What form of writing did the Sumerians develop?

The Sumerians developed cuneiform, which is one of the earliest systems of writing in human history. This writing system emerged around 3500 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia and is characterized by its wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a stylus. Cuneiform initially began as a series of pictographs but evolved into a complex system that could represent sounds and concepts, allowing for more sophisticated record-keeping, literature, and administrative functions.

This innovation was crucial for the advancement of Sumerian society, as it facilitated the recording of laws, trade transactions, and religious texts, thereby enhancing communication and governance within the region. The impact of cuneiform extended beyond Sumer itself and influenced many neighboring cultures.

The other writing systems mentioned, such as hieroglyphics, alphabetic script, and logographic writing, belong to different civilizations and serve different purposes. Hieroglyphics were used by the ancient Egyptians, while alphabetic scripts represent sounds rather than concepts, evolving later in history. Logographic writing generally refers to systems where characters represent words or morphemes, but it is not specifically tied to Sumerian culture. Thus, cuneiform is uniquely associated with the Sumerians and their historical context.