When was the first encyclopedia created?

It's difficult to pinpoint the *first* encyclopedia, as the concept of compiling knowledge in a systematic way has existed for centuries.

Here are a few key historical points:

* Ancient China: The "Erya" (c. 3rd century BC) is often cited as one of the earliest encyclopedic works. It focused on classifying and explaining words and concepts.

* Ancient Greece: Aristotle (4th century BC) compiled encyclopedic works on various subjects, including natural history and logic.

* Medieval Period: The "Etymologiae" by Isidore of Seville (c. 6th century AD) was a comprehensive encyclopedia that covered a wide range of topics from theology to grammar.

* Renaissance: The first printed encyclopedia, "Compendium of the World" by Johannes Trithemius (1494), appeared in the late 15th century.

Therefore, while there's no definitive "first" encyclopedia, the "Erya" from Ancient China or Aristotle's works could be considered early examples of this concept.