The Gilgamesh Epic; The Story of the Flood

Gregory W. Waggoner
BIBL 2310 An Introduction to Archaeology
and History of the Ancient Near East
November 4, 2002

Paper on artifact in the Gustav Jeeninga Museum of Bible and Near Eastern Studies:
The Gilgamesh Epic; The Story of the Flood (Book XI)


Part One: Introduction to the Artifact

Fortunately, I was able to find a topic of interest, not only for the value it has to Archaeology and Near Eastern studies, but also for the rich literary work it exposes. After nearly seven years at Anderson University, I was introduced to the Epic of Gilgamesh. The artifact that I chose to research is The Sumerian Flood Narrative. The replica is in the Jeeninga Museum, with the original currently on display in the British Museum, England.
Indeed the Mesopotamian epic is possible one of the most treasured documents ever known to mankind. Known for being one of the oldest pieces of literature it is also a very moving and engaging story of wisdom, emotion, and tradition as ...