Enheduanna

Enheduanna, high priestess of the moon god Nanna at Ur, composed a collection of 42 temple hymns dedicated to the major temples of Sumer and Akkad. These hymns are the earliest known works of literature attributed to a named author, establishing her as the world's first known author.

Sargon of Akkad appointed his daughter Enheduanna as high priestess of the moon god Nanna at Ur. This appointment was a political move to consolidate Akkadian control over Sumer by placing a royal family member in a key religious position. Enheduanna served in this role for decades.

Enheduanna wrote the 'Exaltation of Inanna', a long poem praising the goddess Inanna and describing her own exile from Ur. The poem is a personal and political work, reflecting her struggles and her devotion to Inanna. It is one of the earliest known works of poetry.