Skip to main content

The princess exiled from ancient Mesopotamia - Soraya Field Fiorio

727,936 Views

9,974 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

4,300 years ago in ancient Sumer, the most powerful person in the city of Ur was banished to wander the vast desert. Her name was Enheduanna, and by the time of her exile, she had written forty-two hymns and three epic poems— and Sumer hadn’t heard the last of her. Who was this woman, and why was she exiled? Soraya Field Fiorio details the life of history’s first author.

WatchThink Dig Deeper Discuss
As high priestess, Enheduanna had many responsibilities to the citizens of Ur. What did these responsibilities include?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Soraya Field Fiorio
  • Director Laura White
  • Narrator Christina Greer
  • Sound Designer Phil Brookes
  • Music Phil Brookes
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

More from The World's People and Places