... leaving a wedge-shaped form. This kind of writing on clay is called cuneiform, from the Latin "cuneus", meaning "wedge." Cuneiform owes its origins to the need arising from public economy and administration. With the rise in production of the country, accumulated surplus were sent to the cities. This ... system to the Sumerians in that both began as a pictographic form of writing. Hieroglyphics were used largely for religious purposes. The ancient Egyptian word for hieroglyphs means "language of the gods" indicating their importance. Priests used hieroglyphs to write down prayers, magic...

• Word Count: 990
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate