Man's First Self-Documented History?

Question

When was the first documentation of some sort of self-recorded writings (history) of man?

What did they say about their daily lives in relation to their past?

Was there any indication of their past?

Is the reason we don't have any recorded history prior to this because it was probably destroyed?

Or what other reason could there be? Why did they start recording history on that specific date/era etc..

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Answer 1

This very early documentary says,"I am MAN.  I was HERE."

http://www.arthistory.upenn.edu/smr04/10...

Answer 2

Cave paintings were the first documentaion of man. these paintings were of animals and men, of hunting animals, of places where good hunting was and directions on how to get to good hunting grounds etc.  No one can know the exact date primitive man started doing these paintings but the cave paintings clearly show that primitive man was capeable of expressing himself artisticly and painting to relay imformation to others and making a record of how life was at that time.

Answer 3

you could read The Epic of Gilgamesh. This epic was written or engraved on stones which were found in Mesopotamia; that is what is called now Irag or the lad between the Euphrates and Diglis. It might answer your question. It is About 12000 years B.C.

Answer 4

I would have to say that the paintings on cave walls are the begining of a record. That would be a way of them trying to describe everyday life etc... That would be how they would have done ot since there would not be any alphabet. Do you think that this counts? Or even the art that they would adorn their pottery, tools , weapons, clothes etc...

Answer 5

Egypt  more than 3000yrs.  China between and 2500 to 3000.  Most of the history has to do with the kings or leaders. I can't see as that they just started coming up with language or writing,  it's been here since the dawn of man, just not as well preserved.