History’s Oldest Recorded Kiss Found in Mesopotamia

Kissing is such a familiar part of human life that it feels timeless. Whether it’s a greeting, a show of affection, or an expression of love, the act is deeply rooted in human culture.

However, scientists have long debated how far back this tradition actually dates. A new study has now pushed the timeline further than anyone previously thought, suggesting that kissing is not just a cultural habit that developed in one region, but something humans have been doing for thousands of years across different societies.

The research, published in the journal Science, highlights early written evidence of kissing from Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization. These findings place the first recorded kiss around 2,500 BCE—roughly 4,500 years ago. That’s a full thousand years earlier than the previously accepted timeline, which traced the earliest known reference to kissing to ancient India around 1,500 BCE.

The Mesopotamian evidence comes from cuneiform texts, written on clay tablets using wedge-shaped marks. Dr. Troels Pank Arbøll, a historian of medicine from the University of Copenhagen, explained that many thousands of these tablets still exist today.

They describe everyday life, relationships, and even medical concerns. Among them are clear indications that kissing was not only part of romantic intimacy but also appeared in family and social contexts. This suggests it was a well-established practice in human interaction, not a regional curiosity.

Kissing likely developed independently in multiple ancient cultures, rather than spreading from a single origin.

The findings challenge the idea that kissing originated in a single culture and then spread. Instead, the evidence suggests that different groups of people worldwide may have independently developed the practice of kissing.

It seems to have been a natural extension of human relationships rather than a learned tradition passed from one society to another. Dr. Troels Pank Arbøll, an expert on the history of medicine in Mesopotamia at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, emphasized this point:

“Kissing should not be regarded as a custom that originated exclusively in any single region and spread from there, but rather appears to have been practiced in multiple ancient cultures over several millennia.”

In other words, people in different places came up with the same intimate gesture without borrowing it from one another.

University of Copenhagen

While kissing might sound like a purely affectionate act, the researchers also drew connections between it and the spread of diseases. The study points to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (the cause of cold sores) as one infection that could have spread more easily once kissing became a common practice.

Some Mesopotamian medical texts even describe illnesses with symptoms resembling herpes or diphtheria. These ancient writings may provide the earliest documentation of diseases still with us today, indirectly linked to kissing as a form of transmission.

Arbøll explained that there is “a substantial corpus of medical texts from Mesopotamia, some of which mention a disease with symptoms reminiscent of the herpes simplex virus 1.”

This suggests that the practice of kissing may have had unintended consequences, potentially contributing to the spread of certain infections thousands of years ago.

Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist and expert on love and relationships, emphasizes that kissing has deep evolutionary roots. Her research suggests that the act of kissing may have developed as a way to assess potential partners through chemical signals.

Fisher's studies indicate that intimate behaviors like kissing promote bonding and attachment, essential for long-term relationships. These findings align with her work on human biology and emotions, suggesting that understanding our primal instincts can enhance modern relationships. As Fisher notes, fostering a sense of connection through affectionate gestures is crucial for relationship stability.

Kissing may be instinctual, as primates like bonobos and chimpanzees also use it for bonding and affection.

It’s not just humans who engage in kissing. Studies of our closest primate relatives show similar behaviors. Bonobos, for example, have been observed kissing with romantic or sexual intent, while chimpanzees sometimes kiss platonically to reinforce bonds within their groups.

These findings lend support to the notion that kissing may be instinctual, rooted in biology rather than culture alone. If our evolutionary cousins show similar behavior, it makes sense that early humans might have developed the practice naturally.

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This research reveals that kissing is far older than previously thought, and it was likely practiced in many different cultures independently. It played roles in romance, family life, and friendship, while also influencing human health in unexpected ways.

The act is more than a simple gesture—it’s tied to how humans form connections, how societies develop, and even how diseases move through populations.

From the clay tablets of Mesopotamia to modern relationships, kissing has remained a constant part of human expression. And while we may never know the very first kiss, the evidence suggests that people have been drawn to this intimate act for as long as civilization itself has existed.

Cultural Significance of Kissing

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship expert and author, highlights the cultural variations of kissing, showing that its significance extends far beyond romantic contexts. She points out that in many cultures, kissing is a form of greeting or familial affection, thereby solidifying social bonds.

Solomon advises individuals to appreciate these diverse expressions of affection, as they can enrich interpersonal relationships. By understanding how different cultures perceive kisses, we can foster deeper connections with others. Practicing empathy and cultural sensitivity in interactions can lead to more fulfilling relationships across diverse social landscapes.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

The historical significance of kissing reflects a deep-seated human need for connection and intimacy. Experts like Dr. Helen Fisher and Dr. Alexandra Solomon provide valuable insights into how this simple act has evolved and its role in fostering relationships.

To enhance personal connections, consider incorporating more affectionate gestures into daily interactions, whether through kissing or other forms of touch. Understanding cultural variations can also enrich your relationships, allowing for greater empathy and appreciation for diverse expressions of love.