Researchers at the University of Bologna claim to have bridged the gap between symbolism and writing, therefore prehistory and history, in a significant study of the evolution of human thought. On ...

Scholars consider cuneiform the first writing system, and humans used its characters to inscribe ancient languages such as Sumerian on clay tablets beginning around 3400 B.C.

The researchers looked at cylinder seals that date to 4400 to 3400 B.C.E., with an emphasis on those used before the development of writing. When they compared symbols on the cylinder seals with ...

A link exists between 6,000-year-old engravings on cylindrical seals used on clay tablets and cuneiform, the world’s oldest writing system, according to new research.

Before Mesopotamian people invented writing, they used cylinder seals to press patterns into wet clay – and some of the symbols used were carried over into proto-writing. Close.

Lines, dots and other symbols painted in caves during the last Ice Age may be the earliest example of proto writing – symbols that communicate a small amount of information like an emoji.

The world's oldest known system of writing was influenced by symbols used for trade — engravings found on cylinders used in the exchange of farming produce and textiles, a new study suggests ...

A link exists between 6,000-year-old engravings on cylindrical seals used on clay tablets and cuneiform, the world’s oldest writing system, according to new research. CNN values your feedback 1.