How and why was writing recorded |
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Clay tokens
The evolution of writing occurred in stages. The earliest origin of writing in Mesopotamia took place as clay tokens ranging from 0.5 to 1.25 inches long, as early as 8000 BCE and they were used for around 5000 years. Archaeologist, Denise Schmandt-Besserat, first discovered evidence of these clay tokens buried directly underneath the regions land. This type of communication was recorded by the Sumatrans as a form of record keeping that would control and keep the data, at a time when information was too extensive for people to remember, as the sedentary lifestyle had become rather complex through new beginnings taking place. The tokens were mainly used for accounting purposes; to represent commercial transactions made between other regions such as Egypt or assist as a way of counting manufactured and agricultural goods such as grains and cereals. The farmers in the region specifically used these tokens, as with the increase of agricultural methods and domestication of animals they needed to keep records of their livestock. An example of the tokens used would be; a sale of four sheep, represented by four clay tokens that are designed to signify sheep. This is done to assist the Sumatrans in remembering the commercial transaction made.
For 4000 years, these tokens were very plain, however, over time markings with distinct meanings were drawn on them. This was so that the Sumatrans could better organise each trade transaction. Often there would be numerous clay tokens used for a variety of transactions and Sumatrans would struggle to keep track of which one was which. The result was the first development of envelopes. Sumatrans invented clay balls that the tokens were put into and then the clay balls were sealed. An example of their usage would be, if you were sending five goats to someone, then you would put five clay tokens in the clay ball. When the goats arrived, the person would open the clay ball and count the tokens to ensure that the correct number of goats had arrived.
The evolution of writing occurred in stages. The earliest origin of writing in Mesopotamia took place as clay tokens ranging from 0.5 to 1.25 inches long, as early as 8000 BCE and they were used for around 5000 years. Archaeologist, Denise Schmandt-Besserat, first discovered evidence of these clay tokens buried directly underneath the regions land. This type of communication was recorded by the Sumatrans as a form of record keeping that would control and keep the data, at a time when information was too extensive for people to remember, as the sedentary lifestyle had become rather complex through new beginnings taking place. The tokens were mainly used for accounting purposes; to represent commercial transactions made between other regions such as Egypt or assist as a way of counting manufactured and agricultural goods such as grains and cereals. The farmers in the region specifically used these tokens, as with the increase of agricultural methods and domestication of animals they needed to keep records of their livestock. An example of the tokens used would be; a sale of four sheep, represented by four clay tokens that are designed to signify sheep. This is done to assist the Sumatrans in remembering the commercial transaction made.
For 4000 years, these tokens were very plain, however, over time markings with distinct meanings were drawn on them. This was so that the Sumatrans could better organise each trade transaction. Often there would be numerous clay tokens used for a variety of transactions and Sumatrans would struggle to keep track of which one was which. The result was the first development of envelopes. Sumatrans invented clay balls that the tokens were put into and then the clay balls were sealed. An example of their usage would be, if you were sending five goats to someone, then you would put five clay tokens in the clay ball. When the goats arrived, the person would open the clay ball and count the tokens to ensure that the correct number of goats had arrived.
Cuneiform
However, in approximately 3000BC the ways of recording writing to communicate information advanced in Mesopotamia into a more complex writing type known as cuneiform, the first written language involving over one thousand different symbols. The symbols or figures in the written language first took the shape of a plant or animals but eventually emerged over time into wedge shaped symbols derived from the plant or animal. The development of writing recording systems occurred in Mesopotamia, as over time the amount of clay tokens used and stored became too extensive. It took a long time for the Sumatrans to count the tokens stored for each commercial transaction and there judgement was often inaccurate.
With the use of cuneiform, writing was both phonetic and representational, allowing it to communicate abstractions more effectively: names words, ideas. Cuneiform used symbols inscribed onto a writing surface. With cuneiform, writing was used for other functions needed. E.g. literatures, relate histories, maintain financial accounts and support the rule of kings better. Cuneiform was primarily a consequence of political expansion in Ancient Mesopotamia, whose people were now exploring different concepts and ideas, increasing the need for this form of writing. Cuneiform continued for over 2000 years and was used for the functions much like those used today. Archaeologists have discovered over 4000 clay tokens with cuneiform inscribed showing its extensive use. Sumatrans recorded in their writing messages of their history, daily events and medicines they have used. Much of which has informed modern day society of significant information and allowed historians to discover most of the history they know about Mesopotamia.
However, in approximately 3000BC the ways of recording writing to communicate information advanced in Mesopotamia into a more complex writing type known as cuneiform, the first written language involving over one thousand different symbols. The symbols or figures in the written language first took the shape of a plant or animals but eventually emerged over time into wedge shaped symbols derived from the plant or animal. The development of writing recording systems occurred in Mesopotamia, as over time the amount of clay tokens used and stored became too extensive. It took a long time for the Sumatrans to count the tokens stored for each commercial transaction and there judgement was often inaccurate.
With the use of cuneiform, writing was both phonetic and representational, allowing it to communicate abstractions more effectively: names words, ideas. Cuneiform used symbols inscribed onto a writing surface. With cuneiform, writing was used for other functions needed. E.g. literatures, relate histories, maintain financial accounts and support the rule of kings better. Cuneiform was primarily a consequence of political expansion in Ancient Mesopotamia, whose people were now exploring different concepts and ideas, increasing the need for this form of writing. Cuneiform continued for over 2000 years and was used for the functions much like those used today. Archaeologists have discovered over 4000 clay tokens with cuneiform inscribed showing its extensive use. Sumatrans recorded in their writing messages of their history, daily events and medicines they have used. Much of which has informed modern day society of significant information and allowed historians to discover most of the history they know about Mesopotamia.