The early history of AI is related to the history of representation in mathematics and history of constructing narratives about our world.

The development of mathematics in ancient civilizations was tied to needs, such as measuring land, calculating taxes, and keeping track of time. The early mathematicians in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant developed systems of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to solve these problems.

In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians and Babylonians used a base 60 system to count and do basic arithmetic. and developed methods of solving quadratic equations and using geometry to calculate the area of fields and volumes of containers. In Egypt, mathematical knowledge was also linked to religious beliefs and rituals. The Egyptians used a base 10 system, as well as fractions and geometry, to solve problems like calculating the size of fields and measuring the volume of containers. They also developed a system of hieroglyphs to record mathematical calculations. All this is the virtualization of what thing into the other.

In the Levant, the ancient city of Ebla used cuneiform script to record mathematical calculations related to trade and commerce. They also developed a system of weights and measures to standardize trade.

These early developments in mathematics laid the foundation for later advances in the field, and many of the concepts and techniques developed by these ancient civilizations are still used today.

The arts, religion, story telling and the development of narratives can also be thought of as codecs that are passed in verbally, or in written form though can also follow similar arguments of logic. Again it is a virtualization of the real world into a representative form.