How was sumer discovered?

Answer 1

In 1869, Jules Oppert suggested to the French society of Numismatics & Archeology that recognition be given to the existence of Pre-Akkadian language & people. Pointing out that early rulers of Mesopotamia proclaimed their legitimacy by taking the title "King of Sumer & Akkad," he suggested the people be called "Sumerians," and their land, "Sumer.

Except for mispronouncing the name - it should have been Shumer, not Sumer - Oppert was right.

Book of Genesis had clearly stated: The royal cities of Babylon & Akkad & Erech were in "the Land of Shin'ar. Shin'ar was the biblical name for Shumer.

Once the scholars had accepted these conclusions, the flood gates were opened. The first significant excavation of a Sumerian site was begun in 1877 by French archaeologists. Finds were so extensive that others continued to dig until 1933 without completing the job.

Zecharia Sitchin, author of "The 12th Planet"