Definition och Betydelse av "cuneiform"

What is "cuneiform"?

Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. This writing system uses wedge-shaped marks made by pressing a stylus into soft clay tablets. Cuneiform originally represented pictographs, which evolved into symbols that conveyed sounds, words, and ideas. It was used for various purposes, including record-keeping, literature, and legal documents. As a versatile writing system, cuneiform adapted to several languages, such as Akkadian and Babylonian, making it a crucial tool for communication in ancient civilizations. Its significance in linguistics and history lies in its role in the development of writing and record-keeping, influencing many cultures over millennia.