Welcome, history enthusiasts! Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of ancient Sumer with our remarkable replica of the world's oldest love poem. This poetic masterpiece is an erotic composition addressed to King Shu-Sin, reigning during the 20th or 21st century BC, and is believed to be associated with the sacred marriage ritual between the king and a priestess of Inanna.

This ancient Sumerian cuneiform tablet, also known as Ni 2461 or L.2461, has captivated scholars and romantics alike. Displayed at the Istanbul Museum of the Ancient Orient in the Mesopotamia Hall, this terracotta tablet stands as a testament to the poetic expressions of love in the early second millennium BC.

Unearthed at Nippur in lower Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) during excavations between 1889 and 1900, this tablet was identified among thousands of Sumerian tablets. Renowned scholar Samuel Noah Kramer translated the tablet in 1951 during his studies at the Istanbul Museum. In his book "History Begins at Sumer," Kramer vividly recounts the moment he discovered this ancient love poem, considering it one of the oldest love songs ever written.

This cuneiform tablet contains a mesmerizing balbale, a Sumerian poem known as "Bridegroom, Spend the Night in Our House Till Dawn" or "A Love Song of Shu-Suen (Shu-Suen B)." Comprising 29 lines, the poem is an intimate monologue directed towards King Shu-Sin. The female speaker expresses her fervent desires for Shu-Sin, utilizing poetic imagery centered around honey and sweetness.

Here's an excerpt from the poem (Kramer's translation):
*Bridegroom, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet,
Lion, dear to my heart,
Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet.*

The last three lines of the poem hint at an invitation to a sexual encounter, albeit in language not entirely clear to modern readers. This text is considered one of the oldest known lyric poems.

The poem is believed to be a script for the annual "sacred marriage" ritual, symbolizing the union between the king and the goddess Inanna. During this rite, the king would marry Inanna symbolically, ensuring fertility and prosperity for the coming year. A priestess likely represented Inanna, and King Shu-Sin represented Dumuzi, the god of shepherds, in their symbolic union.

Variants of this poem may have been sung during rituals across the ancient Near East, influencing ceremonies commemorating divine marriages, particularly in Egypt. The translation of this tablet has also shed light on the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament, revealing similarities in phrases sung during fertility feasts and Sumerian weddings.

Specifications:
- Material: Terracotta
- Size: 10.7 x 6 x 3.1 cm
- Writing: Sumerian language in cuneiform script
- Created: 2037–2029 BC (long chronology), 1972–1964 BC (short chronology)
- Discovered: Late 1880s

Own a piece of ancient romantic history with our exclusive replica of the world's oldest love poem. Order now to celebrate the enduring power of love across millennia!