Map of the Sumerian Civilization

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
by
published on 02 March 2022
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This map illustrates the rise of the Sumerian civilization in southern Mesopotamia, beginning around 6000 BCE. Situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, the region—later home to Akkad and Babylonia—saw the emergence of some of the world’s earliest urban societies built on irrigation agriculture, trade, and religious centers.

Over time, independent city-states such as Ur, Uruk, Lagash, and Eridu developed distinct governments, monumental architecture, and cuneiform writing. These communities pioneered advances in administration, law, and mathematics, while worshipping a shared pantheon of gods. Though often in conflict with each other, the Sumerians laid the foundations of Mesopotamian culture and statecraft, shaping the trajectory of ancient Near Eastern history.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2022, March 02). Map of the Sumerian Civilization. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15299/map-of-the-sumerian-civilization/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Sumerian Civilization." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 02, 2022. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15299/map-of-the-sumerian-civilization/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Sumerian Civilization." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 02 Mar 2022, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/15299/map-of-the-sumerian-civilization/. Web. 19 Jun 2025.

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