Literature and History
Literature and History
With the development of writing it became
possible to express ideas and concepts.
Beginning with the Sumerian period
tablets were inscribed with historical and
literary texts. One of the earliest and most
important works of literature revealed in
tablet fragments is the Epic of Gilgamesh,
King of Uruk. Historical and religious texts,
such as lists of the names of kings, hymns
and prayers, are also found on tablets.
During the 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C.E.,
temples were dedicated using inscribed
tablets and cones. Texts were also inscribed
onto stones, bricks, stelae, and building
elements. Excavations have unearthed
many public and private archives and
libraries, such as the famous library of the
Assyrian King Ashurbanipal
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