How did the Sumerians develop the concept of the city-state?

The Sumerians were a people who lived in the southern region of Mesopotamia, which is now modern-day Iraq, around 4000 BCE. They are credited with developing the concept of the city-state, which was a political and economic organization that dominated much of the ancient Near East for several millennia.

The Sumerians' development of the city-state was influenced by several factors, including their agricultural practices, the need for centralized control of resources, and the rise of new technologies such as writing and the wheel. The city-states were typically centered around a large urban area, with a surrounding hinterland that was controlled by the city's rulers.

The Sumerians' concept of the city-state was based on a complex system of government and social organization. The city-state was ruled by a king, who was supported by a group of nobles and priests. The city-state also had a standing army and a system of laws and courts to maintain order.

Trade was a major component of the Sumerian city-states' economies. They developed a system of long-distance trade, which allowed them to acquire raw materials and luxury goods from other regions. This trade network helped to make the city-states wealthy and powerful.

The Sumerians' concept of the city-state had a profound impact on the development of civilization in the ancient Near East. Their system of government and social organization was adopted by many other societies in the region, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.