Gilgamesh was a Sumerian lugal or king. The Epic of Gilgamesh was written approximately
300-400 years after the death of Gilgamesh. The piece that I have given to you deals only with
Sumerians and not their gods.
Some important details –
Agga was the last ruler of the city, Kish. His father’s name was Enmebaraggesi. The city of
Kish was believed by Sumerians to have received a “kingship” or ruling authority from heaven
immediately after the flood. (Do you remember Noah and the Ark? The Sumerians have their
own version of the story.)
Erech, known as Uruk on your maps, grew stronger and eventually threatened the city of Kish.
Gilgamesh was the king of Erech.
Agga sent an ultimatum to Gilgamesh telling him that he needed to submit to the city of Kish.
Gilgamesh wanted to fight, but before he could fight he first had to get the approval from the
leaders of Erech. He first went to the elders or the Senators. The Senators wanted peace so
Gilgamesh then turned to the younger men. Of course the young men desired war or war is
declared on Kish. This piece of the epic is very important because this is the first time in history
that a bicameral or two-house legislature is used by a people. (The United States has a
bicameral legislature – the Senate and the House of Representatives.)
Eventually Erech is defeated so Gilgamesh asks for volunteers to go to Kish and try to appease
Agga. Birthurtume volunteers but is captured and tortured by Agga. In the meantime another
volunteer Zabardibunugga climes the wall (note the walled cities again) as does Gilgamesh.
Due to grandiose words from Gilgamesh, Agga decides to quit assaulting the city of Erech and
of course, Gilgamesh is viewed as a hero.
Your assignment is as follows:
1. Determine where the story mentions the bicameral government. Circle this section.
2. Find where the epic mentions Inanna, An, and Eanna. Who are these people?
3. What does the epic tell you about the relationship between Sumerian cities? How do you know this?