The classical Sumerian period, between circa 2900 BCE and 2340 BCE, when Lower and Middle Mesopotamia were unified by Sargon of Akkad. The Early Dynastic period was marked by conflict between rival independent city-states and the consolidation of royal power. The monumental architecture of Early Dynastic cities includes temples and palaces. Despite political rivalries, city-states displayed a high degree of cultural unity in this period.

This period is traditionally divided into:

• Early Dynastic I (2900-2700 BCE)
• Early Dynastic II (2700-2600 BCE)
• Early Dynastic III (2600-2340 BCE)