The symbol often associated with ancient Mesopotamian civilization is the Cuneiform script. This writing system, developed around 3500 BCE by the Sumerians, used wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. It serves as one of the earliest forms of written expression, enabling record-keeping, administrative documentation, and the transmission of literature. Cuneiform was crucial for communication and governance in the complex city-states of Mesopotamia, which included Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. The significance of Cuneiform extends beyond merely writing; it reflects the advancement of civilization in terms of culture, trade, and the organization of society.