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What is the oldest surviving ancient writing system and what can we learn from it?

Hanna Mears

The oldest surviving ancient writing system is the Sumerian cuneiform script, which dates back to approximately 3200 BCE. This system was used to record a wide range of information, including business transactions, personal correspondence, religious texts, and even literature.

By studying cuneiform texts, we can gain insight into the lives, beliefs, and traditions of ancient societies. For example, these texts provide valuable information about early agricultural practices, the development of cities and governments, and the evolution of religious beliefs. We can also learn about the complex relationships between different societies and the ways in which they interacted with one another.

One fascinating aspect of cuneiform script is its use of pictographs and ideograms to represent words and concepts. These symbols were often highly stylized, making them difficult to decipher. However, scholars have been able to decode many of these symbols by comparing them to similar symbols in other ancient scripts, such as Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The cuneiform script was also used to record important events and historical information, such as wars, treaties, and the reigns of kings and queens. By studying these texts, we can gain a greater understanding of ancient political systems and the ways in which societies were organized.

While cuneiform script has largely been replaced by more modern writing systems, its influence can still be seen in some of the world's languages. For example, the Arabic alphabet, which is used to write many languages in the Middle East and North Africa, is thought to have evolved from the cursive form of the Aramaic alphabet, which in turn was descended from the Phoenician alphabet. The Phoenician alphabet, in turn, was influenced by the earlier cuneiform script.

In conclusion, the Sumerian cuneiform script is the oldest surviving ancient writing system, and studying it can teach us a great deal about the lives, beliefs, and traditions of ancient societies. By analyzing cuneiform texts, we can gain a greater understanding of how these societies functioned and interacted with one another. Furthermore, the development of cuneiform script has had a lasting impact on the evolution of writing systems and languages around the world.