4,300 years ago in ancient Sumer, the most powerful person in the city of Ur was banished to wander the vast desert. Her name was Enheduanna, and by the time of her exile, she had written forty-two hymns and three epic poems— and Sumer hadn’t heard the last of her. Who was this woman, and why was she exiled? 

Travel back in time to ancient Mesopotamia and meet Enheduanna, a high priestess and the world’s first author. Watch in disbelief as this five-minute video retells the story of the woman behind The Akkadian Empire – an empire that has gone down in history as the world’s first multicultural empire with a central government. 

Lesson by Soraya Field Fiorio, directed by Laura White. Brought to you by Ted-Ed.