Myth of Uruk

Although there were other important cities in ancient Mesopotamia, Uruk became famous as the main setting for the Epic of Gilgamesh. The epic tells of the heroic deeds of this legendary king, and as such it constitutes mankind’s oldest written myth. Gilgamesh goes out into the world together with his friend Enkidu in search of immortality. They live through a great many adventures and fight against both demons and gods. When his dear friend Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh finally realizes that he, too, is a mortal being. This insight then leads him to dedicate the remainder of his life to the well-being of the people of Uruk.

This terracotta relief shows Gilgamesh and Enkidu fighting against Humbaba (vergrößerte Bildansicht wird geöffnet) +
This terracotta relief shows Gilgamesh and Enkidu fighting against Humbaba, a monstrous giant of vast age! © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Vorderasiatisches Museum/Olaf M. Teßmer

For example, the epic credits him with building a gigantic city wall, which protected the inhabitants against hostile neighbours. We know from archaeological surveys that this legendary construction did actually exist - and that it was no mean one either. Experts have calculated that it was 5 miles long, 26 feet high and was made up of approximately 300,000,000 bricks!