What is a brief description of cuneiform writing?

Cuneiform writing is an ancient writing system developed in Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. It used wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets, forming a complex system that could represent syllables, words, and even abstract concepts. Originally representing pictograms, cuneiform evolved into a logographic system, with each sign representing a word or syllable.

Key features of cuneiform:

* Wedge-shaped marks: Created by pressing a stylus into soft clay tablets.

* Logographic and syllabic: Signs represent words or syllables, with some signs representing multiple sounds.

* Complex system: Required extensive training and memorization to master.

* Used for various purposes: Recording transactions, literature, legal documents, and religious texts.

* Lasting legacy: Influenced other writing systems and provided a valuable source of information about ancient Mesopotamian civilization.