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Cuneiform tablet relating part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Neo-Assyrian, 7th century BC
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Cuneiform tablet relating part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Neo-Assyrian, 7th century BC
Cuneiform tablet relating part of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Neo-Assyrian, 7th century BC. A tablet from the library of the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal (reigned 669-631 BC) who amassed a collection of thousands of cuneiform tablets in his palace at Nineveh, northern Iraq. The Epic of Gilgamesh records the adventures of Gilgamesh, a legendary ruler of Uruk, and his search for immortality. This, the eleventh tablet of the epic, describes Gilgameshs meeting with Utnapishtim who, like Noah in the Old Testament, built a boat to survive a great flood, which killed the rest of mankind. From the British Museum
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Media ID 14849480
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
7th Century Bc Ashurbanipal Assyria Assyrian Cuneiform Epic Flood Iraq Iraqi Legend Legendary Neo Assyrian Story Tablet Ann Ronan Pictures Epic Of Gilgamesh
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable artifact from ancient history - a cuneiform tablet relating part of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Dating back to the 7th century BC, this Neo-Assyrian tablet was discovered in the library of King Ashurbanipal, who had an insatiable passion for collecting thousands of these clay tablets in his palace at Nineveh, located in present-day northern Iraq. The Epic of Gilgamesh is an extraordinary literary masterpiece that chronicles the adventures and quest for immortality by Gilgamesh, a legendary ruler of Uruk. This particular tablet, known as the eleventh tablet, recounts Gilgamesh's encounter with Utnapishtim. Similar to Noah from the Old Testament, Utnapishtim built a boat to survive a catastrophic flood that wiped out humanity. With its vibrant colors and intricate cuneiform script etched onto its surface, this artifact transports us back in time to an era steeped in mythology and legend. It serves as tangible evidence of ancient storytelling traditions and offers valuable insights into Assyrian culture. Preserved within this small object lies centuries worth of knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations. Its presence reminds us of our shared human history and highlights the importance placed on recording stories even during ancient times. Thanks to institutions like The British Museum where it resides today, we have the privilege to admire such treasures that connect us with our past while fueling our curiosity about civilizations long gone.
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