The ancient civilization credited with inventing writing is the Sumerians. They developed cuneiform writing around 3200 BC in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in modern-day Iraq. Initially created for record-keeping and administrative purposes, cuneiform involved pressing a stylus into soft clay tablets. This innovation allowed for the documentation of laws, trade, and literature, contributing to the advancement of human civilization. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known literary works, was recorded in cuneiform, highlighting the Sumerians' impact on culture, language, and the preservation of knowledge throughout history.