Study reveals origins of world’s oldest writing system in southern Iraq
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Study reveals origins of world’s oldest writing system in southern Iraq

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sumernow
Apr 01, 2026 1 min read

A new study found that the world’s earliest known writing system originated in southern Iraq, influenced by trade and accounting symbols. Researchers showed that cuneiform writing, developed around 3100 BC in Mesopotamia, evolved from markings used on cylinder seals to track goods. The study focused on the ancient city of Uruk, revealing a direct link between early trade symbols and proto-cuneiform writing

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