Which civilization is credited with creating the first known writing system?

• A. Ancient Egypt
• B. Indus Valley
• C. Sumerians
• D. Greek Empire

Answer: (C)

Writing first appeared as a system for recording information, and the earliest known example comes from the Sumerians in Mesopotamia with cuneiform. They pressed a reed into soft clay to leave wedge-shaped marks that represented words and sounds, turning everyday lists and transactions into durable records. Over time this writing system grew more complex, allowing laws, stories, and administrative records to be kept across generations. Dating to roughly 3400–3200 BCE and confirmed by archaeologists and historians, cuneiform is recognized as the earliest known writing system. Other civilizations contributed important scripts later: Egyptian hieroglyphs appear not long after, the Indus Valley script is still undeciphered and its status as a writing system isn’t confirmed in the same way, and Greek writing comes much later. That combination of age, decipherment, and widespread use is why the Sumerians are credited with creating the first known writing system.