The ancient civilization known for the invention of writing is the Sumerians, who inhabited ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. They developed cuneiform script, which involved pressing a stylus into clay tablets to create wedge-shaped marks. This writing system was primarily used for record-keeping, including trade transactions and administrative activities. The invention of writing marked a significant turning point in human history, as it allowed for the documentation of information, communication across distances, and recorded history. This advancement laid the foundation for future civilizations and contributed to the development of literature, laws, and cultural identity.