Cuneiform writing is an ancient form of writing developed by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 3200 BC. It is a SCRIPT written in wedge-shaped symbols on clay tablets and is one of the earliest known forms of writing. Cuneiform writing was used for a variety of purposes, including recording laws, business transactions, and literature. It was also used to record astronomical observations and to keep track of time. Cuneiform writing eventually spread throughout the Middle East and was used by many different cultures. It remained in use until the first century AD when it was replaced by alphabetic writing.