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civilazation is defined as "a state that binds people together to transcend tides of family, clanio, tribe, and village." (Woolf, H.B., 1974, p.141) By using this definition, one can compare and contrast the many different traits that the Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations had. Both The Epic of Gilgamesh and the three Egyptian funerary documents are very good examples of written documents that show these two differences in civilization. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a long narrative poem which shows the many trials set before a young hero. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) This epic was discovered on twelve clay tablets in the remains of a library dated back to the seventeenth century before Christ. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) Within this epic, the reader will get an idea of how the Sumerians lived and communicated within their community. Similarly, the Egyptian traits of civilization can be explained when the Coffin Texts are analyzed. The three funerary d!ocuments, which will be discussed later, were found written inside wooden coffins of people could who afford expensive funerals. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.18) Many of these writing concentrated on death and disaster, and the miseries and fears
------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have not killed, I have not made anyone suffer..." (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.21) These that are associated with it. These three writings are also very helpful by giving the reader a very descriptive overview of how the Egyptian civilization worked. Although these four documents were written in different locations, they show many similarities and differences in traits of civilization, and thoughts on the afterlife. The Epic of Gilgamesh is known as one of the greatest works of literature from the time of the Mesopotamian Era. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) The hero, Gilgamesh, was the ruler of the city-state Uruk from 2700 to 2500 B.C. He was also very well known for his building of massive walls and temples. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) His epic follows the basic theme of the humans strugg! eternally blessed spirit. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.19) These three examples of writings from the Egyptians are very descriptive, and serve as a basis of explanation of death. When comparing the similarities of these four writings, the first thing that becomes evident is the fact that sacrifices are often given to the gods. In the story of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim reveals the secret of the gods. He explains how he had attained eternal life by building a boat when it was announced to him that there would be a great flood. When the flood resides, and the gods appear, Utnapishtim pours out wine and other beverages as an offering to the gods. This is very similar to the Pyramid Text, whereas the writing states to the reader to "Take your head, Collect your limbs, Shake the earth from you flesh! Take you bread that rots not, Your beer that sours not, Stand at the gates that bar the common people!" (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.20) Both the Mesopotamian
Some common words found in the essay are:
Overfield JH, Enkidu Gilgamesh, Egypt Sumer, Gilgamesh Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh Utnapishtim, Negative Confession, Pyramid Text, Coffin Texts, Coffin Text, Text Re, overfield jh, andrea overfield, overfield jh 1998, andrea overfield jh, jh 1998, jh 1998 p8, 1998 p8, eternal life, epic gilgamesh, p8 epic, 1998 p8 epic, coffin texts, viewed afterlife, p18 writing, tears killed suffer,
Approximate Word count = 1267
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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