What is the Earliest Known Inscription and Its Language?

Discover the earliest known inscription in Sumerian and its significance in the history of writing.

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The earliest known inscription is in the Sumerian language, dating back to around 3400–3000 BCE. These inscriptions were found in Mesopotamia and are known as cuneiform writing. This early writing system involved etching symbols onto clay tablets to record transactions, laws, and stories, marking the beginning of written history.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is cuneiform writing? Cuneiform writing is an ancient writing system developed by the Sumerians, involving the use of wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.
  2. Where was the Sumerian language spoken? The Sumerian language was spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, primarily in what is now southern Iraq.
  3. What is the significance of the earliest inscriptions? The earliest inscriptions mark the beginning of recorded history, allowing civilizations to record laws, transactions, and stories.
  4. How old are the earliest known inscriptions? The earliest known inscriptions date back to around 3400–3000 BCE.

Watch More

To further explore ancient writing systems and their impact on history, check out our videos on the evolution of scripts and the significance of cuneiform in ancient cultures.

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