The world’s first known author is widely considered to be Enheduanna, a woman who lived in the 23rd century BCE in ancient Mesopotamia (approximately 2285-2250 BCE). Enheduanna was a writer, poet and priestess who composed several works of literature that have survived to this day.

Enheduanna was born in the city of Ur, which was located in what is now modern-day Iraq. She was the daughter of King Sargon of Akkad, one of the earliest known rulers of Mesopotamia. As a young woman, Enheduanna was appointed as the High Priestess of the Moon God Nanna in the Sumerian city of Ur.

In her role as High Priestess, Enheduanna composed several hymns and prayers that were dedicated to the gods of the Sumerian pantheon. These works of literature were written in the Sumerian language and are some of the earliest known works of literature in the world. Enheduanna’s works are also notable for being some of the earliest known works of literature written by a woman.

Enheduanna’s works were widely read and praised during her lifetime, and she was even referred to as the “Enchantress of the Gods” by her contemporaries. Unfortunately, her works have largely been forgotten by the modern world.

Despite this, Enheduanna’s works remain some of the earliest known examples of literature in the world, and her legacy as the world’s first known author lives on.