The world's oldest customer complaint: Ea-nasir's bad copper

Around 1750 BCE in Mesopotamia a clay tablet in Akkadian cuneiform was sent to Ea-nasir, a copper trader based in Ur from merchant Nanni. Nanni sent his servants across the desert to purchase high-grade copper ingots from Ea-nasir. Instead of premium metal, Ea-nasir tried to force them to accept low-quality, sub-standard copper. When the servants refused, Ea-nasir was rude to them and sent them away empty-handed through enemy territory. The tablet reads ... "What manner of man are you? You have offered bad copper to my messenger... Saying: 'If you want to take them, take them; if you do not want to take them, go away!'... How have you treated me for that copper? You have withheld my money bag from me in enemy territory." A standing male worshiper votive figure from ancient Mesopotamia, dated to 2,750–2,600 BC. It was placed in a temple to pray eternally on behalf of its owner.

The tablet became a viral internet meme due to its surprisingly modern, relatable tone of frustrated customers.

When archaeologists excavated Ea-nasir's house in Ur, they discovered Nanni's complaint wasn't alone. His home was filled with dozens of other clay tablets from angry customers complaining about missing shipments, bad grades of copper, and broken promises. Ea-nasir is remembered very well by history as the world's oldest conman.