What technological advancement allowed Sumerians to improve administrative functions?

Cuneiform was a significant technological advancement for the Sumerians that greatly improved their administrative functions. This writing system, developed around 3200 BCE, allowed the Sumerians to record information efficiently, manage trade, and maintain detailed records of economic transactions, property ownership, and legal contracts. The ability to document these activities on clay tablets facilitated better governance and organization of their society.

Cuneiform enabled the Sumerians to communicate complex ideas and maintain records that were essential for managing their increasingly complex urban societies. By having a standardized system of writing, officials could ensure accuracy and consistency in records, aiding in taxation, trade, and law enforcement—all critical aspects of administration. This innovation ultimately laid the groundwork for bureaucratic governance in future civilizations.