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The Sumerians develop cuneiform writing in Mesopotamia, marking humanity's first systematic way to record and preserve information. This breakthrough allows for the first time in history the ability to document and transfer knowledge across generations.

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Ancient Egyptians develop hieroglyphic writing system, using papyrus scrolls as their primary writing material. This innovation creates one of the first portable and preservable forms of written knowledge.

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2400 BCE: Royal Library of Alexandria Precursors

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2400 BCE: Royal Library of Alexandria Precursors

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Early Egyptian temple libraries are established, serving as repositories of religious texts, medical knowledge, and astronomical observations. These become the model for future great libraries.

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The creation of Hammurabi's Code represents one of the earliest examples of systematic legal research and documentation, carved in stone for permanence and public display.

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The Greeks adapt the Phoenician alphabet, creating a more accessible writing system that would eventually lead to increased literacy and scholarly activity throughout the Mediterranean.

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300 BCE: Founding of the Library of Alexandria

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300 BCE: Founding of the Library of Alexandria

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The Great Library of Alexandria is established, becoming the ancient world's largest research center and repository of knowledge, housing hundreds of thousands of scrolls.

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Parchment is developed in Pergamon as an alternative to papyrus, providing a more durable writing material that would become crucial for preserving knowledge through the ages.

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Romans develop extensive systems for recording and archiving information, including legal documents, historical records, and scientific observations, setting standards for governmental record-keeping.

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Cai Lun officially documents the papermaking process in China, revolutionizing how information could be recorded and stored. This invention would eventually transform research and knowledge preservation worldwide.

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The codex format (bound books) becomes increasingly popular over scrolls in the Roman world, offering a more practical and efficient way to store and access information. This innovation would become the standard format for books for the next 1700 years.