Sumerian: The world's first literate nation






After researching ancient civilizations and cultures, experts consider Iraq’s “Sumerian” nation to be the world’s first literate nation. The Sumerians are said to have been the ones who not only invented the alphabet but also made pictures an effective means of communication and expression. In this regard, a few lines from Yasir Jawad’s informative article are presented for your interest.


The art of writing is amazing among the Sumerians. This magnificent art seems to be quite advanced. Suitable for describing the complexities of trade, poetry and religion.


The earliest carvings on stone are from 3600 BC. Earthenware tablets appeared in 3000 BC and since then hundreds have rejoiced at this great discovery of mine.


It is our good fortune that the people of Mesopotamia did not write on delicate, temporary paper with ink, but with very light handwriting on wet clay with stylus. With this creative material, Manshi kept records, issued contracts, wrote official documents, recorded property decisions and sales, and created a culture in which Stylus became as powerful as the sword.


The scribe would finish the writing and bake the clay tablet in the fire or in the sun, making it a more durable draft than paper. In terms of durability, only stone is more than that. This development of the cuneiform was Sumer’s extraordinary contribution to civilized mankind.


Sumerian writing moves from right to left. According to our information, the Babylonians were the first people to write from left to right. The calligraphy was intuitively engraved on ancient Sumerian pottery, or the style and customary form of images and symbols.


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