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The Sumerian civilization was a complex, urbanized society that developed in the fertile plains of Mesopotamia. Characterized by city-states such as Ur, Uruk, and Nippur, Sumeria was a hub of innovation, giving rise to the invention of writing (c. 3500 BCE), the wheel (c. 4000 BCE), and sophisticated irrigation systems. Sumerian art and literature also reflect a high degree of sophistication, with works like the Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 2100 BCE) and the Sumerian King List (c. 2100 BCE) demonstrating a rich cultural heritage.