Guinness World Records: Oldest love poem

Guinness World Records logo.Photo: Guinness World Records

The oldest surviving love poem is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, inventors of writing around 3500 BD, and was called by archaeologists by a very un-romantic name: ‘Istanbul #2461’. The author is unknown but is believed to have been recited by a bride of Sumerian King Shu-Sin, who ruled between 2037 and 2029 BC. The following is the start of the poem:

Bridegroom, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet,
Lion, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet.

Oldest love poem. Photo: Guinness World Records

This week’s Guinness World Records:

Monday, 13 February – Click here

Tuesday, 14 February

Wednesday, 15 February

Thursday, 16 February

Friday 17 February

Last week’s records:

All records – 6 February – 10 February

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Shyleen Choruma

Shyleen is a Journalism graduate with a keen interest in contributing to the digital media landscape of South Africa. she is a Master of Communication and Media student. Shyleen kickstarted her career as a Public Relation Communicator, she has a passion for books and telling jokes.