---
title: Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4821/flood-tablet-of-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4821.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4821.jpg)

## Image Caption

This is the 11th tablet of the Epic of [Gilgamesh](https://www.worldhistory.org/gilgamesh/). The [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) text on this tablet is startlingly similar to the Biblical story of [Noah](https://www.worldhistory.org/Noah/) and his ark in the [Book of Genesis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Book_of_Genesis/). When George Smith, an assistant in the British Museum first read this inscription, he jumped and rushed about the room in a great state of excitement, and to the astonishment of those present, began to undress himself. The tablet describes how the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) sent a flood to destroy the mankind. Ut-napishtim was warned in secret by the God Ea to build a boat to ensure the survival of humans and animals. Birds were released before the boat landed safely on mountain Nitsir northern [Assyria](https://www.worldhistory.org/assyria/). Versions of this story are known from at least 1000 years before. From the library of the Assyrian king [Ashurbanipal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurbanipal/) II at Kouyunjik ([Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/)), [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. 7th century BCE. The British Museum, London.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, April 07). Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4821/flood-tablet-of-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 07, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4821/flood-tablet-of-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Flood Tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh." *World History Encyclopedia*, 07 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4821/flood-tablet-of-the-epic-of-gilgamesh/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 07 April 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.