Enheduanna (c. 2285–2250 B.C.E), widely considered to be the world’s first known author, was a princess, priestess, poet, and writer. A daughter of Sargon the Great (reigned c. 2334–2284 B.C.E), Enheduanna—whose name means “ornament of heaven”—served as the high priestess of the moon god Nanna-Suen in the city of Ur.
It is unknown when Enheduanna was appointed high priestess, but she served in that position during the reigns of her father, two brothers, and great nephew. It is likely that Sargon awarded her the position as a political move—she helped to solidify his control over the restless southern Sumerian cities. Even though Sargon was the first ruler to unite northern and southern Mesopotamia and create the Akkadian Empire, that political unity did not equal cultural unity. By placing his daughter in a high position of power (priestess of an important deity), Sargon helped to ensure his family’s control over the heart of Sumerian culture—their religious expression.
Enheduanna authored several works, including two hymns to Inanna, the Mesopotamian goddess of love, and the cycle of temple hymns. Containing 42 hymns of varying lengths addressed to temples across Sumer and Akkad, the collection was the first of its kind.
Biographical elements of Enheduanna’s life are hidden within the pieces she composed, where she often mentions writer’s block and working through the night to finish pieces. She also speaks of her political struggles, such as her rivalry with a potential usurper named Lugalanne.
Physical evidence of Enheduanna’s life exists within the archaeological record outside her writings, including cylinder seals bearing the names of her servants. The most famous object, however, is the Disk of Enheduanna—an alabaster disk found in the residence of the priestess of Nanna at Ur. Broken and defaced in antiquity, the disk has been restored to reveal the oldest known artwork honoring a woman: in this case for the construction of an altar to Nanna-Suen.
Enheduanna lived and wrote when written language was a relatively new technology. It was a period of great political and cultural transition as well. She used her power and influence to guide the people, protect her family, and carve a place for herself in history. The priestess took pride in her work, even signing her cycle of temple hymns with the following: “The compiler of the tablets was En-hedu-ana. My king, something has been created that no one has created before.” As the first known author, she indeed created something new and unique that lasted long after the fall of her father’s empire.
Who is the world’s first known author?
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Answer: Enheduanna
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