both mesopotamian cuniform and egyptian hieroglyphics share the core attribute that they had images to represnt what
they wanted to communicate. Both Mesopotamian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics utilized pictorial representations to convey meaning.
Cuneiform, which was used in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) from around 3400 BCE, consisted of wedge-shaped symbols that were pressed into clay tablets. These symbols were initially based on real-world objects, such as animals, plants, and tools. Over time, the cuneiform script evolved to include more abstract and complex symbols, representing ideas, sounds, and even grammatical elements. While cuneiform originally started as pictographs, it eventually transformed into a more abstract system of writing.
Similarly, Egyptian hieroglyphics, which were used in ancient Egypt from around 3200 BCE, also relied on pictorial representations. Hieroglyphics were typically carved or painted onto temple walls, tombs, and other surfaces. The hieroglyphic symbols represented a wide range of concepts, including objects, people, actions, and abstract ideas. Like cuneiform, the Egyptian hieroglyphic script became more abstract and included phonetic elements, allowing for the representation of sounds.
Although both systems began with pictorial representations, they gradually expanded to include more abstract symbols and phonetic elements. This development allowed the scribes of Mesopotamia and Egypt to convey a wider range of information and thoughts through their respective scripts.