Scientists at the University of Wolverhampton have gathered to come up with a list of the oldest jokes that still circulate. The study was sponsored by the British television station Dave which will have a show on August 2 presenting the Top 10 Oldest Jokes.

The Dave Historical Humor Study, as it was dubbed, took about two months to complete, but with interesting results. The scientists traced the oldest joke to be an ancient Sumerian proverb dating from 1900 BC.

“Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband’s lap.”

The gag was found on different tablets that may date even to 2,300 BC. Of course, it passed one over time with some modifications.

The second oldest known joke dates from about 1600 BC. “How do you entertain a bored Pharaoh? You sail a boatload of young women dressed only in fishing nets down the Nile and urge the Pharaoh to go catch a fish.”

Other gags are credited to some of the ancient world’s most important figures such as Augustus. Probably hundreds of jokes were made on his behalf and from those one we know.

“Augustus was touring his Empire and noticed a man in the crowd who bore a striking resemblance to himself. Intrigued he asked: “Was your mother at one time in service at the Palace?” “No your Highness,” he replied, “but my father was.””

The complete list of the World’s ten oldest jokes can be found on Dave’s website.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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