How did the Sumerians influence the development of writing and literature?

The Sumerians, who lived in what is now southern Iraq around 4000-2000 BCE, are credited with inventing the world's first system of writing. Known as cuneiform, this system of writing involved using a stylus to make wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. The Sumerians used cuneiform to record everything from religious texts to tax records to epic poems.

The development of writing was a key factor in the growth of Sumerian literature. With writing, Sumerians were able to record and preserve their stories and legends for future generations. The most famous example of Sumerian literature is the epic poem Gilgamesh, which tells the story of a heroic king's quest for immortality. Other Sumerian works include hymns, myths, and proverbs.

Sumerian literature had a profound influence on the development of literature in the ancient Near East. Many of the stories and themes found in Sumerian literature were later adapted by other cultures, such as the Babylonians and the Assyrians. Even today, the legacy of Sumerian literature can be seen in the works of contemporary writers and poets.