* The Epic of Gilgamesh (circa 2100 BC): This Mesopotamian poem is considered one of the oldest surviving works of literature. It tells the story of a king's quest for immortality and has been influential in Western literature.
* The Pyramid Texts (circa 2400 BC): These ancient Egyptian texts, found inscribed on the walls of pyramids, are considered the oldest known collection of religious texts. They offer insights into Egyptian beliefs and rituals.
* The Hymn to the Nile (circa 2000 BC): This ancient Egyptian poem praises the Nile River and its importance to Egyptian life. It is one of the earliest examples of a genre of poetry dedicated to nature.
* The Code of Hammurabi (circa 1750 BC): This Mesopotamian legal code is considered the oldest known written code of law. While it's not strictly "literature," it reveals a sophisticated legal system and offers insights into Mesopotamian society.
Ultimately, the "oldest" piece of literature depends on how you define those terms. Do you mean the oldest surviving text? The oldest known story? The oldest example of a particular literary genre?
It's worth noting that there may be even older texts out there, but they have not yet been discovered or deciphered. The study of ancient literature is constantly evolving, and new discoveries are made all the time.