People started creating poetry in prehistoric times, with evidence suggesting that poetry long predates written language and emerged from oral traditions such as storytelling and song. The earliest known written poetry dates back to around 2000 BCE from the Sumerian civilization, where poems were often sung or recited in religious ceremonies. The oldest surviving epic poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh, also dates from the 3rd millennium BCE in ancient Mesopotamia (modern Iraq). Poetry likely began as a means to remember oral histories, genealogies, and laws, closely tied to musical traditions like chants and hymns. Therefore, poetry creation has been part of human culture for thousands of years, evolving alongside language and civilization.
In summary:
- Poetry emerged from oral traditions possibly tens of thousands of years ago.
- The oldest written poetry is from about 4000 years ago with the Sumerians.
- Early poetry served religious, ceremonial, historical, and mnemonic functions.
