Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the ancient Sumerians around 3200 BCE in Mesopotamia. It uses wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets with a stylus, allowing for the recording of various languages, including Sumerian and Akkadian. This writing system was used for administrative, legal, and literary purposes, making it essential for the development of early civilizations. Over time, cuneiform evolved and was adapted by other cultures, influencing the way people communicated and documented information in the ancient world.