Who was the First Murderer?
The Quest for Answers
The concept of murder is as old as humanity itself. From biblical accounts to ancient mythologies, stories of brutal killings have been passed down through generations, leaving us to ponder the eternal question: Who was the first murder? In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the earliest recorded instances of human violence and attempt to find the answer to this enigmatic query.
Early History of Hominids
Before diving into the world of written records, let’s examine the early history of our species. Hominids, our ancestors, began to roam the earth approximately 6-8 million years ago. During this period, they likely relied on a diet of plants, fruits, and berries, and lived in small groups, often migrating from one area to another. It’s crucial to remember that, at this point, they didn’t have the cognitive abilities to write or communicate through language. Any instances of violence, including murder, would likely have been limited to isolated events or accidental conflicts, making it challenging to discern whether any of these instances were indeed intentional killings.
The First Human Civilization: Mesopotamia
Fast-forward to the emergence of Mesopotamia (circa 3000 BCE), often regarded as the cradle of civilization. This region, spanning present-day Iraq and parts of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Kuwait, is where humanity made significant strides in writing, architecture, and governance. Cuneiform writing, used by the ancient Sumerians, marked the beginning of recorded human history, allowing us to gain insights into their way of life.
Significant Ancient Texts and Events:
• The Epic of Gilgamesh: This ancient Sumerian epic poem tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king of Uruk, who murders a priest and flees to avoid punishment.
• The Code of Hammurabi: In circa 1754 BCE, Hammurabi, King of Babylon, codified laws that detailed punishments for various crimes, including murder.
Case Study: The Epic of Gilgamesh
Now, let’s examine a specific incident from The Epic of Gilgamesh:
Gilgamesh kills a priest: According to the epic poem, Gilgamesh killed a priest named Ur-saga and took his place in the temple. Gilgamesh’s actions outraged the priest’s father, who threatened to kill the king if he didn’t atone for his crimes. This is widely considered to be one of the earliest recorded instances of murder.
Inferences and Interpretations:
From this case study, we can draw a few inferences:
- Pre-meditation and intentional killing: Although Gilgamesh’s motives were questionable, it can be argued that he consciously decided to take the life of Ur-saga.
- Consequences for the killer: Gilgamesh was forced to confront the consequences of his actions, leading to his own emotional and psychological turmoil.
In Search of an earlier murder?
Given that the Epic of Gilgamesh predates most written records of human civilization, it appears that Gilgamesh may have committed the first documented murder. However, if we stretch our imagination back to the early days of human evolution, it’s likely that there were accidental or unrecorded conflicts, even before the rise of writing.
Cave Paintings and Murals
In some respects, the earliest rock art, dating back circa 40,000-30,000 BCE, can be viewed as proto-written forms that may hold the key to understanding human nature. Images of bloody confrontations, animals being slaughtered, and huntsmen hunting large game often adorn cave walls. It’s challenging to distinguish intentional human killings from animal fatalities or symbolic representations. Unfortunately, there is no way to conclusively determine the intentions behind these early works.
Conclusion:
While the quest for answers about the first murder will likely remain a mystery, the Epic of Gilgamesh stands out as a significant recorded event, possibly the earliest intentional killing in human history. Pre-meditation, intentional killing, and consequences are key features of this story, showcasing the darker aspects of humanity’s capacity for violence and malice. As we strive to comprehend the intricacies of human nature, stories like the Epic of Gilgamesh serve as both a warning and a lesson, guiding us towards the pursuit of justice and respect for human life.
Further Reading and References:
- The Epic of Gilgamesh ( translated by Andrew George)
- Code of Hammurabi
- A History of Civilizations: Mesopotamia by Charles Freeman
Key Takeaways:
- The earliest written records of human violence, including murder, can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia (circa 3000 BCE).
- The Epic of Gilgamesh, with its story of Gilgamesh killing a priest, stands out as a significant early recorded instance of intentional human killing.
- Pre-meditation, intentional killing, and consequences are all present in this story.
- It’s likely that there were accidental or unrecorded conflicts in the early days of human evolution, making it difficult to determine if any of these instances were indeed intentional murders.
