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Weekly: The origins of writing revealed; world’s largest (and oldest?) tree

The world, the universe and us

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Cuneiform: The Birth of Writing

This chapter explores the history and significance of cuneiform, the oldest writing system originating in Mesopotamia around 3200 BC. It examines its evolution, the role of proto-cuneiform, and the impact of artifacts like clay tokens and cylinder seals on the development of writing. The discussion challenges traditional views of writing's invention, emphasizing a decentralized process driven by societal needs rather than just bureaucratic elites.

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