Surprise, surprise!  We can study this ancient epic from both a historical–Gilgamesh was a historical figure–and a literary point-of-view.  An aside:  I still find it amazing that someone ever figured out how to read this cuneiform!  The tablets were originally found by British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard in 1849 and now reside in the British Museum, which has some good online information about the Gilgamesh tablets.
photo www.sas.upenn.edu/~ekondrat/GilgTablet.jpeg.

Read Gilgamesh (in its entirety).

Answer the following question in a one-page paper:

Citing specific evidence from Gilgamesh (not from the textbook), explain the role(s) of kingship in ancient Sumerian society.  In other words, one might ask, what were the duties of the king or what was a Sumerian king expected to do or what were some of the characteristics of kingship in Ancient Mesopotamia?

Before proceeding, you might wish to read the short notes and review the study questions on Gilgamesh. Professor Romeo also has some ideas for those of you who are having trouble with this assignment.  You can also check out our short video on this assignment.

Your paper must follow this format:

• font size 10 or 12 only
• one-inch margins
• double-spaced
• page number citations for your quoted evidence
• not to exceed one (1) page
• name at the top left
• must have brief introduction and conclusion paragraphs (each not to exceed two sentences)
• You may consider submitting drafts of your assignment to your instructor for feedback before submitting the assignment for a grade. At times, you may be asked to rewrite your essay before it is graded.  This is done for your own benefit and will result in an improved grade.

Since this is your first paper assignment in the course, you should take a moment to review the Short Tutorial on Writing the One-Page paper (and the other materials) in Charlie's History Writing Center.  The tutorial will give you a good idea of exactly how your paper should be structured and organized.

Your assignment should be submitted on Blackboard.