Here are some key facts about cuneiform:
* Origin: Cuneiform developed around 3200 BCE in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
* Material: It was written on clay tablets, which were then baked to preserve the writing.
* Symbols: The script started as pictographs (pictures representing words), but evolved into a system of wedge-shaped marks (cunei) representing syllables and sounds.
* Direction: Cuneiform was written in columns, moving from right to left.
* Impact: Cuneiform played a crucial role in the development of Sumerian civilization, allowing them to record their history, literature, laws, and scientific knowledge.
It's important to note that cuneiform wasn't just a Sumerian invention. It was adopted and adapted by other Mesopotamian civilizations, such as the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. It remained in use for over 3000 years, making it one of the longest-lasting writing systems in history.