The History Of Writing Systems

Cuneiform

Cuneiform was developed by the Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 B.C.- 3000 B.C. Cuneiform comes from the Latin word “cuneus,” which means “wedge,” from the wedge-shaped writing style.

A stylus, a tool that could be wooden or a type of metal, is used as a stick-like object pressed on a clay tablet or cylinder.

© Trustees of the British Museum

Cuneiform writing was used throughout ancient Mesopotamia, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Elamites, Hatti, Hittites, Assyrians, and the Hurrians.