Definition: Sumer was one of two Early Dynastic period (3000-2350 BC) communities in southern Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (the other was Akkad).
Beginning during the late 4th millennium BC, the Sumerians were living in urban centers surrounded by agricultural fields, such as Uruk, Ur, Kish, Lagash and Eridu. Sumerians are thought to be one of the earliest urban societies in the world (but not the earliest, that goes to Tell Hamoukar). They developed cuneiform, and invented tools such as the plow and wheel.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Ki-engir (Sumerian), Shumerum (Akkadian)
Common Misspellings: Sumeria
