Embedded Files
The ancient Mesopotamians started the word's first writing. Writing started as pictures that stood for words. However, it became rather difficult to draw a picture every time you wanted to express a word. Over time, pictures changed to wedge symbols. These wedge shaped symbols became known as cuneiform (pronounced qu-nee-i-form). So in Mesopotamia the writing was called cuneiform.
The ancient Mesopotamians started the word's first writing. Writing started as pictures that stood for words. However, it became rather difficult to draw a picture every time you wanted to express a word. Over time, pictures changed to wedge symbols. These wedge shaped symbols became known as cuneiform (pronounced qu-nee-i-form). So in Mesopotamia the writing was called cuneiform.
Scribes were the people that learned to write cuneiform. It was very hard to become a scribe. It took 12 years. It was difficult since they had to memorize about 500 signs or symbols. They spent many hours practicing and often had to start over again if they made a mistake. Paper had not been invented yet so they used clay tablets. Scribes used a writing tool called a stylus much like a stylus used for an old Nintendo DS. Usually only boys became scribes. It was rare for a girl to attend scribe school.
Scribes were the people that learned to write cuneiform. It was very hard to become a scribe. It took 12 years. It was difficult since they had to memorize about 500 signs or symbols. They spent many hours practicing and often had to start over again if they made a mistake. Paper had not been invented yet so they used clay tablets. Scribes used a writing tool called a stylus much like a stylus used for an old Nintendo DS. Usually only boys became scribes. It was rare for a girl to attend scribe school.
Archaeologists have learned a lot about the past from cuneiform and scribes. One city-state named Sumer left behind lots of artifacts and clay tablets. Sumer was located in Mesopotamia. We know many facts about the people that lived in Sumer from the written records they left behind in stone and clay. The ancient people in Sumer kept excellent records and lists. They recorded laws, songs, stories, riddles, crops, and floods. After keeping a detailed list they were able to predict weather patterns and make a calendar.
Archaeologists have learned a lot about the past from cuneiform and scribes. One city-state named Sumer left behind lots of artifacts and clay tablets. Sumer was located in Mesopotamia. We know many facts about the people that lived in Sumer from the written records they left behind in stone and clay. The ancient people in Sumer kept excellent records and lists. They recorded laws, songs, stories, riddles, crops, and floods. After keeping a detailed list they were able to predict weather patterns and make a calendar.
When ancient cuneiform is found it still takes time to translate it. That is because the shapes and meanings have changed over time. Words and meanings have changed over time - even for us. For example, these words have added meanings now because of technology: stream, mouse, feed, cookie, cloud, and post.
When ancient cuneiform is found it still takes time to translate it. That is because the shapes and meanings have changed over time. Words and meanings have changed over time - even for us. For example, these words have added meanings now because of technology: stream, mouse, feed, cookie, cloud, and post.
Use the Cuneiform Alphabet to decipher the two words on your study guide.
Use the Cuneiform Alphabet to decipher the two words on your study guide.
Decipher Cuneiform.pdfReport abuse