A 4,000 Year Old Scam: Some Entrepreneurs Just Never Change

The story of Ea-Nāṣir’s greed.

It was a blazing hot summer in 1750 BC, and Nanni’s unfortunate servant, Sit-Sin, was sweating more than a sacrificial lamb at a Sumerian feast. The sun, a merciless ball of fire, scorched the dusty streets of Ur as the hapless servant trudged towards Ea-Nāṣir’s infamous copper emporium, regretting the moment he’d agreed to this perilous quest.

“He’s probably just another worthless copper charlatan, I’m sure. Gods help me.” Sit-Sin muttered under his breath, his sandals slapping against the baked clay road. He’d risked his life to traverse enemy territory, only to find himself at the mercy of what could only be generously describe as a questionable merchant.

Sit-Sin’s sandals slapped against the baked clay road, kicking up little puffs of dust with each weary step. As he approached Ea-Nāṣir’s storehouse, he could’ve sworn he heard the muffled sound of metal being hastily shuffled around, a sure sign of something amiss.

The door creaked open, revealing Ea-Nāṣir’s smug grin. “Ah, Nanni’s most trusted servant! I trust your journey was without incident?” he asked, his voice dripping with insincerity. “Come to collect your master’s… premium copper, I presume?”

Sit-Sin nodded warily, already sensing trouble brewing.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of metal and deceitful business practices. The servant’s gaze fell upon the pile of copper ingots in the corner, looking about as premium as a donkey’s breakfast.

“Here you are!” Nāṣir declared, gesturing grandly at the sad heap of metal. “The finest copper this side of the Tigris! Your master will be most pleased.”

Sit-Sin picked up an ingot, nearly dropping it in surprise. It was lighter than a reed basket and seemed to be more sand than copper. His face fell, knowing he’d be the one facing Nanni’s wrath, not this slippery thief.

“What is this?” Sit-Sin demanded, his voice rising. “This is not copper! It’s half-baked sand!”

Nāṣir’s smile never faltered. “Ah, yes! A new, innovative blend. Lighter, more… efficient! Nanni will thank me later!”