Introduction to Gilgamesh and The Exaltation of Inanna: Lost History, Lost Epic

I. Continuity and Disruption: Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature

A. Lost Languages and Archaeology

B. Conquest and Disruption

C. Preservation and Politics in the Present

II. Mesopotamian History: From Sumer (c. 3300 BCE) to Akkad (c. 2300 BCE) and Babylonia (c. 1850 BCE)

A. Linguistic and Political Development

B. The Real Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, Builder of Walls

C. Nomadic and Agricultural Societies

D. Urban Culture and Literature

III. Enheduanna’s Akkadia: Sargon I unites Akkad and Sumer, 2300BCE

A. The Kingdom of Akkadia

B. Enheduanna: Priestess and Poet

C. Invasion and Restoration

IV. Mesopotamian Religion and Institutions

A. Gods and Goddesses: An, Enlil, Enki, Inanna

B. Marriage and Prostitution

C. Hunting and Drinking

V. Conclusions: Why Read Ancient Literature?

A. Common Themes and Problems

B. Continuity and Breaks

C. Ancient for Us; Ancient for Them