The ancient civilization known for creating the first writing system called cuneiform is Sumer, located in Mesopotamia. This writing system, which emerged around 3200 BC, utilized wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets. Cuneiform was initially developed for administrative purposes, like recording transactions and managing trade, but eventually expanded to include literature, laws, and scholarly texts. This innovation marked a pivotal transition from prehistory to history and significantly influenced subsequent civilizations by providing a means for communication and record-keeping.