In ancient Mesopotamian history, the system of writing developed by the Sumerians is known by which name?

Introduction / Context:
The invention of writing is one of the most important developments in human civilisation because it allowed people to record laws, trade, literature, and religious ideas. In ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerians pioneered a distinctive form of writing that influenced later cultures in the region. Identifying the name of this writing system helps students connect Mesopotamian civilisation with the broader history of written communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question focuses on the writing system of the Sumerians in Mesopotamia.
• Options include pictograms, cuneiform, hieroglyphic script, and none of these.
• We assume knowledge that Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other regions each developed their own writing forms.
• The correct answer should match the established term used in textbooks for Sumerian writing.

Concept / Approach:
The Sumerians developed cuneiform writing, named from the Latin word "cuneus" meaning wedge, because the script was formed by pressing a wedge shaped stylus into soft clay tablets. Over time, this system evolved from simple pictorial signs into a complex script that could represent sounds, syllables, and ideas. Pictograms describe an early stage of picture based symbols but are not the specific name of the full Sumerian script. Hieroglyphic script refers to the writing system of ancient Egypt, which used picture like symbols carved on monuments and written on papyrus, not the wedge shaped characters of Mesopotamia. Therefore, the correct name for the Sumerian writing system is cuneiform.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Sumerians lived in Mesopotamia and are credited with one of the earliest writing systems. Step 2: Remember that this system used wedge shaped marks on clay tablets, made with a reed stylus. Step 3: Connect the wedge shaped style with the term cuneiform. Step 4: Recognise that pictograms describe pictures in general, not the full developed script, and that hieroglyphic script belongs to Egypt. Step 5: Select cuneiform as the correct name for the Sumerian writing system.

Verification / Alternative check:
History and archaeology texts describing Mesopotamia consistently refer to Sumerian writing as cuneiform. They often illustrate clay tablets with wedge shaped marks and explain how these signs were gradually standardised. When discussing Egyptian civilisation, the same books switch to the term hieroglyphics, making a clear distinction between the two systems. This reinforces that cuneiform is the proper answer for the Sumerian script.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pictograms represent the earliest phase of picture writing but are not the established name of the Sumerian script in its mature form; they also occur in many cultures. Hieroglyphic script is the term associated with ancient Egyptian writing, not Mesopotamian writing. The option none of these is incorrect because there is a correct term given among the choices, namely cuneiform. Thus, options A, C, and D do not match the precise historical terminology used for Sumerian writing.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may mix up the writing systems of different ancient civilisations and think that any old script is called hieroglyphics. Another pitfall is to focus on the idea of pictures and choose pictograms, forgetting that the question asks for the recognised name of the complete system. Keeping in mind that cuneiform is wedge shaped writing from Mesopotamia and hieroglyphic script is picture based writing from Egypt helps avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The system of writing developed by the Sumerians in ancient Mesopotamia is known as cuneiform.