Here's a breakdown:
What We Know:
* Early civilizations: In ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other early civilizations, literacy was limited to a small elite. Scribes and priests were responsible for recording and interpreting writing, and it was seen as a specialized skill.
* Children and education: We have evidence that children in these early societies received some form of education, which might have included learning basic reading and writing skills. However, this education was primarily focused on practical skills and preparing children for their future roles in society.
* Different writing systems: Early writing systems were complex and often differed greatly from our modern alphabet. Learning to read and write could be a long and arduous process.
* The development of writing: Writing evolved slowly over time, starting with simple pictographs and evolving into more complex systems. It's likely that early forms of writing were used primarily for practical purposes, such as record-keeping and trade, and not for the general dissemination of information.
Therefore, it's inaccurate to say that all children in early societies learned to read and write. However, some children in certain societies, particularly those from privileged backgrounds, likely received some basic education in literacy.
To answer your question more fully, we need to consider:
* Which specific societies are we talking about?
* What time period are we referring to?
* What constitutes "reading" and "writing" in this context?
It's important to remember that our understanding of literacy in ancient societies is based on limited evidence and interpretations. Further archaeological discoveries and research continue to shed light on the complex history of literacy in the ancient world.