The Sumerian King List is an ancient manuscript that records the kings of Sumer, a region in southern Mesopotamia, and their reigns. It lists both mythical and historical rulers, detailing the lengths of their reigns and the cities they governed. The document highlights the belief in divine kingship, suggesting that kings were chosen by the gods. This list serves as a crucial historical source for understanding early Mesopotamian civilization and its political structure. It includes notable figures such as Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and reflects the transition from myth to history in the region's governance.