Arts & Humanities - 13 December 2007

I know this is long but please do a favour and help me! What does the following passage suggest about the values of ancient Mesopotamians?

The Epic of Gilgamesh. Many consider it to be the greatest literary composition written in cuneiform Akkadian around 2150 BC. This epic portrays the life of the great warrior, Gilgamesh. It chronicles how his victories, both militaristic and internal, ultimately determined his superiority. This relates to the ancient Mesopotamian society in many ways, including the role of warriors and the dual nature of Gilgamesh. It is evident from the beginning of the Epic of Gilgamesh how vital of a role warrior’s played in ancient Mesopotamian society. Warriors were considered top of the social hierarchy. All other authoritative figures were considered subordinate. Uruk’s inhabitants deemed Gilgamesh as their superior: “There is nobody among the kings of teeming humanity who can compare with him…Belet-ili designed the shape of his body, made his form perfect…In Uruk the Sheepfold he would walk about, show himself superior, his head held high like a wild bull.” 2 Gilgamesh epitomizes the ideal hero in the eyes of his society through admirable physical strength, bodily perfection, and bravery. This admiration directly pertains to ancient Mesopotamia and the earliest Sumerian governments. For instance, “When crises arose, assemblies yielded their power to individuals who possessed full authority during the period of emergency.”3 Back then, it was considered common knowledge that early governments based their decisions for the good of the entire community. Gilgamesh demonstrates these same tactics when he finds his community in danger. For example, Gilgamesh seized the Bull of Heaven, which came down from the skies, in order to protect his cherished citizens. 4 Protection of the city is Gilgamesh’s main objective. He states, “I shall face unknown opposition, I shall ride along an unknown road.” 5 Here, Gilgamesh seeks out to Pine Forest where he slays Humbaba, in order to exterminate evil and safeguard his city. Sumerian cities also faced external tribulations because of their wealth and virtually defenseless entrances o their land. Because the land and location was so flat and vulnerable the cities built defensive walls and organized military forces.6 Gilgamesh built a very similar structure. The wall of Uruk was an amazing barrier that sheltered every square mile of land. The citizens of Uruk claimed the wall to be “the pure treasury.” 7 It becomes evident in Mesopotamian culture as well as with Gilgamesh that major defense mechanisms are needed in order to maintain security. When a city –state gains structure the next step is to become proactively aggressive; therefore, conquering and punishing other cities. For example, “External threats came later to Egypt than to Mesopotamia, but the invasion of the Hyksos prompted the pharaohs to seize control of regions that might pose future threats.” 8 In addition, Gilgamesh displays these same ideas when adventuring into the Pine Forest. Because its citizens adored Mesopotamia’s physical landscape, they would protect their land at all costs. Gilgamesh’s image and qualities depict those of an ideal man. He controls a great deal of power and status, for he is believed to be two-thirds divine and one-third human. He also possesses power through his kingship. Gilgamesh displays a great amount of hubris. Priding himself with greatness he states, “Gilgamesh is finest among the young males! Gilgamesh is proudest among the males” 9 He is not only spiritually content, but also physically appealing. He represents the ideal man through wealth, handsomeness, and power. These traits were also important of the Egyptian pharaohs. Because the city valued their leader to such a great extent, they built massive pyramids as royal tombs. They also believed that heroes were gods living on earth.10 This helps comprehend the importance of Gilgamesh’s part divinity, part human character. Hammurabi of the Babylonian empire proclaimed that the gods named him “to promote the welfare of the people…to cause justice to prevail in the land, to destroy wicked and evil, so that the strong might not oppress the weak…” 11 The strength of these heroes and their “divinity” demonstrates what kind of leaders were respected and worshiped in Mesopotamia.

2007-12-13 05:55:55 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in History

18 ⤊

Why is Africa still the worst place?

Why is Africa, the birth of civilization, continuously to this date the worst place on the planet? Poverty, war, starvation, diseases, no man’s law, etc. Many South American and Asian countries were harshly plundered and colonized by the westerners but they show improvements. Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia were literally torn apart to pieces in the 70s and 80s now has, though not perfect, has stable “democratic” governments. North Korea is still very bad but at least there’s a sovereign government and no war.

Serious and educative reply only please.

2007-12-13 05:50:41 · 14 answers · asked by Young 3 in History

1 ⤊

Will true artificial intelligence (AI) ever be achieved in computers/robots?

