government, and deities. They featured complex societies with distinct social classes, advanced agriculture, and bustling trade. The Sumerians are credited with significant innovations, including writing (cuneiform), mathematics, and early laws. City-states often engaged in rivalries, leading to conflicts and alliances, while their shared culture laid the foundation for later civilizations in the region. These city-states were crucial in shaping human history and urban development.