I know I’ve seen joking references to the notion that somebody, somwhere, must have invented the notion of “standing in line” at some point in history.
I’m curious. How far back can we trace the practice?
-FrL-
Biblical scholars, from which company I exclude myself, might opt for Noah.
To the first mother with more than one child. 
Well, that would be when Cain and Abel lined up for chicken ‘n’ dumplings.
I’m not sure what kind of women you’re used to… 
Maybe two children?
Ants?
The first hooker; it is the oldest profession.
Why form a line? I’ve seen how they do it in the videos, and it tends to be more of a circle.
Why did this make me splurt coffee out of my mouth
Just one more service I cheerily provide. 
If they’re doing that, then they’re probably not standing.
I was thinking more: you first, then you, then…
We may need to try process of elimination here. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Italy. Possibly Germany, Japan, or England, but not Italy.
Did no one here see Catch-22? (I don’t recall the queue from the book, however)
It was the next thing invented after the Army.
Queueing probably goes back before the dawn of civilization. I suggest it came about, as societies became hierarchial, as a way of sorting people into order by importance. In more egalitarian situations it simply becomes a way of sorting people by the order in which they show up.
Well, there was Nately, and Capt. Black, at least; a short line, but a line nonetheless.
From personal experience, the concept of queuing hasn’t even reached China or India yet.
Ever try to buy a ticket at a train station in these countries?