Cuneiform, originating in ancient Sumer around 3400 BCE, was one of the earliest systems of writing. This intricate script, initially comprising pictographs, evolved into a complex system of wedge-shaped symbols. Used primarily for record-keeping in its early days, cuneiform eventually included a wide array of literature, legal documents, and scholarly texts, reflecting the richness of Mesopotamian culture. Our exploration delves into the birth of cuneiform in the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia, its spread across regions, and its gradual decline with the rise of alphabetic scripts. From royal decrees to epic poems, cuneiform tablets offer invaluable insights into the socio-political, economic, and spiritual life of ancient civilizations. This rich history, once lost to time, continues to inspire and educate, demonstrating the enduring power of the written word.
"Because the messenger's mouth was heavy and he couldn't repeat [the message], the Lord of Kulaba patted some clay and put words on it, like a tablet. Until then, there had been no putting words on clay"
Sumerian epic poem Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta
1800 BC