cunéiforme

Cuneiform is one of the earliest known systems of writing, originating in ancient Mesopotamia around the late 4th millennium BCE. The name "cuneiform" is derived from the Latin word "cuneus," meaning wedge, referring to the wedge-shaped marks made by a stylus. These marks were typically impressed into soft clay tablets, which, when dried or baked, created durable records.

The script was initially pictographic, representing objects and ideas through simple drawings. Over time, it evolved into a more abstract system of symbols. Cuneiform was used by various Mesopotamian cultures, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, for a wide range of purposes. These included administrative records, legal codes, religious texts, literature, and personal correspondence.

The development of cuneiform was a significant milestone in human history, enabling complex societies to manage information, preserve knowledge, and communicate over distances. It remained in use for over three millennia before being gradually replaced by alphabetic scripts. Decipherment of cuneiform began in the 19th century, opening a window into the rich history and culture of the ancient Near East.