World's Oldest Joke

The world's oldest joke, according to a list released by researchers on August 1, 2008, dates back to 1900 BC. The ancient Sumerian proverb says "something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband's lap."BBC News: Flatulence joke is world's oldest (August 1, 2008)

The report also collects old jokes from ancient Egypt, Rome and other civilizations, as well as documenting the oldest British joke.BBC News: Flatulence joke is world's oldest (August 1, 2008)

"Jokes have varied over the years, with some taking the question and answer format while others are witty proverbs or riddles...what they all share however, is a willingness to deal with taboos and a degree of rebellion. Modern puns, Essex girl jokes and toilet humor can all be traced back to the very earliest jokes identified in this research."—Paul McDonald, Professor at the University of WolverhamptonReuters: World's Oldest Joke Traced Back to 1900 BC (August 1, 2008)

"How do you entertain a bored pharaoh? Sail a boatload of young women dressed only in fishing nets down the Nile—and urge the pharaoh to go fishing."—Ancient Egyptian joke from 1600 BCAgence France-Presse: Breaking Wind Joke Is World's Oldest (August 1, 2008)

"What hangs at a man's thigh and wants to poke the hole that it's often poked before? A key."—British joke from the 10th CenturyAgence France-Presse: Breaking Wind Joke Is World's Oldest (August 1, 2008)