The civilization credited with creating the first written language is the Sumerians, who inhabited ancient Mesopotamia around 3200 BCE. They developed cuneiform script, which was inscribed on clay tablets using a reed stylus. This innovation marked the beginning of recorded history, allowing for the documentation of laws, trade, poetry, and administrative details. The use of written language facilitated communication and the transfer of knowledge, significantly impacting governance, culture, and societal organization in the region, as well as influencing subsequent civilizations throughout history.