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One of the Oldest Known 'Your Mom' Jokes: A 3,500-Year-Old Babylonian Tablet

culturePublished 25 Feb 2026
One of the Oldest Known 'Your Mom' Jokes: A 3,500-Year-Old Babylonian Tablet
Image by Maksim Sokolov (maxergon.com), CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick Summary
  • What: An ancient Babylonian tablet dating back 3,500 years contains one of the oldest known jokes, reflecting the timeless nature of humor.
  • Where: Modern-day Iraq
  • When: 3,500 years ago

Humor transcends time, and one of the oldest known jokes proves just that. Discovered on a Babylonian tablet dating back 3,500 years, this ancient quip showcases the enduring nature of comedic expression.

The tablet, unearthed in modern-day Iraq, reveals a humorous insult that, when translated, is often compared to the "your mom" jokes we hear today. This suggests that even ancient civilizations appreciated a good laugh at the expense of their mothers.

Scholars believe this joke not only reflects the cultural context of Babylonian society but also highlights a universal human inclination toward humor, particularly in the form of playful teasing.

While the exact context of the joke remains a mystery, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how humor has evolved yet remained remarkably consistent throughout history.

Imagine the laughter that echoed through the streets of Babylon as this joke was shared among friends. Despite the passage of millennia, humor continues to connect us across generations.

Did You Know?

The Babylonian civilization is known for its contributions to mathematics and astronomy, alongside its rich cultural expressions, including humor.