The ancient civilization known for its cuneiform writing is the Sumerians, who inhabited the southern part of Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developing around 3200 BCE. The script was created by pressing a reed stylus into soft clay tablets, producing wedge-shaped marks. Initially used for record-keeping and administrative purposes, cuneiform evolved to encompass a variety of subjects, including literature, science, and law. The Sumerians made significant contributions to human culture, including advances in agriculture, mathematics, and early forms of government.