설형문자, or cuneiform, is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the ancient Sumerians around 3200 BCE in Mesopotamia. It consists of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a stylus. This writing system was used for various purposes, including record-keeping, literature, and administrative tasks. Over time, cuneiform evolved and was adapted by several cultures, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. It was used to write multiple languages, making it a significant tool for communication and documentation in the ancient world. Cuneiform remained in use for over three millennia before gradually falling out of favor.