A cylinder seal and its design imprinted onto clay Franck Raux © 2001 GrandPalaisRmn (Musée du Louvre)
Did you know that the world’s oldest known writing system could have started with decorated cylinders used for marking ownership and transactions? Some symbols on these cylinder seals are similar to those used in proto-cuneiform, an early form of writing in Mesopotamia.
Researchers from the University of Bologna in Italy suggest that the development of writing in Mesopotamia was not a single event but a collaborative effort involving many people across a large area.
The earliest true writing system, cuneiform, dates back to around 3200 BC in Mesopotamia, evolving from an earlier system called proto-cuneiform used between 3350 and 3000 BC. Proto-writing lacked grammar rules and could only convey simple ideas, unlike true writing.
Exploring the origins of proto-cuneiform, scholars are considering cylinder seals, which had patterns and images imprinted on them and could transfer symbols onto clay. Some symbols on these seals match those in proto-cuneiform.
By studying artifacts from different regions, researchers are uncovering a decentralized process of writing invention, signifying a broader involvement in the development of writing than previously thought.
Vocabulary List:
- Cuneiform /ˈkjuː.nɪ.fɔːm/ (noun): An ancient writing system used in Mesopotamia characterized by wedge-shaped marks.
- Proto-cuneiform /ˈprəʊ.toʊˌkjuː.nɪ.fɔːm/ (noun): An early form of writing that predates cuneiform lacking grammar rules.
- Decentralized /ˌdiːˈsɛn.trə.laɪzd/ (adjective): Distributing functions and powers away from a central authority.
- Symbols /ˈsɪm.bəlz/ (noun): Marks or characters used to represent something else such as an idea or object.
- Artifacts /ˈɑːr.tɪ.fæks/ (noun): Objects made by humans typically of cultural or historical interest.
- Collaborative /kəˈlæb.ə.reɪ.tɪv/ (adjective): Involving two or more parties working together towards a common goal.
How much do you know?
What is suggested about the development of writing in Mesopotamia by researchers from the University of Bologna?
When did the earliest true writing system, cuneiform, originate?
What was a characteristic of proto-writing according to the text?
What was used to transfer symbols onto clay in the origins of proto-cuneiform, as mentioned in the text?
What is the significance of studying artifacts from different regions in relation to the development of writing?
What is considered to match in terms of symbols between cylinder seals and proto-cuneiform?
The world's oldest known writing system started exclusively with complex manuscripts.
Proto-cuneiform had developed grammar rules to convey complex ideas.
Cylinder seals were incapable of transferring symbols onto clay.
Cuneiform writing system emerged after the proto-cuneiform system.
True writing systems existed before proto-cuneiform.
Researchers believe the writing invention was limited to a specific group of people.
The true writing system cuneiform evolved from proto-cuneiform and dates back to around 3200 BC in Mesopotamia, evolving from an earlier system called proto-cuneiform used between 3350 and BC.
In the origins of proto-cuneiform, scholars are considering , which had patterns and images imprinted on them and could transfer symbols onto clay.
Researchers are uncovering a decentralized process of writing invention, signifying a broader involvement in the development of writing than previously .
Cylinder seals had patterns and images imprinted on them that could transfer symbols onto .
Proto-writing could convey simple ideas but lacked rules.
Scholars believe the development of writing in Mesopotamia was a effort rather than a single event.
