the ancient Sumerians

The ancient Sumerians were one of the first civilizations, emerging around 4500 BCE in the region of Mesopotamia, in present-day southern Iraq. They developed one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform, and made significant advancements in areas such as mathematics, astronomy, and architecture, including the construction of ziggurats. Sumerians practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping many gods and goddesses. They established city-states like Ur and Uruk, each with its own government and cultural practices. Their innovations laid the groundwork for subsequent civilizations and greatly influenced later cultures in the region.