Istanbul 2461

Istanbul #2461 (also Ni 2461, L.2461) is an ancient Sumerian cuneiform tablet. Some have labelled it the world's oldest love poem. It is on display at the Istanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient (Mesopotamia Hall).

Istanbul #2461
"The Oldest Love Poem" (L.2461) on display at the Istanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient
Materialterracotta
Size10.7 x 6 x 3.1 cm
WritingSumerian language in cuneiform script
Created2037–2029 BC (long chronology)
1972–1964 BC (short chronology)
Discoveredlate 1880s
Nippur
Present locationIstanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient

It is an erotic poem addressed to king Shu-Sin (reigned 20th or 21st century BC) by an unnamed female speaker. It is thought that the poem may be connected to a "sacred marriage" between the king and a priestess of Inanna.

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