It was only in ancient Mesopotamia that writing was elaborated and created. Around 4,000 BC, the Sumerians developed cuneiform writing. They used clay plates, where they coined this writing. Much of what we know today about this period of history, we owe the clay plates with everyday, administrative, economic and political records of the time.
The ancient Egyptians also developed writing at about the same time as the Sumerians. There were two forms of writing in Ancient Egypt: demotic (more simplified) and hieroglyphic (more complex and made up of drawings and symbols). The inner walls of the pyramids were littered with texts that spoke about the life of the pharaohs, prayers, and messages to scare off potential looters. A kind of paper called papyrus, which was produced from a plant of the same name, was also used for writing.
<span>Reagan is acknowledging Gorbachev's contribution to ending communism by including references Moscow's new policy of reform and openness. He highlights the release of political prisoners and the acceptance of foreign news broadcasts. Gorbachev is also encouraging greater freedom from state control for various economic enterprises.</span>
