Name the first civilization to develop writing.

The Sumerians are recognized as the first civilization to develop writing, specifically cuneiform, around 3200 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. This early form of writing involved pressing a stylus into soft clay tablets, creating distinct wedge-shaped marks. The development of writing marked a significant advancement in human communication, governance, and record-keeping, allowing for the documentation of laws, trade, and historical events.

The importance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated, as it provided the means to preserve and transmit information across generations, contributing to the growth of complex societies. Writing facilitated the administration of larger communities, enabling the establishment of systems to manage resources, conduct trade, and maintain societal order. The innovations of the Sumerians in this regard laid the groundwork for subsequent civilizations, influencing cultures and methodologies of writing for centuries to come.