Writing is one of humanity’s most remarkable achievements, allowing us to record, communicate, and preserve knowledge across generations. The earliest examples of writing reveal fascinating insights into ancient societies, their beliefs, and daily lives. From administrative records to religious hymns, these early texts mark the beginning of recorded history, showing how writing evolved as civilizations grew. Here are some of the oldest known writings from around the world, each offering a unique glimpse into our shared human story.
Athenian Tribute Lists
Dating back to around 454 BCE, the Athenian Tribute Lists are a series of inscriptions recording payments made by allied city-states to Athens. Written in classical Greek, these inscriptions served as records of contributions to the Delian League, the Athenian-led alliance formed to protect against Persian threats. They offer detailed insights into the economic relationships and power dynamics within the Greek world. These lists helped to reinforce Athenian authority, displaying the wealth and influence of Athens over its allies. They also reveal the financial demands placed on city-states and the administrative practices of ancient Greece. The records are important for understanding the scale of Athenian imperialism and the socio-political tensions it created. They also highlight the administrative sophistication of Athens and its role as a dominant force in the ancient Mediterranean.
Pyrgi Tablets
The Pyrgi Tablets, dating to around 500 BCE, are inscribed in both Etruscan and Phoenician and were discovered in Pyrgi, an ancient port town in Italy. These three gold tablets contain a dedication to the goddess Uni (equivalent to the Phoenician goddess Astarte) by a local Etruscan ruler, reflecting the cultural exchange between Etruscans and Phoenicians. Written in two different languages, they provide a rare glimpse into Etruscan religion and the linguistic connections between ancient Mediterranean cultures. The use of gold demonstrates the importance of this dedication, showing that it was meant to last as a permanent record. The bilingual nature of the tablets has greatly helped linguists study the Etruscan language, which remains largely undeciphered. They are essential for understanding the religious and political landscape of ancient Etruria. They also reflect the influences of Phoenician writing and culture on Etruscan society.
Behistun Inscription
The Behistun Inscription, carved into a cliffside in Iran around 520 BCE, is a monumental text commissioned by Persian King Darius I. Written in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, it chronicles Darius’s rise to power and his victories over various rebels. This trilingual inscription was crucial for deciphering cuneiform, as it provided a “key” similar to the Rosetta Stone for Egyptian hieroglyphs. The sheer scale of the inscription demonstrates Darius’s power and influence, as well as the logistical capabilities of the Persian Empire. The text not only celebrates Darius’s accomplishments but also serves as a legal and moral justification for his rule. Archaeologists and linguists have long studied the Behistun Inscription, as it provides historical data on the structure and administration of the Persian Empire. It also reflects the Persian respect for languages and their use in governance and propaganda.
Zhou Dynasty Inscriptions
Inscriptions from the Zhou Dynasty, around 1000 BCE, provide some of the earliest examples of Chinese writing. Found primarily on bronze vessels, they served as records of military conquests, land grants, and religious ceremonies. Written in early Chinese script, the inscriptions reflect the hierarchical structure and ritual practices of the Zhou Dynasty. The use of writing for official and religious purposes illustrates the significant role of literacy in Zhou society. They are critical for understanding the development of Chinese script and the administrative practices of ancient China. The texts are typically concise but rich with cultural information, including the roles of kings, nobles, and deities. They reveal the early evolution of Chinese characters and the standardization of script for official use.
Egyptian Book of the Dead
The Egyptian Book of the Dead, dating to around 1550 BCE, is an ancient funerary text composed of spells, prayers, and incantations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife. Often written on papyrus, they were placed in tombs and reflected the Egyptian belief in the afterlife and the soul’s journey. It was an evolving text, customized for individuals based on their status and wealth. This collection of writings offers insights into ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, practices, and concepts of morality. It reflects the importance of literacy among Egyptian priests and scribes, who were responsible for creating these texts. It is a testament to Egypt’s complex religious system and its emphasis on the afterlife. Each version provides unique information, showing how beliefs adapted over centuries.
Code of Hammurabi
Dating back to around 1754 BCE, the Code of Hammurabi is one of the oldest and most comprehensive sets of laws from ancient Mesopotamia. Written in Akkadian cuneiform on a large stone stele, it was established by Babylonian King Hammurabi to promote justice and social order. This legal document consists of 282 laws covering various aspects of society, including trade, family, labor, and property rights. It is significant for its emphasis on the rule of law and the principle of “an eye for an eye.” It provides valuable insight into Babylonian society, social hierarchy, and legal practices. Its discovery has contributed significantly to the understanding of ancient legal systems and the role of kingship. It reflects the early development of formalized legal principles in human civilization.
Pyramid Texts
The Pyramid Texts, dating to around 2400–2300 BCE, are some of the oldest known religious writings in ancient Egypt. Inscribed on the walls of pyramids in Saqqara, they include spells and incantations to guide the deceased pharaohs through the afterlife. Written in Old Egyptian, they reflect the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about death, resurrection, and the afterlife. They are unique because they were reserved for royalty, emphasizing the divine nature of the pharaohs. They illustrate the strong connection between literacy and religious authority in ancient Egypt. Their discovery has been critical in understanding ancient Egyptian religion and the concept of divine kingship. They highlight the role of writing in maintaining religious continuity across generations.
Instructions of Shuruppak
The Instructions of Shuruppak, composed around 2500 BCE, is a Sumerian text consisting of proverbs and moral teachings. Attributed to Shuruppak, a legendary king, the text offers advice on ethics, social behavior, and practical wisdom. Written in cuneiform script on clay tablets, it is considered one of the earliest examples of didactic literature. They include practical counsel on topics such as avoiding debt, exercising caution, and the importance of humility. It reflects the values and social norms of ancient Sumer, providing historians with insight into the ethical frameworks of early societies. Its discovery has shed light on the cultural importance of wisdom literature and the role of fathers imparting knowledge to their sons. They demonstrate the early development of written ethical teachings, long before modern moral philosophy.
Kesh Temple Hymn
Dating back to approximately 2600 BCE, the Kesh Temple Hymn is one of the oldest surviving pieces of literature. Originating from Sumer in ancient Mesopotamia, it is a series of praises dedicated to the temple of Kesh and its deity, Ninhursag. Written in the Sumerian language using cuneiform script, it reflects the religious practices and architectural grandeur of the time. It provides insights into the early development of temple rituals and the significance of religious institutions in Sumerian society. Its preservation on clay tablets underscores the importance of religious texts in maintaining cultural continuity. Its discovery has been instrumental in understanding the evolution of religious literature and the role of temples as centers of both worship and learning. It exemplifies the intertwining of religion and governance in early Mesopotamian civilizations.
Proto-Cuneiform Tablets from Uruk
Around 3300 BCE, in the ancient city of Uruk (modern-day Warka, Iraq), the earliest known form of writing emerged: proto-cuneiform. These clay tablets featured pictographic symbols representing commodities and administrative records, marking the transition from simple record-keeping to a structured writing system. The symbols evolved over time into the wedge-shaped cuneiform script, which became the foundation for various Mesopotamian languages. The development of proto-cuneiform was closely linked to the complexities of urbanization and the need for efficient communication in burgeoning city-states. They not only documented economic transactions but also laid the groundwork for literature, law, and science in Mesopotamia. The discovery of these has provided scholars with a profound understanding of early human societies and their administrative practices. Notably, the city of Uruk is often regarded as one of the world’s first major urban centers, highlighting its significance in the history of civilization.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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