* Trade and Commerce: As early civilizations in Mesopotamia grew more complex, the need for tracking trade goods, transactions, and debts became essential. Cuneiform allowed for a standardized system to record these details.
* Government Administration: Rulers needed to manage their territories, collect taxes, and maintain order. Cuneiform enabled them to document laws, decrees, and administrative records.
* Temple Administration: Temples were major centers of economic and religious activity, managing vast lands and resources. Cuneiform was essential for tracking temple finances, offerings, and personnel.
* Literature and Education: Over time, cuneiform's use expanded beyond practical purposes. It became the medium for writing down myths, epics, and historical accounts, contributing to the development of Mesopotamian literature and education.
Essentially, cuneiform was a tool that allowed ancient Mesopotamian societies to manage their increasingly complex lives and institutions.