Gilgamesh: 3 Interesting Facts

As part of our game-based learning, we often do Role Playing Games inspired by various tales. A few weeks ago, we did Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is interesting in that he is the part-human, part-God hero of an epic mythological tale, and yet he could also be a historical figure. Here are a few more interesting facts about him:

1. The historical Gilgamesh may have been the 5th king of the ancient city-state of Uruk between 2700 B.C. and 2500 B.C.
2. Gilgamesh’s father was also featured in poems that depict magical abilities.
3. Later Mesopotamian kings claim descendancy with Gilgamesh, demi-God lineage and all, likely in an effort to elevate perception of their reign.

Background image of cuneiform of Tablet V of the Epic of Gilgamesh courtesy of Dr. Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin. Used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike license.

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