Sumer: The Invention of History
How the First Cities, Laws and Myths Shaped Civilization
Step into the world where history truly began. In the fertile plains of southern Mesopotamia, the Sumerians built the first cities, created the first writing system, composed the earliest laws and shaped myths that would echo across civilizations. This book offers a clear and compelling introduction to the foundations of human society, presenting the achievements of Sumer through solid research and accessible narrative.
You will explore how irrigation turned desert into farmland, how temples evolved into ziggurats, how the first kings claimed divine authority, and how clay tablets preserved everything from trade records to epic poetry. The book also examines the great myths of the Sumerians, including the creation of humanity, the descent of royal power and the ancient flood tradition that inspired later stories.
Perfect for readers interested in ancient history, archaeology, religion and the origins of writing, Sumer: The Invention of History gives you a complete view of a civilization whose ideas shaped law, politics, science and urban life for millennia. If you want to understand where civilization truly began, this is the essential guide.