The earliest recorded joke in history dates back to 1900 BC from the Sumerians. It states: “Something that has never occurred since time immemorial – a young woman did not fart on her husband’s lap.” This joke reflects ancient humor rooted in everyday life and social norms.
The Sumerians, an ancient civilization located in Mesopotamia, left behind this unique artifact of humor on a cuneiform tablet. It exemplifies how bodily functions, especially those considered taboo or embarrassing, have long served as a source of comedic material. The joke uses irony by implying the impossibility of a young woman refraining from such an act, showcasing early human wit.
Other ancient cultures also produced early jokes and humorous tales. In Greece, comedic traditions thrived. An example from the 4th century BC includes a joke about an absent-minded professor during a stormy sea voyage. He reassures his panicked slaves by declaring he had freed them in his will. This joke highlights irony and the human tendency to misunderstand or misinterpret situations.
Greek humor also targeted specific groups, such as the Abderites, known for being perceived as foolish. The Philogelos, a famous ancient Greek joke book, collects many such jokes. For instance, Joke 114 involves a question to a eunuch about his offspring, leading to a punchline lost to time but demonstrating social satire.
| Culture | Joke Example | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sumerian | “A young woman did not fart on her husband’s lap.” | 1900 BC |
| Babylonian | Oldest known “Yo Mama” joke | ~1500 BC (3500 years ago) |
| Greek | Absent-minded professor frees slaves in will | 4th century BC |
| Anglo-Saxon | “What hangs at a man’s thigh and wants to poke the hole often poked?” (Answer: a key) | 10th century AD |
Babylonian culture also contributed to ancient wit. Archaeologists uncovered a 3500-year-old “Yo Mama” joke. It shows the long-standing tradition of teasing and jest aimed at family members, a style still popular today.
English humor dates back to at least the Anglo-Saxon period with jokes such as the riddle about a key, blending wordplay and innuendo. The joke functions as a playful riddle tied to everyday objects.
In ancient Greek literature, Homer’s Odyssey from the 8th century BC contains humorous moments. Odysseus tricks the Cyclops Polyphemus by telling him his name is “Nobody.” When blinded, Polyphemus’s cries for help that “Nobody” harmed him leave his fellow Cyclopes baffled—a witty use of language creating comedic confusion.
Ancient China also offers early humor. The Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi tells a story involving linguistic ambiguity. When asked “how do you know the fish are happy?” he answers, “Because I am standing here,” twisting the meaning and illustrating the limits of logic and language.
The 3rd-century poet Liu Ling is known for anecdotes involving wit and sarcasm. One describes his casual attitude toward clothing and social norms, conveying humor through everyday behavior and philosophical playfulness.
The Old Testament contains instances of ironic remarks resembling humor. For example, the Israelites sarcastically question Moses about being led into the wilderness to die, reflecting a dark but humorous outlook in desperate situations.
- Earliest known joke created by the Sumerians (1900 BC), based on bodily function humor.
- Ancient Greek and Babylonian cultures documented various joke forms including wordplay and satire.
- Old English and Anglo-Saxon humor reveal early use of riddles and innuendos.
- Classical literature such as Homer’s Odyssey employs clever language-based humor.
- Chinese anecdotes highlight humor arising from philosophical ideas and language ambiguities.
- Early religious texts also capture moments of sarcasm and humor.
What is considered the earliest recorded joke in history?
The earliest recorded joke dates back to 1900 BC and comes from the Sumerians. It jokes about a young woman not farting on her husband’s lap, something said to never have happened since time began.
Are there other ancient jokes known besides the Sumerian one?
Yes, ancient Greeks had jokes like the absent-minded professor and many in the book Philogelos. Babylonians had the oldest known “Yo Mama” joke from 3500 years ago. There are also early Anglo-Saxon and Chinese humorous stories.
What is unique about the oldest Chinese joke mentioned?
It involves Zhuangzi and a friend discussing fish happiness. The humor lies in a wordplay where “where” and “how” sound alike, showing that language and knowledge can be uncertain.
Did ancient texts like the Bible include humor?
Yes, there is sarcasm and humor, such as in Exodus 14:11 where Israelites question Moses’s leadership ironically. This shows humor existed even in early religious writings.
How did ancient jokes often create humor?
They used wordplay, irony, absurd situations, and social commentary. Jokes targeted groups or individuals and used clever language twists to entertain and mock simultaneously.
