
Ancient writing
Ancient writing refers to early systems of symbols and characters used by civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerians, and Chinese to record language, ideas, and transactions. These scripts include hieroglyphs, cuneiform, and oracle bone script, often carved or inscribed on durable materials like stone, clay, or bone. They served as tools for administration, religion, history, and storytelling, providing insights into early societies. Unlike modern alphabets, many ancient scripts were complex, combining pictorial and abstract elements, and required specialized knowledge to read and interpret.