Early Societies (Pre-Classical):
* Limited Literacy: Reading and writing were primarily skills for elites (priests, scribes, rulers). There's no evidence of widespread literacy among the general population in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, or other early civilizations.
* Emphasis on Oral Tradition: Knowledge was primarily passed down through spoken word, songs, stories, and rituals.
* Specialized Scribes: Only a small percentage of individuals were trained in the complex systems of writing. These scribes were essential for record-keeping, administration, and religious texts.
* Limited Education: Formal schooling for commoners was rare. Children might learn basic skills like counting, but literacy was not a common goal.
Classical Era (Ancient Greece and Rome):
* Expansion of Literacy: Literacy began to expand, particularly in Greece. While still largely limited to the elite, schools became more common, and the spread of philosophy and literature contributed to a higher demand for literacy.
* Rise of the "Paideia": The Greek ideal of "paideia" emphasized education, including the arts, philosophy, and rhetoric. This contributed to a cultural shift towards literacy, although it remained largely out of reach for most.
* Roman Schools: Roman education also focused on literacy, with schools providing instruction in Latin grammar and rhetoric.
Medieval and Later:
* Monastic Scribes: During the Middle Ages, literacy was primarily confined to monasteries and cathedrals. Monastic scribes played a vital role in copying and preserving ancient texts.
* Rise of Universities: The establishment of universities in the 12th century led to a renewed emphasis on literacy, particularly among the clergy and nobility.
* Printing Press: The invention of the printing press in the 15th century was a major turning point. This technology made books more accessible, leading to a significant increase in literacy among the general population.
In Summary:
* Literacy in early societies was extremely limited, mostly restricted to elites and scribes.
* As societies evolved, particularly in the Classical era, literacy expanded but remained a privilege of the educated.
* The rise of the printing press and other factors like the Reformation led to a dramatic increase in literacy in the modern era.
Key Point: The idea of universal literacy for children is a relatively modern concept. While there were exceptions throughout history, it was only in the past few centuries that education for all, including literacy, became a societal goal.