Final answer:
A key characteristic of the early Sumerian period of Mesopotamian culture was the development of writing known as cuneiform. The Sumerians used cuneiform to record their laws, religious tracts, and commercial exchanges on clay tablets. The early Sumerian period also saw the abundance of pottery and other artistic traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A key characteristic of the early Sumerian period of Mesopotamian culture was the development of writing, specifically the script known as cuneiform. The Sumerians used cuneiform to record their laws, religious tracts, and commercial exchanges on clay tablets. This form of writing evolved from pictograms into a phonetic script, where each symbol represented a syllable.
In addition to writing, the early Sumerian period was known for its artistic traditions. The Sumerians produced abundant pottery and created statues of gods, kings, and worshipers. These monumental temples and palaces served as centers of innovation, where priests were trained in various fields such as astronomy and mathematics.
The influence of Sumerian civilization spread across a large area of the Near and Middle East. Sumerian culture impacted surrounding regions through trade, technological advancements, and the spread of their material culture.