Influences of writing systems and literature from ancient worlds

Writing systems, by definition, are representations of units of language—often done by visible signs or letters. The process of imprinting information, in ancient times, were valuable to the societies because it saved information that would not have to be memorized, and also allowed for alternative means of communication. Different cultures developed their own style or writing system that eventually led to enhanced features such as record or book keeping. Depending on geographical locations in the world was also an impacting factor on how this new found “written” form of writing was preserved. We, as an American culture, have developed greatly from historical findings that have helped shape our own alphabet and writing structure into what it is known today.
One of the earliest systems of writing, cuneiform was developed from the Sumerian culture around 31st century B.C.E. This particular writing system was distinguished as wedge-shaped marks that were pressed into clay tablets by a pointed object. This writing system helped to inspire the Phoenicians to develop a Phoenician alphabet—thus a major influence on the alphabet that is still in existence today. Although the cuneiform writing system became extinct by the 2nd century A.D. it was a major turning point in history as far as literature was concerned.
The Sumerian culture was not the only to have early writing systems developed in ancient times. The Egyptians also had a formal writing system called hieroglyphs that combined alphabetic elements with pictures to state a message. Instead of the clay, as the Sumerians used, Egyptians used papyrus and wood as their form of “paper”. This form of writing began around 3200 B.C.E and lasted until around 400 A.D. Hieroglyphics varied greatly from the form of writing the Sumerians used due to the visual nature of their writing. Hieroglyphics were simplistic visual characters and consisted of about 24 unilateral signs or single consonants. Much like English, that have various consonants also, the form of writing was very expressive and was also used as decoration as well as a form of communication.
The Chinese also developed their own writing system that varied greatly from the Egyptians as well as the Sumerians. Instead of using clay or papyrus, the Chinese wrote on bones or bronze, and much of their writing from ancient times was preserved in these resources. Modern Chinese characters adapted from many of the ancient writings that developed from the Shang Dynasty. Much of the culture and literature of ancient China had been preserved unlike many of other ancient cultures—and much of the information that we have now from that culture show many influences on other cultures from that era.
In conclusion, writing systems, whether from one part of the world or another, were all instrumental in developing writing and literature, as we know of them today. A lot of folklore was passed down through songs and stories, but many other untold stories had been written down for present day historians to find and translate. We know so much more of other cultures and environments from ancient times due to the writing that was preserved from those eras. Although these writings systems had been developed thousands of years in the past, these writings are still being studied and are continuously influencing modern day societies literature and history.