Writing Development in Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia, known as the "cradle of civilization," was one of the earliest known civilizations in the world. Writing played a crucial role in the development of this ancient society, with several key milestones marking its progress.

1. Cuneiform Script
- The earliest form of writing in Mesopotamia was the cuneiform script, which consisted of wedge-shaped characters impressed on clay tablets.
- Developed by the Sumerians around 3200 BCE, cuneiform was initially used for record-keeping and administrative purposes.

2. Sumerian Literature
- As writing evolved, the Sumerians began to use cuneiform for more creative purposes, such as writing epic poems and myths.
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literature, was written in cuneiform on clay tablets.

3. Akkadian Influence
- The Akkadians, a neighboring civilization, adopted the cuneiform script from the Sumerians and modified it to suit their own language.
- This led to the development of the Akkadian language and literature, further enriching Mesopotamian writing.

4. Babylonian and Assyrian Empires
- The Babylonian and Assyrian empires, successors to the Sumerians and Akkadians, continued to use cuneiform for record-keeping and communication.
- They also expanded the literary tradition, producing works such as the Code of Hammurabi and the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Elish.

5. Legacy of Mesopotamian Writing
- Mesopotamian writing laid the foundation for future civilizations, influencing the development of writing systems in the ancient Near East and beyond.
- The legacy of cuneiform can still be seen in modern writing systems, demonstrating the enduring impact of Mesopotamian culture.