The ancient civilization credited with developing the first writing system is Sumer, located in Mesopotamia. The Sumerians created cuneiform writing around 3200 BCE, using wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets. This system allowed for the recording of various aspects of daily life, including trade transactions, legal issues, and historical events. Writing facilitated the administration of complex societies and contributed to the preservation of knowledge and culture. It played a crucial role in the development of literature and record-keeping, influencing subsequent civilizations and the evolution of written communication.