Origins and Development
Cuneiform, originating in the late 4th millennium BCE, was developed by the Sumerians of southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Initially, it comprised pictographic symbols representing objects and concepts. Over time, these symbols evolved into more abstract forms, leading to the wedge-shaped impressions made with a stylus on clay tablets, which define cuneiform script. This transformation facilitated the recording of complex information, including administrative records, legal codes, and literary texts. (en.wikipedia.org)
Structure and Usage
The script is logo-syllabic, combining logograms (symbols representing words) and syllabic signs. This versatility allowed cuneiform to adapt to various languages, including Akkadian, Elamite, Hittite, Hurrian, and Urartian. The script's adaptability contributed to its widespread use across the ancient Near East for over three millennia. (en.wikipedia.org)
Decipherment
The modern understanding of cuneiform began in the early 19th century. Scholars such as Henry Rawlinson, Austen Henry Layard, and Edward Hincks played pivotal roles in deciphering the script. Their work, particularly on the trilingual inscriptions at Behistun in Iran, was instrumental in unlocking the meanings of cuneiform texts. (ft.com)
Legacy
Cuneiform's influence extends beyond its original use. It laid the foundation for subsequent writing systems and has provided invaluable insights into ancient civilizations. The vast corpus of cuneiform texts has illuminated aspects of Mesopotamian culture, law, literature, and history, offering a window into the world's earliest urban societies. (en.wikipedia.org)