The Epic of Gilgamesh in 12 Pictures

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Simeon Netchev
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This infographic illustrates the Epic of Gilgamesh, the world's oldest surviving epic (earliest tales c. 2100 BCE), tracing the semi-divine king of Uruk's rise, his friendship with the wild man Enkidu, their battles with Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, Enkidu's death, and Gilgamesh's futile quest for immortality.

Composed first in Sumerian and later unified in Akkadian, the poem totals about 3,000 lines; our most complete text comes from twelve clay tablets (c. 1200 BCE) found in Ashurbanipal's library at Nineveh and deciphered in the 19th century. It blends myth, royal ideology, and flood legend, offering insight into Mesopotamian views of kingship, mortality, and the enduring power of human achievement.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

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APA Style

Netchev, S. (2025, July 07). The Epic of Gilgamesh in 12 Pictures. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20646/the-epic-of-gilgamesh-in-12-pictures/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Epic of Gilgamesh in 12 Pictures." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified July 07, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20646/the-epic-of-gilgamesh-in-12-pictures/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Epic of Gilgamesh in 12 Pictures." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 07 Jul 2025, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20646/the-epic-of-gilgamesh-in-12-pictures/. Web. 07 Jul 2025.

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