Eridu Description

When given the opportunity to time travel to any era, many would wish to explore a classic civilization, such as the mighty Romans or the great Chaldean Empire. They wish to witness the wonders of the ancient world, such as the Colosseum or the wondrous Hanging Gardens. I, however, am more inclined towards investigating the unknown. I would travel to the unheralded ancient city of Eridu at the mouth of the Euphrates River in contemporary Iraq, arguably the oldest antediluvian city on Earth. Eridu was the first of a series of city-states throughout Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent that comprised the first ancient civilization, Sumer. Archeologists have discovered historical evidence suggesting that the Sumerians were the first to develop a reliable writing system, cuneiform. They practiced slavery, observed religions, and, according to Biblical scholars, possibly built the infamous Tower of Babel.
No, I specifically want to traverse the unknown hills and valleys of time that have yet to see an adventurer. I would travel to the day the first Sumerian placed the first brick at the mouth of the Euphrates, approximately 5400 BC. Historians know much of the feats the Sumerians accomplished, how they managed to perform them, and when they did them, but they do not know much of their motives. What thought spurred the first scribe to wedge a stylus into clay, creating cuneiform writing? What action spurred the ancient Sumerians to take slaves? Why did opposing city-states and even differing social classes practice a wide variety of religions and worship contrasting gods? Until the first time traveler explores what is not known, the answers escape