The ancient civilization recognized for its advanced engineering and construction of ziggurats is the Sumerians. Emerging in ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE, the Sumerians are noted for their monumental structures called ziggurats, which were massive stepped temples built to honor their deities. These structures showcased their architectural innovations, using mud bricks and precise engineering techniques. Ziggurats served as local religious centers, often part of larger city-states, and reflected the Sumerians' complex social structure, religious beliefs, and administrative systems. Their achievements laid the groundwork for subsequent Mesopotamian cultures and remain a fascinating subject of study in archaeology.