Cuneiforms are one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the ancient Sumerians around 3200 BCE in Mesopotamia. This writing system uses wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets with a stylus. Cuneiform was initially created for record-keeping and administrative purposes, such as tracking goods and trade. Over time, cuneiform evolved to represent various languages, including Akkadian and Babylonian. It was used for a wide range of texts, including literature, legal documents, and scientific records. The use of cuneiform continued for over three millennia, making it a crucial part of human history and communication.