Who would learn to read and write in cuneiform?

Cuneiform was a writing system used in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Learning to read and write cuneiform was a specialized skill, not everyone learned it. Here's a breakdown of who would have learned cuneiform:

Those who definitely learned cuneiform:

* Scribes: These were the professional writers and record keepers. They were essential for government, administration, religious institutions, and commerce. They would have been highly educated and trained in the art of cuneiform writing.

* Priests and Priestesses: Religious figures needed to read and write religious texts, conduct rituals, and record temple affairs.

* Government Officials: Scribes were employed by the government to keep records, write laws, and manage the affairs of the state.

* Merchants and Traders: They needed to keep track of their goods, transactions, and agreements.

* Royal Family: Members of the royal family needed to understand and communicate official decrees, laws, and foreign relations.

Those who might have learned cuneiform:

* Wealthy Individuals: People with wealth and influence might have had the resources to learn cuneiform for personal advancement or to keep records for their own affairs.

* Students: While not everyone learned cuneiform, some individuals might have been educated in scribal schools, learning the basics of writing for personal or professional advancement.

Those who likely did NOT learn cuneiform:

* Farmers and Laborers: They were primarily engaged in manual labor and wouldn't have needed to read or write.

* Slaves: They were considered property and would not have been granted access to education.

Overall, learning cuneiform was a privilege reserved for a select few who held positions of power, influence, or wealth. It was a vital skill for maintaining order, conducting business, and preserving knowledge in ancient Mesopotamia.