History Begins in Sumer

History begins in Sumer, and we can distinguish two key periods in the development of that region: the Uruk Period (3800-3200 BCE) and the Dynastic Period (2800--2370 BCE).

The Uruk period is the period of the city. It is marked by the invention of the wheel and the plow, both necessary for advanced food production and for supporting denser populations. Writing, which is essentially a tool for preservation, was invented. We begin to see the creation of walls and temples. All of these reveal important features of ancient Sumerian society.

The Dyanstic Period essentially marks the beginning of a new form of political power dependent upon certain strongmen ("lugals") who have wealth, power, land, or something that gives them an edge over their fellows. We begin to see in this period trade among cities and the lugals fighting for power among cities. It is the beginning of monarchial rule by sheer force of power.

* There is also an important note to keep mind of regarding the religious impulse of man. The earliest stages of religious expression can be seen in Sumer with the construction of the ziggurat. More will be said about this later.