Mesopotamian Myths

The true depth and power of the creative writing of Ancient Mesopotamia was only revealed with the decipherment of Cuneiform in the late 19th century. The stories that emerged challenged many Victorian beliefs. 'The Epic of Gilgamesh', the saga of a man's search for the secret of eternal life, includes scenes of a flood predating the story of 'Noah and the Ark'. The Mesopotamian epic of creation presents an alternative version of the origins of mankind, while the 'Tale of Etana' foreshadows the Greek myth of Ganymede. Based on the most recent translations and illustrated with works by contemporary and later artists, the author brings to life the compelling myths which are the foundation of much of our western tradition.