New research has shed light on the ancient history of romantic kissing, suggesting that this intimate act dates back at least 4,500 years. This finding, based on an analysis of clay tablets and other materials from early Mesopotamian societies, challenges previous theories that romantic kissing originated in South Asia around 3,500 years ago and then spread to other regions.
The researchers, from the University of Copenhagen and the University of Oxford, found that in the Akkadian language, kissing is divided into two groups: “friendly and familial affection” and “erotic action.” This suggests that kissing was considered a part of romantic intimacy in ancient times, just as it could be part of friendships and family relations.
The study also examined the role of kissing in the transmission of herpes simplex virus 1, also known as cold sores. The researchers noted a “substantial corpus of medical texts from Mesopotamia” that mentioned symptoms reminiscent of the virus.
This fascinating research not only provides insights into the ancient history of kissing but also underscores the enduring connections between ancient societies and our own. Just as the people of ancient Mesopotamia expressed affection and intimacy through kissing, so do we today.
Source: Business Insider
Ruins and Relics 