The Sumerians were an ancient civilization that emerged in the historical region of southern Mesopotamia, which is now part of south-central Iraq. Their civilization thrived during the Chalcolithic and early Bronze Ages, spanning roughly from the sixth to fifth millennium BC 1. Here are some key points about the Sumerian civilization:

• Location: Sumer was situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq, extending from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf 2.
• Innovations: The Sumerians are renowned for their contributions in various fields:
  • Language: They developed one of the earliest known writing systems, using cuneiform script. The world’s earliest texts come from Sumerian cities like Uruk and Jemdet Nasr 1.
  • Governance: Sumerian city-states had organized systems of governance, including kingship.
  • Architecture: They built impressive structures, including ziggurats (stepped temples) and city walls.
  • Agriculture: Sumerian farmers cultivated abundant grain and other crops, enabling the formation of urban settlements.
• Origin: The exact origin of the Sumerians remains uncertain. They referred to themselves as the “Black-Headed Ones” or “Black-Headed People”. Their language was called “Emegir” 1.
• Legacy: Sumerians are considered the creators of civilization as modern humans understand it. Their influence extended to neighboring regions, and their innovations laid the groundwork for subsequent empires 3.

In summary, Sumer was a remarkable civilization that left an indelible mark on human history, shaping language, governance, and culture in the ancient Near East.