The Sumerians are thought to have formed the first human civilization in world history. They lived in southern Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Middle East. Cradle of Civilization. Many historians think that cities and towns were first formed in Sumer around 5000 BC.
At noon, on March 21 and September 23rd are the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. The sun is directly overhead at the equator at these times. On June 22nd is the summer solstice, in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun is at the 23.5 degrees Northern latitude.
In late winter and spring, sunrise as seen from temperate latitudes occurs earlier each day, reaching its earliest time near the summer solstice; although the exact date varies by latitude. After this point, the time of sunrise gets later each day, reaching its latest sometime around the winter solstice.