In the bustling city of Ur, around 1750 BCE, a merchant named Nanni etched his frustration onto a clay tablet, addressing a fellow trader, Ea-nāṣir. This artifact, known as the “Complaint Tablet to Ea-nāṣir,” is considered the oldest recorded customer complaint.
The Transaction That Sparked a Complaint
Ea-nāṣir was a merchant who imported copper from Dilmun (modern-day Bahrain) and sold it in Mesopotamia. Nanni had ordered copper ingots from him, but upon delivery, he found the quality subpar. Moreover, his messenger was treated rudely when attempting to resolve the issue.
Nanni’s Grievances
In his letter, Nanni expressed his dissatisfaction:
“When you came, you said to me: ‘I will give Gimil-Sin fine quality copper ingots.’ You left then but did not do what you promised me. You put ingots which were not good before my messenger and said: ‘If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!'”
He further lamented the repeated disrespect and the dangers his messengers faced traversing hostile territories without resolving the transaction.
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Oldest Customer Complaint: Akkadian Tablet to Ea-Nasir (1750 BC)
Archaeological Discovery
The tablet was discovered in the ruins of Ur by Sir Leonard Woolley during excavations between 1922 and 1934. It measures approximately 11.6 cm in height and 5 cm in width and is inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform. Today, it resides in the British Museum in London.
Legacy and Modern Recognition
This ancient complaint has resonated through the ages, highlighting that concerns over product quality and customer service are timeless. In recent years, the tablet has gained popularity online, with many drawing parallels between Nanni’s grievances and modern consumer experiences.
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Customer complaints from the ancient world
Conclusion
The Complaint Tablet to Ea-nāṣir serves as a testament to the enduring nature of commerce and the universal desire for fair dealings. It reminds us that the challenges of trade and the importance of customer satisfaction have been integral to human societies for millennia.
