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She is the very first recorded author in history – male or female
She was a princess, high priestess and poet
After her death, she was elevated to divinity
Her writings were copied and studied for a thousand years and then were lost
Excavations in 1921 uncovered her writings and brought them to light
She lived over 4000 years ago, but we know she was a princess, a high priestess and a poet, who also happens to be the very first recorded author in history.
Enheduanna lived around 2300 BC in the holy city of Ur, which is in present-day Iraq. Her father, King Sargon, created the first historical empire, and tasked her with melding the Sumerian and Akkadian Gods, in order to strengthen it and keep the populace in check with religion.
She held the office of high priestess of the moon deity, Nanna-Suen, at his temple, for over 40 years, and she changed the course of history, writing over 42 hymns and 6 poems.
During her service, there was a coup that threatened her position and led to a period of exile from her home. In her poem “Exaltation of Inanna,” her beautiful writing really captures the darkness and depression of exile:
“I am placed in the lepers’ ward/the light is obscured about me/The shadows approach the light of day,/My mellifluous mouth is cast into confusion/My choicest features are turned to dust.”
At her death, Enheduanna was elevated to divine status and she was celebrated and revered. Her influence was profound for a thousand years and then she disappeared. She was rediscovered in excavations at Ur in 1921, but the first translations of her work into English did not occur until 1968.
Over time, her existence and her work will hopefully reframe history in terms of gender. With our Western upbringing, it’s difficult to imagine a woman having the kind of responsibility, power and persuasion Enheduanna had so long ago. It makes the Handmaid’s Tale seem more plausible, but as long as we continue making progress towards equality, we’ll prevent another backward slide into subservience!
Caroline continued to write, lobby and campaign for the next 10 years. She helped change divorce, custody and property ownership laws to be more fair. She also continued writing poetry and novels, and lived her life with purpose. In 1875, George died, opening up the possibility for her to finally find a partner. In 1877, Caroline married for love, and passed away after 3 short, but blissful months as Lady Stirling-Maxwell.
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