From around 5000 BC, the emergence of agriculture
in ancient Sumer led to the rise of city-states. Government, religion and writing
followed. To track tax payments, tithe
and trade, the ancient Sumerians developed a system of writing, called
cuneiform, that used a wooden wedge to impress shapes onto clay tablets. It is from these clay remnants that we learn
of their laws and practices and of a revolution that occurred in the city-state
of Lagash.© Russell Investments 2013. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
