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Gilgamesh / Layard Relief
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Gilgamesh / Layard Relief
Gilgamesh, the Sumerian King of Uruk
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Media ID 580495
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10024910
3000 Layard Sumerian Gilgamesh Myth Uruk
EDITORS COMMENTS
This relief, titled "Gilgamesh, the Sumerian King of Uruk," is a testament to the rich historical and mythological heritage of ancient civilizations. Discovered by British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard during his excavations in Nineveh, Iraq, in the mid-19th century, this relief dates back to approximately 3000 BC. Gilgamesh, the central figure in this relief, is depicted as a powerful and regal king, wearing a horned headdress and holding a mace in one hand and a lion's paw in the other. The lion's paw symbolizes Gilgamesh's strength and his conquest over the wild beasts. The relief also shows Gilgamesh standing between two gatekeepers, emphasizing his role as a protector and ruler of the city of Uruk. The mythological significance of Gilgamesh extends beyond his historical importance as a king. He is known as the hero of the epic poem "Gilgamesh," one of the oldest known works of literature in the world. The poem tells the story of Gilgamesh's quest for immortality and his encounters with various gods and mythical creatures. This relief provides a glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of the Sumerian civilization, which flourished in Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago. The intricate details of the relief, from the folds of Gilgamesh's robe to the intricate patterns on the gatekeepers' headdresses, showcase the skill and artistry of the ancient Sumerian artists. The discovery of this relief and other artifacts from the ancient world by archaeologists like Layard has allowed us to learn about the history, mythology, and art of civilizations that have long since vanished. This relief is not only a beautiful work of art but also a valuable historical artifact that tells the story of a legendary king and a great civilization.
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