Ancient Mesopotamian writing, known as cuneiform, is one of the earliest systems of writing developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia around 3400 BCE. Cuneiform means "wedge-shaped," a reference to the distinctive marks made by the blunt end of a reed stylus on clay tablets.

Why is Ancient Mesopotamian Writing Called “Cuneiform”?

The term "cuneiform" comes from the Latin word "cuneus," meaning wedge. This name describes the wedge-shaped impressions that scribes made in wet clay tablets using a stylus. Over time, these marks evolved from simple pictograms to more abstract symbols representing sounds and concepts.

What is the History of Ancient Mesopotamian Writing?

Cuneiform writing originated with the Sumerians around 3400 BCE and continued to be used by various cultures in Mesopotamia for over three millennia. Initially developed for record-keeping and administrative purposes, it later expanded to include literature, legal codes, and personal correspondence. Significant milestones in its history include the creation of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Code of Hammurabi.

How Do You Read Cuneiform?

Reading cuneiform involves understanding the context and the specific language in which it was written, such as Sumerian, Akkadian, or Babylonian. Cuneiform signs can represent sounds (syllabic writing), words (logographic writing), or determinatives (semantic indicators). Scholars use a combination of linguistic knowledge and comparative texts to decipher cuneiform inscriptions.

What Was Ancient Mesopotamian Writing About?

Ancient Mesopotamian writing covered a wide range of topics, including administrative records, economic transactions, legal documents, religious texts, literature, and personal letters. Among the most famous works is the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known pieces of literature in the world.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia that is often regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature. It tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. The epic explores themes of friendship, the human condition, and the search for eternal life.

Facts About Ancient Mesopotamian Writing

• Cuneiform was used by several ancient cultures, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.
• There are over 700 different cuneiform symbols.
• Cuneiform tablets were often baked to preserve important documents.
• The earliest known cuneiform tablets are administrative records from the city of Uruk.
• The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, helped scholars understand cuneiform writing.

Timeline of Mesopotamian History

• 3400 BCE: Development of cuneiform writing by the Sumerians.
• 2334-2279 BCE: Reign of Sargon of Akkad, who established one of the world's first empires.
• 1792-1750 BCE: Reign of Hammurabi, known for the Code of Hammurabi.
• 1200 BCE: Decline of the Assyrian Empire.
• 612 BCE: Fall of Nineveh and the end of the Assyrian Empire.
• 539 BCE: Conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great of Persia.