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Cuneiform

Definition

Cuneiform was one of the earliest known writing systems developed by ancient Mesopotamians using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. It allowed for record keeping, communication, and literature.

Analogy

Picture cuneiform as building blocks made out of clay tablets. Just like how you can arrange building blocks to create words and sentences, ancient Mesopotamians arranged wedge-shaped marks to write down their thoughts and stories.

Related terms

Hieroglyphics: A system of writing used by ancient Egyptians that used pictorial symbols.

Rosetta Stone: A stone slab with inscriptions in multiple languages, including hieroglyphics, which helped decipher ancient Egyptian writing systems.

Scribes: Highly skilled individuals who were trained to read and write in ancient civilizations.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.