The ancient civilization that used cuneiform as a writing system is the Sumerians. Originating around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia, cuneiform is considered one of the earliest forms of written expression. It initially began as a series of pictographs but evolved into a system of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets, representing sounds and ideas. Cuneiform was utilized for various administrative, legal, and literary purposes, making it integral to Sumerian society's development. It later influenced other civilizations in the region, such as the Akkadians and Babylonians, ensuring the preservation of knowledge and culture through written records.