The Sumerian civilization, which flourished in ancient Mesopotamia, is credited with the creation of the first writing system, known as cuneiform. This revolutionary development emerged around 3200 BCE, allowing the Sumerians to document their language, trade transactions, and administrative activities. Cuneiform was written on clay tablets using a stylus, and its invention marked a significant shift in human communication and record-keeping. This writing system provided the foundation for the development of later scripts and was instrumental in the administration of complex societies, ultimately influencing cultures throughout the region and beyond.