Which period is recognized for the establishment of the first cities and states in the world?

The Uruk Period is recognized for the establishment of the first cities and states in the world, which marks a significant transition in human societal organization. This period, which lasted from approximately 4000 to 3100 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, is characterized by the emergence of large urban centers such as Uruk, a city that became a hub of trade, culture, and governance. It is during this time that we see distinctive urban planning, monumental architecture, and the development of complex administrative systems.

The Uruk Period also saw the early use of writing, which facilitated record-keeping, the codification of laws, and the administration of increasingly complex societies. These advancements laid the groundwork for state formation and the establishment of social hierarchies, as well as economic systems based on surplus production and trade.

In contrast, while the Halafian and Ubaid periods are earlier and important in terms of cultural development and technological advancements, they do not represent the full establishment of cities and states as seen in the Uruk Period. The Prehistoric Period encompasses a broader timeline before written records and urban development, making it less specific to the context of city and state formation.