Which invention is linked to the transition in societal roles and increased specialization during the early phases of civilization?

The invention of writing is closely linked to the transition in societal roles and increased specialization during the early phases of civilization. With the development of writing systems, societies were able to document information, communicate complex ideas, and maintain records. This advancement allowed for improved administration, trade, and the storage of knowledge over generations.

As societies grew in complexity, writing facilitated the emergence of specialized roles, such as scribes, merchants, and legal officials, each contributing to the functioning and governance of the community. This increased specialization was crucial for managing resources, conducting trade, and formalizing laws and agreements, ultimately leading to more organized and stratified societies.

The other inventions, while significant, do not directly relate to the same level of societal role transition and specialization. Fire was essential for survival and development, the wheel greatly improved transportation and logistics, and the plow enhanced agricultural productivity. However, it was the creation of writing that truly transformed how people interacted, organized, and specialized within increasingly complex civilizations.