A map showing the major cities and cultural centers of the ancient kingdoms of Sumer and Akkad, c. 4000-2000 b.c.e.

Sumerian Civilization Begins in Mesopotamia

Cities and Civic Institutions Are Invented in Mesopotamia

Sumerians Invent Writing

Early Dynastic Period Flourishes in Southern Mesopotamia

Sumerian Uruk-Agina Makes Social and Political Reforms

Sargon of Akkad Establishes the Akkadian Dynasty

Enheduanna Becomes First Named Author

Ur-Nammu Establishes a Code of Law