* Writing evolved gradually: Writing systems didn't appear suddenly; they developed over time from simple pictographs to more complex symbols.
* Earliest evidence is fragmented: The earliest known written records are often fragments, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of a "letter."
* Multiple cultures developed writing: Ancient civilizations like Sumer, Egypt, China, and Mesoamerica all independently developed writing systems, making it hard to claim one specific origin.
However, we can point to some early contenders:
* Cuneiform: This ancient writing system, developed by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia, is considered one of the earliest forms of writing (circa 3500 BCE).
* Hieroglyphics: The Egyptians developed their own hieroglyphic system around the same time as cuneiform.
While we might not know who wrote the very first letter, these early writing systems represent a crucial turning point in human history, marking the beginning of recorded communication and the foundation of literature and knowledge.