Where is Sumerian Civilization Located?
The Sumerian civilization, one of the earliest known civilizations in human history, is located in the region that is now modern-day southern Iraq. This ancient civilization emerged around 4500 BCE and flourished until around 2000 BCE. The geographical area of Sumer, known as Sumeria, is situated in the fertile region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, a region often referred to as the Fertile Crescent. This strategic location allowed the Sumerians to develop an advanced agricultural society, which was a foundation for their remarkable achievements in various fields, including writing, law, and governance.
The Sumerian civilization was centered around the city of Ur, which is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. Other significant cities in Sumer included乌鲁克（Uruk）、尼普尔（Nippur）、埃利都（Eridu）、拉格什（Lagash）和舒辛（Shushinak）。 These cities were not only political and economic centers but also cultural hubs where the Sumerians developed their unique culture, language, and writing system.
The fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers provided the Sumerians with an abundance of resources, including water, fertile soil, and wild game. This allowed them to develop sophisticated agricultural practices, such as the construction of irrigation systems, which were crucial for the growth of their civilization. The Sumerians were also among the first to use the wheel, which greatly facilitated transportation and trade within their region.
The Sumerian civilization is often credited with the invention of writing, which is one of the most significant contributions to human history. The Sumerians developed a cuneiform script, which was a system of writing using wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. This writing system allowed for the recording of laws, literature, and administrative documents, which has provided invaluable insights into the Sumerian way of life.
The Sumerian civilization also made significant contributions to the development of law and governance. The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest known legal codes, was created by the Babylonian king Hammurabi during the Amorite period, which was a successor to the Sumerian civilization. The code provided a comprehensive set of laws that covered various aspects of life, including property rights, marriage, and punishment for crimes.
In conclusion, the Sumerian civilization is located in the region of southern Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This strategic location, combined with their advanced agricultural practices, unique writing system, and contributions to law and governance, has made the Sumerians one of the most fascinating and influential civilizations in human history.
