Mesopotamia redefines the ancient history of kissing
Scientists propose that the first recorded kiss occurred 4,500 years ago, a millennium earlier than previously believed, based on newly discovered evidence.
A study published in the journal Science highlights findings of kissing practices in ancient Middle Eastern societies, particularly early Mesopotamian cultures, dating back to 2,500 BCE as documented in ancient texts.
Contrary to previous hypotheses suggesting India was the birthplace of kissing around 1,500 BCE, ancient Mesopotamian texts cited in the latest study indicate the romantic gesture's prevalence in the Middle East. Dr. Troels Pank Arbøll, a specialist in Mesopotamian medical history at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, notes, "Kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times, just as it could denote friendships and familial relationships."
The study suggests that kissing was not exclusive to any single region but rather a practice observed across various ancient cultures over millennia.
Research on our closest biological relatives, bonobos, and chimpanzees, reveals kissing behaviors with both romantic and platonic intentions, suggesting humans have likely engaged in kissing for an extensive period.
Additionally, the study posits that kissing may have played a role in spreading infectious diseases such as the herpes simplex virus 1, responsible for cold sores, and diphtheria, a contagious bacterial infection. Dr. Arbøll remarks, "Medical texts from Mesopotamia mention a disease with symptoms resembling those of herpes simplex virus 1."
