Which civilization is most noted for early advancements in written language?

The Sumerians are most noted for early advancements in written language due to their development of cuneiform, one of the earliest known writing systems. This system emerged around 3400 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in the region of Sumer. Cuneiform was initially used for record-keeping and administrative purposes, allowing the Sumerians to document trade transactions, laws, and historical events as well as to develop literature, including famous works like the "Epic of Gilgamesh."

The invention of writing represented a significant leap in the ability of human societies to maintain complex records and communicate ideas across generations. This foundational advancement laid the groundwork for later civilizations to further develop their own writing systems, but the Sumerians were pioneers in this aspect of cultural development. Their early adoption of writing reflects not just a means of record-keeping but also the establishment of a literate culture that contributed to advancements in governance, philosophy, and science.