The oldest written language is generally considered to be Sumerian. It originated in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in the region of Sumer, around 3100 BCE. The Sumerians developed a complex writing system known as cuneiform, which utilized wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets. This language was primarily used for administrative, commercial, and literary purposes, enabling the Sumerians to document everything from trade transactions to mythology. Over time, Sumerian evolved and influenced many other cultures and languages in the area. Although it eventually fell out of everyday use, it remained a liturgical and scholarly language for centuries after its decline.