What does Sumerian mean?

Sumerian refers to the ancient civilization that emerged in southern Mesopotamia, known for being one of the earliest urban societies in human history. The Sumerians developed a unique language, which is a language isolate, and created one of the first writing systems called cuneiform. Their contributions to agriculture, architecture, and governance laid the foundation for subsequent cultures in the region. Sumerian culture and innovations significantly influenced the development of civilization in the ancient Near East.