The ancient society credited with the establishment of the first known city-states is Sumer, located in present-day southern Iraq. This civilization emerged around 3500 BCE and is recognized for its advanced urban development, agricultural practices, and innovations in writing, particularly cuneiform. The Sumerians built several city-states, such as Ur, Uruk, and Lagash, which served as political, religious, and economic centers. Each city-state operated independently, governed by a ruler or a priest-king. The Sumerians’ contributions in governance, law, and culture laid foundational principles for subsequent civilizations and significantly influenced future societal development.