Question 76

It was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations.

Cuneiform writing, developed by the Sumerians, was influential and served as a foundation for writing systems used by subsequent Mesopotamian cultures, such as the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

A) It led to widespread literacy in Sumerian civilization

While cuneiform was a significant advancement in writing, it primarily served the needs of the elite and scribes, rather than leading to widespread literacy among the general population in Sumerian civilization.

B) It was replaced by Egyptian hieroglyphic script

Cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics developed independently, and one did not replace the other. Both writing systems coexisted, serving different cultures and regions.

C) It was recorded on papyrus sheets

Cuneiform was primarily inscribed on clay tablets rather than papyrus sheets. Papyrus was associated with Egyptian writing, while cuneiform utilized the resources available in Mesopotamia.

D) It was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations

This statement is accurate as cuneiform writing was indeed adopted and adapted by various subsequent civilizations in Mesopotamia, making it a foundational element of their written communication.

Conclusion

The adoption of cuneiform by later Mesopotamian civilizations underscores its significance as a writing system that influenced the region's literacy and record-keeping practices. The other options either misrepresent the impact of cuneiform or incorrectly associate it with different writing systems, making D the only correct choice.