How was writing first used?

How was writing first used?


It is now generally believed that the first use of writing was for keeping lists at temples of worship. In many of the ancient kingdoms, the priestly hierarchy was very powerful, and they collected a yearly tribute from all the subjects of the realm. In order to keep track of the thousands of items collected from the people yearly, clay tablets were inscribed with lists of the tribute.
The other early use of writing was by merchants. Many of the tablets found in the ruins of the Sumerian Empire contain lists of produce and items for sale. Some are bills! This was the beginning. It would be a long time before man would use his newly found skill for setting down ideas, in addition to business lists.