Mesopotamian cuneiform bookkeeping clay tokens writing

Counting goods helped turn records into writing

In Mesopotamia, people first counted goods with clay tokens, then recorded quantities on clay and added signs for the goods. Later, signs for Sumerian syllables helped turn this accounting system into a general-purpose writing system.

Siam avoided Western rule but ceded land

Siam was the only Southeast Asian state to avoid Western colonisation. Britain and France maintained it as a buffer between their territories, but Siam still gave up territory and accepted unequal treaties.

Earth’s atmosphere keeps the planet warmer

−18 °C Without It

Gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap some heat. Without this greenhouse effect, Earth’s average surface temperature would be about −18 °C instead of about +15 °C. Life as we know it would probably not exist in those colder conditions.

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Mesopotamian cuneiform bookkeeping clay tokens writing

Counting goods helped turn records into writing

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