Of History and Print: Oldest Known Surviving Books in the World

Book dating can be a complex and interdisciplinary process, requiring knowledge of fields such as archaeology, history, literature, and paleography (the study of ancient handwriting). Here is a list of some of the oldest books in the world that have intrigued experts worldwide.

The Epic of Gilgamesh (c. 2100 BCE, Mesopotamia): The oldest known literary work in the world, the Epic of Gilgamesh is a collection of poems & stories that recount the adventures of the legendary Sumerian king Gilgamesh. It deals with themes of mortality, bravery and heroism.



The Pyramid Texts (c. 2400 BCE, Ancient Egypt): Written on the walls of pyramids during the Old Kingdom period, the Pyramid Texts are a collection of spells and rituals intended to aid the pharaohs in their journey to the afterlife.



The Book of the Dead (c. 1550 BCE, Ancient Egypt): A collection of spells and prayers intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife, the Book of the Dead was buried with Egyptian nobility and royalty.



The Rigveda (c. 1500 BCE, Ancient India): The oldest text of the Hindu religion, the Rigveda is a collection of over 1,000 hymns dedicated to various gods and goddesses. It provides insight into the early religious beliefs and practices of ancient India.



The I Ching (c. 1000 BCE, Ancient China): A book of divination, the I Ching (or "Book of Changes") is a collection of hexagrams and interpretations that help readers understand the cycles of nature and the patterns of the universe.



The Odyssey (c. 800 BCE, Ancient Greece): One of the foundational works of Western literature, the Odyssey tells the story of the Greek hero Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.



The Etruscan Gold Book (500-600BC )is a Thracian golden artifact consisting of 6 bound sheets with total weight of 100 grams, with a size 5 to 4.5 cm with illustrations of priests, mermaid, harp and soldiers. As the sheets are binded, it is considered the oldest surviving book.

The Tao Te Ching (c. 500 BCE, Ancient China): Written by the sage Lao Tzu, the Tao Te Ching is a foundational text of Taoism that offers advice on how to live in harmony with the universe.



The Analects of Confucius (c. 500 BCE, Ancient China): A collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, the Analects are a foundational text of Confucianism that emphasize the importance of moral conduct, education, & respect for authority.