While writing began for administrative and record-keeping purposes, its uses expanded over time. Myths, religious hymns, contracts, and scientific and mathematical texts survive on hundreds of thousands of clay tablets. Many have yet to be translated.
The first named author in history was the priestess Enheduanna, daughter of an Akkadian king. Enheduanna composed at least forty hymns to the gods in her lifetime, in some of which she referred to herself by name.
Great queen [Inanna] among queens, who was born of a pure womb for righteous powers and surpasses her own mother.
Very learned and mindful queen of all lands, you who give life to countless humans, I will sing in your honor a song worthy of you.
Goddess truly worthy of powers, your solemn word is sublime....
I had entered my pure priestess’s residence,
I, Enheduanna, the en-priestess.
I had carried the ritual basket and burst into celebratory song.
But funerary sacrifices were made, and I am no longer there.
I approached the light, but the light burned me.
I approached the shadow, but the storm hid all.
My mellifluous mouth was struck with confusion.
Everything that used to delight me turned to dust....
[If] you tell [the god] An about it now, An will undo it for me....
The land, rebellious and wicked because of Nanna, may An deliver it.
That city, may An destroy it; may [the god] Enlil curse it; may its mothers no longer appease their crying children.
Queen, the grievances that were caused, may your ship that carries grievances abandon them elsewhere.
Must I die because of my noble song? My Nanna has paid me no heed.