Describe and Discuss the Development of the Sumerian System of Writing

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The Answer is The Sumerian system of writing, known as cuneiform, is one of the earliest known forms of writing in human history. It developed in the ancient civilization of Sumer, located in modern-day southern Iraq, around 3500 BCE.

The development of cuneiform can be traced back to the need for record-keeping in the burgeoning Sumerian city-states. As these city-states grew in size and complexity, there was a need to keep track of trade, taxes, and other administrative matters. This led to the development of a system of symbols to represent words and concepts, which eventually evolved into a full-fledged writing system.

The earliest forms of cuneiform were pictographic, with symbols representing objects or concepts. Over time, these symbols became more abstract and stylized, and the system evolved to include phonetic elements, allowing for the representation of sounds and syllables. This made cuneiform a versatile writing system that could be used to write not only Sumerian, but also other languages such as Akkadian and Elamite.

The development of cuneiform had a profound impact on Sumerian society. It allowed for the recording of laws, literature, and religious texts, and facilitated communication and trade between different city-states. It also played a crucial role in the spread of knowledge and the preservation of Sumerian culture.

In conclusion, the development of the Sumerian system of writing was a significant milestone in human history. It arose out of the practical need for record-keeping in the ancient Sumerian city-states and evolved into a sophisticated writing system that had a profound impact on Sumerian society and culture.

Describe and Discuss the Development of the Sumerian System of Writing

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