Knowra Sumerian literature Sumerian literature Sumerian literature is the body of compositions written in the Sumerian language, including myths, hymns, proverbs, lamentations, and narrative poems. Most surviving works are preserved on clay tablets in cuneiform.
Epic of Gilgamesh : An ancient Mesopotamian epic about Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu. Its later Akkadian form draws on Sumerian poems about Gilgamesh.
Sumerian language : An ancient language of southern Mesopotamia with no demonstrated relationship to any other known language family. Its grammar, vocabulary, and sound system define the compositions' original medium.
Sumerian hymn : A Sumerian poem of praise addressed to a deity, temple, or ruler. Hymns use elevated praise and formal structures distinctive within the corpus.
Third Dynasty of Ur : A Mesopotamian dynasty that ruled from Ur around the end of the third millennium BCE. Many surviving Sumerian literary tablets were copied during this period.
Inanna : A major Mesopotamian goddess associated with love, war, and political power. Her myths and hymns make her one of the most prominent figures in Sumerian literature.
Descent of Inanna : A Sumerian myth in which Inanna descends to the underworld and is detained by its queen, Ereshkigal. This myth exemplifies Sumerian narrative poetry and underworld traditions.
Cuneiform : A writing system made with wedge-shaped impressions, used for Sumerian and several other ancient languages. Scribes recorded Sumerian compositions on clay tablets using this script.
Sumerian city lament : A Sumerian composition mourning a city's devastation and the loss of its divine protection. Its recurring images and ritual associations shape a major literary genre.
Old Babylonian period : A period of Mesopotamian history, approximately 2000–1600 BCE, marked by competing kingdoms and expanding scribal culture. Most known Sumerian literary manuscripts date to this later period of copying.
Enki : A Mesopotamian god associated with freshwater, wisdom, and crafts. Sumerian stories often present him as a powerful source of knowledge and cultural order.
Show all 26