Literacy in ancient civilizations

Literacy in ancient civilizations refers to the ability to read and write, which was often limited to a small educated elite. It enabled the recording of laws, trade transactions, religious texts, and history, playing a crucial role in governance and culture. In societies like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, writing systems like hieroglyphs and cuneiform emerged to serve administrative needs. Over time, literacy expanded beyond scribes to more members of society, supporting the development of complex societies, commerce, and cultural identity. Essentially, literacy was a key skill that helped civilizations organize, communicate, and preserve their achievements.