Question 76

It was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations.

The Sumerian system of cuneiform writing was significant in that it was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations, influencing their own writing systems and administrative practices.

A) It led to widespread literacy in Sumerian civilization

While cuneiform writing was an important development, it did not lead to widespread literacy among the general population of Sumer. Literacy was primarily confined to scribes and individuals in power, limiting its reach.

B) It was replaced by Egyptian hieroglyphic script

This statement is inaccurate as cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics developed independently and coexisted for a time, each serving their respective cultures rather than one replacing the other.

C) It was recorded on papyrus sheets

Cuneiform writing was primarily inscribed on clay tablets rather than papyrus sheets. This option misrepresents the medium used for cuneiform documentation.

D) It was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations

This statement is correct. Cuneiform writing was adopted and adapted by various later civilizations in Mesopotamia, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians, thereby extending its influence beyond the Sumerians.

Conclusion

The correct answer highlights the impact of cuneiform writing on subsequent cultures in Mesopotamia, illustrating its lasting legacy. Other options fail to accurately represent the nature of cuneiform writing or its historical context, reinforcing why D is the definitive answer.