Overview

• Dozens of independent city-states (Ur, Lagash, Kish, Umma).
• Frequent wars for canals and farmland.

Dynasties

• First Dynasty of Kish (legendary kings like Etana, Enmebaragesi)
• Dynasty of Ur (Ur I and Ur II)
• Lagash rulers (Eannatum, Urukagina)

People & Society

• Clear class system: kings → nobles → priests → artisans → farmers → slaves.
• Large palaces appear.

Religion

• Each city had a patron god (e.g., Ningirsu in Lagash, Nanna in Ur).
• Ziggurats built as “mountains for the gods”.

Economy

• Irrigated agriculture controlled by temples and palace administrators.
• Flourishing of crafts: metalwork, ceramics, textiles.

Army

• Professional soldiers appear for the first time.
• Heavy infantry with spears and large shields.
• Chariot-like “battle carts” pulled by onagers.
• Carved depictions show disciplined formations (Stele of the Vultures).