Lagash was an ancient city-state located in southern Mesopotamia, near the banks of the Tigris River. It was one of the earliest urban centers, flourishing during the Sumerian period around 3000 BCE. Lagash was known for its impressive architecture, including temples and ziggurats, and played a significant role in the development of early writing and governance. The city was governed by a series of rulers, including the famous king Gudea, who is remembered for his extensive building projects and inscriptions. Lagash was also a center for trade and agriculture, benefiting from the fertile land of the surrounding region.