Which civilization is known for developing a system of writing known as cuneiform?

The Sumerians are credited with developing cuneiform, one of the earliest known systems of writing, around 3200 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. This writing system was characterized by its wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets using a stylus. Cuneiform started primarily as a method for recording transactions and keeping administrative records, but it eventually evolved to encompass literature, legal codes, and personal letters. The significance of cuneiform lies in its role as a foundational element in the development of written communication, influencing later writing systems and enabling the preservation and transmission of knowledge throughout history.

The other civilizations mentioned did not create cuneiform. The Ancient Egyptians developed hieroglyphics, the Mayans created a complex script that incorporated both logograms and syllabic symbols, and the Indus Valley civilization had its own script which has not yet been deciphered. Each of these systems reflects the unique cultural and administrative needs of their respective societies but does not share the same origin or characteristics as cuneiform.