What is a key characteristic of Sumer as an ancient civilization?

A key characteristic of Sumer as an ancient civilization is its polytheistic religion. The Sumerians worshiped multiple gods and goddesses, each associated with various aspects of nature and society, such as agriculture, war, and fertility. This belief system was deeply embedded in their culture and influenced many aspects of their daily life, including governance, architecture, and social practices. Temples dedicated to these deities, such as the ziggurats, served as centers of worship and were significant in their city-states.

In contrast, monotheistic religions are characterized by the worship of a single deity, which does not apply to Sumerian beliefs. The nomadic lifestyle involves moving from place to place, which does not align with Sumer's establishment of agricultural communities and urban centers. The idea of an absence of urban centers is also inaccurate, as Sumer is renowned for its city-states like Ur, Uruk, and Eridu, which were some of the first urban developments in human history. These factors reinforce why the polytheistic nature of Sumerian religion stands out as a defining characteristic of this ancient civilization.