The Sumerians

The Sumerians introduces the city-states that developed in southern Mesopotamia during the fourth and third millennia BCE. It examines irrigation, urban growth, temples and the emergence of cuneiform writing in centres such as Uruk, Ur and Lagash.

The book follows changing forms of kingship, trade, warfare and religious practice and considers literary works including the traditions later gathered around Gilgamesh. It explains how Sumerian institutions and language continued to influence Mesopotamia long after political power passed to Akkadian-speaking dynasties.