Question

The earliest literate Near Eastern people were the Sumerians. Beginning in 3500 and 3000 BC, the Sumerians developed a writing system known as:

1) Cuneiform
2) Hieroglyphics
3) Alphabet
4) Pictographs

Answer 1

The Sumerians developed the earliest known writing system called cuneiform around 3500 to 3000 BC, which started as pictographs and became wedge-shaped script.

Step-by-step explanation:

The earliest literate Near Eastern people were the Sumerians who, beginning around 3500 and 3000 BC, developed a writing system known as cuneiform. This system began as a series of pictographs and evolved into a distinctive wedge-shaped script. Cuneiform was not only used for recording transactions and tax records but eventually formed the basis for the creation of true forms of literature.

It became the standard written language in the area and was used by numerous Mesopotamian cultures. Literacy was generally confined to an elite group of scribes due to the complexity of cuneiform. Clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform have provided a wealth of knowledge about the history, society, economy, and beliefs of Mesopotamian civilizations.