Tax Collection and Administration: Sumerians needed to develop a way to record and administrate the collection of taxes and regulate trade and commerce.
Monumental Architecture and Construction Projects: The Sumerians undertook massive architectural projects such as temples and irrigation systems. These required detailed planning, coordination, and record-keeping, making a writing system essential for effective management.
Religious and Cultural Practices: Sumerians believed in multiple deities and had a rich religious culture that included rituals, prayers, and myths. Writing allowed them to record and transmit religious texts, hymns, and stories across generations.
Legal Needs and Contracts: As Sumerian society became more organised and complex, there was a need to establish laws, document legal proceedings, and create written contracts.
Historical Documentation: The Sumerians had a strong sense of history and wanted to document their achievements, events, and lineage. Writing provided a means to preserve their historical records and pass them on to future generations.
Expansion of Knowledge and Education: As the Sumerians made advancements in science, mathematics, and other fields, writing facilitated the recording, transmission, and expansion of knowledge within their society.
In summary, the Sumerians developed writing to meet practical needs related to economic activities, administration, monumental projects, religious practices, legal matters, historical documentation, and the expansion of knowledge.