Sumeria, also known as Sumer, was an ancient civilization located in the southern region of Mesopotamia, which is now modern-day southern Iraq. It is regarded as one of the oldest human civilizations, emerging around 4500 BCE and lasting until around 1900 BCE.
The term "Sumeria" refers to the geographical area where the Sumerian civilization thrived, as well as the people and culture associated with it. The Sumerians were known for their advanced urban society, consisting of city-states such as Uruk and Ur. They were highly skilled in various fields, including agriculture, architecture, writing, and mathematics.
One of the significant contributions of Sumeria was the invention of writing, specifically cuneiform script, which was used to document various aspects of their civilization, including administrative, economic, and religious matters. Their complex system of writing and record-keeping laid the foundation for future civilizations and became the basis for many later writing systems.
Religion played a crucial role in Sumerian society, as they worshipped a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Their religious beliefs and rituals influenced other ancient cultures in the region.
Sumeria's decline is attributed to various factors, including environmental degradation, conflicts with neighboring regions, and the invasion of foreign empires such as the Akkadians and Babylonians.
Despite its eventual decline, Sumeria left an indelible mark on human history, contributing to the development of cities, writing, religious practices, mathematics, and other aspects of civilization that influenced later societies in the region and beyond.
