Recorded history beginning

Recorded history began with the invention of writing around 3200 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, specifically with the cuneiform script used by the Sumerians. This allowed for the documentation of events, transactions, and cultural practices, marking a significant shift from prehistory, which is based on archaeological findings. Other early writing systems developed independently in regions like Egypt and the Indus Valley, further contributing to the historical record. The ability to record events created a foundation for the development of complex societies and civilizations.