The ancient civilization known for developing cuneiform writing is Sumer. Emerging in Mesopotamia, Sumer's cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of written expression, utilizing wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets. This innovation was pivotal for record-keeping, administration, and the dissemination of literature and knowledge. The Sumerians laid foundational principles for subsequent cultures, influencing the development of writing systems in the region and contributing significantly to human history.