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Civilization is defined as “a state that binds people together to transcend
tides of family, clan, tribe, and village.” (Woolf, H.B., 1974, p.141) By using
this definition, one can compare and contrast the many different traits that the
Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations had. Both The Epic of Gilgamesh and the
three Egyptian funerary documents are very good examples of written documents
that show these two differences in civilization. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a long
narrative poem which shows the many trials set before a young hero. (Andrea, A.;
Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) This epic was discovered on twelve clay tablets in
the remains of a library dated back to the seventeenth century before Christ.
(Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8)
Within this epic, the reader will get an idea of how the Sumerians lived and
communicated within their community. Similarly, the Egyptian traits of
civilization can be explained when the Coffin Texts are analyzed. The three
funerary documents, which will be discussed later, were found written inside
wooden coffins of people could who afford expensive funerals. (Andrea, A.;
Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.18) Many of these writing concentrated on death and
disaster, and the miseries and fears that are associated with it. These three
writings are also very helpful by giving the reader a very descriptive overview
of how the Egyptian civilization worked. Although these four documents were
written in different locations, they show many similarities and differences in
traits of civilization, and thoughts on the afterlife.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is known as one of the greatest works of literature
from the time of the Mesopotamian Era. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8)
The hero, Gilgamesh, was the ruler of the city-state Uruk from 2700 to 2500 B.C.
He was also very well known for his building of massive walls and temples.
(Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) His epic follows the basic theme of the
humans struggle with immortality. Although Gligamesh is known as being
“two-thirds a god and one-third human”, he must face death someday. (Andrea, A.;
Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.8) As the epic begins, it is clear that the people of
Uruk are distressed at the fact that Gilgamesh is not yet aware of his duties as
king. Enkidu is sent down from the heavens in response to the people’s cries for
help.
When Enkidu and Gilgamesh fight in a contest of strength and fighting skill,
Gilgamesh wins, and the two heroes unite and set out on a series of adventures.
In the midst of their adventures, Ishtar states that a life is owed because of
an insult said towards him. Enkidu is chosen to die, and he is going to be
brought to his fate. Within his time of waiting, he tells Gilgamesh of a vision
he had of “the land on no return”. Within this story, the reader is presented
with many different facts of how the Sumerians viewed the afterlife. It will
become quite evident that the Egyptians view of the afterlife was fairly
similar, but in some way was considerably different. The Coffin Texts were the
Egyptians equivalence to the Sumerians epics, because they also give a very
distinctive explanation of how their people viewed the afterlife.
These Coffin Texts were modeled from the earlier Pyramid Texts, which
included many details about the many dangers of earth. (Andrea, A.; Overfield,
J.H., 1998, p.18) This writing also included the many feelings that the
Egyptians had on the topic of the terrors of death. The Coffin Text is yet
another short piece of work that is written in a two-part speech. In this
writing, the sun god and the deceased speak upon the topics of good deeds and
eternal life. Similarly, “Negative Confession” is taken from The Book of the
Dead, and contains writing upon the topic of death. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H.,
1998, p.19) In this story, the deceased proclaims his purity to forty-two minor
deities, who are set to judge the deceased’s fittingness to become an eternally
blessed spirit. (Andrea, A.; Overfield, J.H., 1998, p.19) These three examples
of writings from the Egyptians are very descriptive, and serve as a basis of
explanation of death. When comparing the similarities of these four writings,
the first thing that becomes evident is the fact that sacrifices are often given
to the gods. In the story of Gilgamesh, Utnapishtim reveals the secret of the
gods. He explains how he had attained eternal life by building a boat when it
was announced to him that there would be a great flood.
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