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Cuneiform Script

Cuneiform is one of the earliest writing systems, developed by the Sumerians around 3500 BCE, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. It evolved from pictograms to a complex system that represented sounds and was used for various purposes, including legal and literary texts. Although it declined by the 1st century CE in favor of alphabetic scripts, cuneiform's legacy continues to provide insights into early human civilization and communication.

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220 views2 pages

Cuneiform Script

Cuneiform is one of the earliest writing systems, developed by the Sumerians around 3500 BCE, characterized by wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. It evolved from pictograms to a complex system that represented sounds and was used for various purposes, including legal and literary texts. Although it declined by the 1st century CE in favor of alphabetic scripts, cuneiform's legacy continues to provide insights into early human civilization and communication.

Uploaded by

krishnavenicv29
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Here’s a basic outline for notes on Cuneiform Scripts that you can use for your students:

Cuneiform Scripts

1. Introduction to Cuneiform

 Definition: Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians
of ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE.

 Meaning of the term: The word "cuneiform" comes from the Latin word "cuneus,"
meaning "wedge," because of the wedge-shaped marks made by the reed stylus on clay
tablets.

2. History and Origin

 Sumerians: The earliest known use of cuneiform was in Sumer (modern-day southern
Iraq). It started as pictograms and evolved into a system of abstract signs.

 Early Use: Initially used for record-keeping and administrative purposes (like accounting for
goods and property).

 Evolution: Over time, cuneiform scripts became more complex and evolved to represent
sounds and syllables, not just objects.

3. Characteristics of Cuneiform Writing

 Medium: Written on clay tablets using a reed stylus.

 Signs: The script included logograms (symbols representing words or ideas) and
phonograms (symbols representing sounds or syllables).

 Variety of Languages: Cuneiform was adapted to write multiple languages, including


Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian.

4. Key Developments in Cuneiform

 Pictographic to Phonetic: Initially, each symbol represented an object (like a fish or a


house). Over time, the script began to represent sounds, which allowed for the writing of
more abstract concepts.

 Complexity and Versatility: Eventually, cuneiform became a sophisticated system used for a
wide range of purposes—legal, commercial, historical, and literary.

 Key Texts: Famous cuneiform texts include the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest
known works of literature.

5. Impact on Media and Communication

 Recording History: Cuneiform allowed for the documentation of important events, laws
(like the Code of Hammurabi), and treaties, ensuring the preservation of history for future
generations.

 Influence on Other Scripts: Cuneiform influenced other writing systems in the ancient
world, paving the way for the development of alphabets and other forms of written
communication.
6. Decline and Legacy

 Decline: By the 1st century CE, cuneiform was largely replaced by alphabetic scripts.
However, it remained in use for religious and scholarly purposes for centuries.

 Rediscovery: Cuneiform was forgotten until the 19th century when scholars began to
decipher it using inscriptions on ancient Persian monuments (such as the Behistun
Inscription).

 Legacy: Cuneiform remains one of the most important ancient writing systems, providing
crucial insights into early human civilization and communication.

This outline should help your students understand the basics of cuneiform, its historical context,
and its significance in the development of written communication. Let me know if you need any
additional details!

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