Beowulf is often considered one of the oldest pieces of literature in the English language, but it is not the oldest piece of literature in the world. The epic poem, which dates back to the early medieval period (between the 8th and 11th centuries), is written in Old English and is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature.
However, there are older literary works from other cultures. For example, the Epic of Gilgamesh, which originates from ancient Mesopotamia, is often regarded as the oldest known piece of literature. It dates back to around 2100 BCE, making it significantly older than Beowulf.
Other ancient texts, such as the Pyramid Texts from Egypt (circa 2400-2300 BCE) and the Rigveda from India (circa 1500-1200 BCE), also predate Beowulf. These works provide valuable insights into the cultures and societies of their times.
In summary, while Beowulf is one of the oldest pieces of literature in the English language, it is not the oldest in the world. The Epic of Gilgamesh and other ancient texts hold that distinction.