Here's why:
* Durability: Clay is a durable material that can withstand time and the elements. This allowed cuneiform writings to survive for thousands of years.
* Versatility: Clay is readily available and easy to work with. It can be shaped into tablets of various sizes and thicknesses.
* Ease of writing: The wedge-shaped marks of cuneiform are easily imprinted into wet clay.
* Archival purposes: Clay tablets provided a lasting record of important events, laws, literature, and even everyday transactions.
While clay was the primary material, cuneiform was also sometimes used on other materials like:
* Stone: For monumental inscriptions and public announcements.
* Metal: For small objects like seals and jewelry.
* Wood: For temporary writings or messages.
* Wax: For personal notes and drafts.
However, the majority of cuneiform writing was done on clay tablets. These tablets provide us with a vast and rich collection of information about ancient Mesopotamia and its culture.