Compare the Egyptian hieroglyphic and Mesopotamian cuneiform writing systems

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANSWER:
The earliest form of Egyptian writing, a system of hieroglyphics, developed at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. Hieroglyphics were picture symbols, made with a brush, that stood for words, syllables, or sounds. The writing system was developed for government administration, but Egyptians used it for purposes beyond recordkeeping. Tales of adventure, magic, and love, as well as religious hymns and instruction manuals, were recorded in hieroglyphics and the simplified systems descending from them. The Egyptians also developed the writing material called papyrus, which was made from the stems of the papyrus reed. The plant grew only in Egypt but was in high demand throughout the ancient world. The Mesopotamians wrote on moist clay tablets with a pointed stylus, producing wedge-shaped symbols. Both systems of writing were highly specialized activities that required long training and practice. Literacy afforded individuals prestige and status, as well as administrative qualifications.