The 7 Oldest Known Writings Ever Discovered

Archeologists estimate that humans began using cave drawings to communicate events in their lives as early as 40,000 years ago, a true system of writing didn’t emerge until around 3500 BC when civilizations in and around Mesopotamia began to develop one. More than 5,000 years later, plenty of clay tablets still survive as the oldest verified evidence of a writing system. While the Tărtăria tablets – uncovered in 1961 in a Romanian village – date back to 5500 BC, contain something that appears to be script, there has been no confirmation that it’s an organized style of writing. Here are the 7 oldest writings that are known to be actual writing systems.

7. Palermo Stone

Writing System: Egyptian hieroglyphs

How old is it? – It dates back to around 2300 BC

Where did it originate? – Parts of it were found in Memphis (Egypt, not Tennessee), but nobody knows exactly where the rest came from.

Current Location: It is housed at the Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas in Palermo, Italy.

While not much is known about the Palermo Stone, it is believed to be the oldest surviving text in Ancient Egypt. It is a crucial text as it contains all sorts of information about the first 5 ruling dynasties, including the names of the pharaohs, important events that occurred during their reigns, and even details related to floods, taxation, festivals and war. The fact that it lists the names of rulers and their family members is important since it is the only record of their existence.

6. The Reforms of Urukagina

Writing System: Cuneiform

How old is it? – It dates back to around 2500 BC

Where did it originate? – Girsu (today’s Tell Telloh, Iraq).

Current Location: The Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Ukukagina was a ruler in ancient Mesopotamia known for fighting corruption and creating the oldest known legal code, which is written on two cones. Among other things, this writing curbs the powers of priests and large landowners, details how to assist the poor and eldery, and contains legal remedies for murder, theft and other crimes. It also imposed consequences on those who commit bribery or illegal seize land. In addition, it placed a ban on debt-related slavery.

5. Instructions of Shuruppak

Writing System: Cuneiform

How old is it? – It dates back to around 2600 BC

Where did it originate? – Bismaya, Adab (Iraq)

Current Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois

The Instructions of Shuruppak are among the oldest known sources of Sumerian wisdom literature, and the entire thing has been translated into English. The text contains pearls of wisdom from a man in Shuruppak addressed to his son. Some of it touches upon lessons on practicality, such as “you should not plough a field at a path” since, duh, people will walk all over it. “Never vouch for someone” because if they end up not being who they seem, you’ll be just as screwed. My personal favorite is “Don’t buy a braying donkey” because it will end up being a huge pain in the ass. There are also instructions on morality.