Epic of Gilgamesh

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Epic of Gilgamesh

• All images from Houghton Mifflin

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Ancient Mesopotamia This photo shows the ruins of
one of the earliest Mesopotamian cities, a rich
source of art objects and fine architecture. The
best-known king of Uruk was the legendary
Gilgamesh.
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Gilgamesh (detail of soundbox)

• In the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh,
  Gilgamesh--king of Uruk and considered a
  hero-king and god--and his friend Endiku set out
  to attain immortality and join the ranks of gods.
  They attempt wondrous feats against fearsome
  agents of the gods. This top section of the front
  panel of this soundbox from a Sumerian harp,
  found in the tomb of the queen of Ur, depicts
  Gilgamesh with two man-faced bulls.

University of Pennsylvania Museum
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Assyrian Cylinder Seal

• This seventh century B.C.E. Assyrian cylinder
  seal depicts Enkidu, at left, helping Gilgamesh,
  king of Mesopotamian Uruk, slay the Bull of
  Heaven sent by the goddess Ishtar.

Courtesy, Schoyen Collection
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Overview of Early City of Uruk This photo shows
the ruins of one of the earliest Mesopotamian
cities, a rich source of art objects and fine
architecture,. The best-known King of Uruk was
the legendary Gilgamesh.
Hirmer Verlag Munchen