History’s First Named Author Was a Mesopotamian Priestess

In Atlas Obscura’s Q&A series She Was There, we talk to female scholars who are writing long-forgotten women back into history. History’s first recorded author was a woman named Enheduanna. Born sometime in the latter half of the 23rd century BC, Enheduanna was the high priestess of the ancient Mesopotamian city of Ur. It was a political role as well as a religious one; as the daughter of a powerful king, Enheduanna was no stranger to affairs of the state. In her writing, she wielded her pen for peace, working…

This content is for Member members only.
Log In Register