How Cuneiform Writing impacted Society

The sources I have included in this exhibit reflect how the invention of Cuneiform writing lead to the development of Mesopotamia, the first civilized society. Because of writing, Sumerians were able to establish and enforce a legal code. By having a written law and the consequences of disobeying these laws put definitively in writing, there was no room left for misinterpretation of what actions were right or wrong. Cuneiform writing enabled Sumerians to define what punishment would be upheld if a party or individual chose to defy these laws.  

As a result of a government being established in written form, Mesopotamia was able to flourish and focus their efforts on the development of other crucial aspects of society; such as the concept of time, trade, economy, and infrastructure. In addition, Cuneiform writing enabled Mesopotamians to put religious ideals and myths into writing, and this impacted art as well.