While cuneiform originated in Sumeria, it was a complex system with hundreds of signs. The Assyrians, during their empire's expansion (9th-7th centuries BC), streamlined the writing system to make it more efficient and easier to learn.
They achieved this by:
* Reducing the number of signs: They eliminated many of the less common signs and replaced them with simpler ones.
* Developing a syllabic system: This allowed for more flexibility in representing sounds, making writing more concise and adaptable.
* Standardizing the writing: They created a more uniform script that was easier to read and understand across different regions.
This simplified cuneiform became the standard script across the Near East for centuries, and played a key role in Assyria's cultural and administrative achievements.