Sumerians (not to be confused with Mixtec)

The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq, around 4500 BCE. They are credited with creating one of the world's earliest writing systems, called cuneiform, and made significant advancements in areas like mathematics, astronomy, and law. Sumerians built impressive city-states, such as Ur and Uruk, featuring ziggurats, which were stepped temple structures. Their culture, including religious beliefs and artistic achievements, laid foundational influences for subsequent civilizations in the region, making them a key part of world history.