Here's a breakdown:
Government Documents:
* Laws and decrees: These were important for establishing order and maintaining power.
* Tax records: Keeping track of taxes and resources was vital for the economy.
* Contracts: These formalized agreements and ensured accountability.
* Diplomatic correspondence: Communication between city-states was essential for trade and diplomacy.
Beyond Government:
* Personal letters: Cuneiform was used for personal correspondence, expressing emotions, discussing family matters, and sharing news.
* Literary works: Epic poems, myths, and religious texts were written in cuneiform.
* Scientific texts: Cuneiform was used to record observations, calculations, and theories in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
* Business records: Merchants used cuneiform to track inventory, transactions, and debts.
* School texts: Cuneiform tablets were used as textbooks and exercises for students learning to read and write.
In summary, cuneiform served a wide range of purposes in ancient Mesopotamian society, reflecting its importance in communication, administration, and cultural expression.