Sumerian culture, one of the earliest known civilizations, emerged in ancient Mesopotamia around 4500 BCE. The Sumerians are credited with inventing cuneiform, one of the first writing systems, which allowed them to record transactions, stories, and laws. They built impressive city-states like Ur and Uruk, featuring monumental structures such as ziggurats, which served as temples. The Sumerians made significant advancements in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and agriculture. They developed a base-60 number system, which is still used today for measuring time. Their rich mythology included gods like Enlil and Inanna, reflecting their beliefs about the natural world and human existence.