The Sumerian civilization, known for its advancements in writing, is credited with the invention of cuneiform around 3200 BCE. This form of script is among the earliest systems of writing, involving the use of a reed stylus to make wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. Cuneiform was initially developed for record-keeping purposes, particularly for trade and administration, and it later evolved to include a variety of subjects like literature, law, and science. The Sumerians' introduction of writing enabled the preservation and transmission of knowledge, marking a significant leap in human civilization and laying essential groundwork for future cultures and written communication.