Uruk

Uruk, an ancient Sumerian city dating back to around 4000 BCE, is renowned for its role in early urbanization and the emergence of writing. Located in southern Mesopotamia, Uruk became a hub of cultural, economic, and political activity, reaching its zenith during the Uruk period (4000–3100 BCE). The city was organized into distinct districts, notably the Eanna and Anu districts, featuring monumental temples and ziggurats dedicated to gods like Inanna and Anu. Uruk was a pioneer in the development of writing, with some of the earliest known cuneiform tablets originating here around 3300 BCE. Despite its decline around 2000 BCE, Uruk experienced revivals under the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian empires. The city remains a key archaeological site, offering insights into early urban civilization.