Editing Sumer (section)

===Military===
[[File:Standard of Ur chariots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|Early chariots on the [[Standard of Ur]], c. 2600 BC]]
[[File:Stele of the vultures (phalanx).jpg|thumb|[[Phalanx]] battle formations led by Sumerian king [[Eannatum]], on a fragment of the [[Stele of the Vultures]]]]
[[File:Silver model of a boat, tomb PG 789, Royal Cemetery of UR, 2600-2500 BCE.jpg|thumb|Silver model of a [[boat]], tomb PG 789, [[Royal Cemetery of Ur]], 2600–2500 BC]]
The almost constant wars among the Sumerian city-states for 2000 years helped to develop the military technology and techniques of Sumer to a high level.<ref>Roux, Georges (1992), "Ancient Iraq" (Penguin).</ref> The first war recorded in any detail was between Lagash and Umma in c. 2450 BC on a stele called the [[Stele of the Vultures]]. It shows the king of Lagash leading a Sumerian army consisting mostly of [[infantry]]. The infantry carried [[spear]]s, wore [[copper]] [[helmet]]s, and carried rectangular [[shield]]s. The spearmen are shown arranged in what resembles the [[phalanx formation]], which requires training and discipline; this implies that the Sumerians may have used professional soldiers.<ref>Winter, Irene J. (1985). "After the Battle is Over: The 'Stele of the Vultures' and the Beginning of Historical Narrative in the Art of the Ancient Near East". In Kessler, Herbert L.; Simpson, Marianna Shreve. Pictorial Narrative in Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, Symposium Series IV 16. Washington, D.C.: National Gallery of Art. pp. 11–32. {{ISSN|0091-7338}}.</ref>

The Sumerian military used carts harnessed to [[onager]]s. These early [[chariot]]s functioned less effectively in combat than did later designs, and some have suggested that these chariots served primarily as transports, though the crew carried battle-axes and [[lance]]s. The Sumerian chariot comprised a four or two-[[wheel]]ed device manned by a crew of two and harnessed to four onagers. The cart was composed of a [[basket|woven basket]] and the wheels had a solid three-piece design.

Sumerian cities were surrounded by [[defensive wall]]s. The Sumerians engaged in [[siege]] warfare between their cities, but the mudbrick walls were able to deter some foes.