---
title: Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8131/myth-of-etana-cylinder-seal/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal

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

## Image File

[![Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8131.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8131.jpg)

## Image Caption

This calcite [cylinder seal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cylinder_Seal/) depicts the [myth of Etana](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/224/the-myth-of-etana/), the shepherd and the legendary king of [Uruk](https://www.worldhistory.org/uruk/), who was carried up to heaven by an eagle to obtain an heir. Etana's ascent is watched by the shepherd and his dog, with two markhor-type goats, a sheep, and a sheep pen. The six discs above them may represent cheese. Above, a crouching bearded man is working a churn. The right hand of the shepherd carries a whip and there is a staff on his shoulder. He wears a long robe and has a long beard. [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/) Period, circa 2250 BCE. Precise provenance of excavation is unknown. (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. (2018, February 20). Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8131/myth-of-etana-cylinder-seal/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 20, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8131/myth-of-etana-cylinder-seal/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Myth of Etana Cylinder Seal." *World History Encyclopedia*, 20 Feb 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8131/myth-of-etana-cylinder-seal/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 20 February 2018. 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.