[thackney]

You probably know that the Flatiron building is often considered to be the world's first 'Skyscraper' there are many good links about it. Here is one:

Not by a long shot. Shibam in Yemen (yes, Yemen) had 5 to 16 story buildings in the 1300's.

[Brainhose]

I guess that depends on your interpretation of a skyscraper :) I understand that a Viking in Largs Scotland once made a hut 1 story tall in the year 1200. And that Indians in the west used to make homes way up on the faces of cliffs, so that's even taller :). The Flatiron building would possibly be the first Modern Skyscraper since it had a skeleton made of metal.