Will true artificial intelligence (AI) ever be achieved in computers/robots? Is this even possible?

Explain and discuss.

2007-12-13 05:49:23 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Philosophy

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books james herriot?

hi anybody read james herriot where can i get the books on cd?
thanks

2007-12-13 05:48:04 · 11 answers · asked by I have a Disablity! 2 in Books & Authors

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Who wrote this poem?

Poor Fellows

What it takes on this planet,
to make love to each other in peace.
Everyone pries under your sheets,
everyone interferes with your loving.
They say terrible things about a man and a woman,
who after much milling about,
all sorts of compunctions,
do something unique,
they both lie with each other in one bed.
I ask myself whether frogs are so furtive,
or sneeze as they please.
Whether they whisper to each other in swamps about illegitimate frogs,
or the joys of amphibious living.
I ask myself if birds single out enemy birds,
or bulls gossip with bullocks before they go out in public with cows.
Even the roads have eyes and the parks their police.
Hotels spy on their guests,
windows name names,
canons and squadrons debark on missions to liquidate love.
All those ears and those jaws working incessantly,
till a man and his girl
have to raise their climax,
full tilt,
on a bicycle.

2007-12-13 05:44:06 · 12 answers · asked by ? 4 in Poetry

4 ⤊

Do you think people would be happier if they changed their perception of what "quality of life" is?

Is this the simplest solution to depression or does that sound like a good in theory but not in practice type of ideal?

2007-12-13 05:43:11 · 7 answers · asked by Chickenfarmer 7 in Philosophy

0 ⤊

what's your favorite color?

2007-12-13 05:43:11 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Painting

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Xmas pictures at home?? Advise--?

Have you taken xmas pictures at home?instead of kiddi kandis or sears or jc? I always get them, and just wanted to know. I have a nice camera and would like to try, but should I do it or get them done. I Usually spend 120-140 bucks. We are going to sea world this weekend with hotel, so we will spen about 200 bucks. I just think thats major $ for pics. My camera can do black/white sepia and normal. I am not a professtional so any advise on what to do and how to take a good picture? I have been practicing and noticed you need lots of light for a good outcome?

2007-12-13 05:41:06 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Photography

0 ⤊

german u boats of WWII?

who, what ,, when and why?
i was also wondering where the germans had there basew for the u boats since germany had to water around them.

2007-12-13 05:40:55 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in History

5 ⤊

Underground Railroad- was this in the mid 1800's?

Thank you!

2007-12-13 05:39:32 · 7 answers · asked by Jaycie 4 in History

0 ⤊

Printing Digital Images?

How big can I print a 16120 X 3697 image at 300dpi? I would prefer metric system but British Engineering is fine.

2007-12-13 05:37:07 · 7 answers · asked by Alejandro T 1 in Photography

4 ⤊

First Literature?

Does anyone know the name and author of the first Short story, essay, fable, dictionary, myth, fairy tale, diary, memoir, and drama/play ever written?

2007-12-13 05:32:13 · 3 answers · asked by iastate_cy 1 in Books & Authors

5 ⤊

How freaky is this?

Look:
http://flickr.com/photos/joshsommers/366703749/

thats some great work...but freaky!

2007-12-13 05:30:07 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Photography

1 ⤊

sonnet 35 by edmund spensor?

summary

2007-12-13 05:29:39 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Poetry

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Poem opinions please? what do you think??

Honest opinions please?
I've had people think I was depressed when they read this. I am not. This poem is about what I think could happen if we dont change our destructive ways, and soon
so please tell me what you think, if its not any good just say so! :D

The wheat has stopped waving
The air has grown thin
The waves of the ocean
Have stopped crashing in
The grass has grown dry
The Earth become cracked
The mountains are crumbling
No longer mighty or high

The trees have been broken
Their leaves turning in
The oceans are rising
The ice growing thin
The snow has all melted
The stars will not shine

We sat on our knees
Cryin’ please, oh please, oh please
What was done is now done
It cannot be changed
We never found love
We never lost hate
We never listened
To those who spoke out
And now here we sit
As the suns giving out

2007-12-13 05:24:43 · 8 answers · asked by shouting is better 3 in Poetry

0 ⤊

Does anyone have any gift suggestions for a teen writer?

I want to get my sister a book about writing fiction for christmas, but there are so many, I don't know which ones are best. She is a teenager and really into fiction writing. She is definitely a beginner, she really hasn't written that much. But she does have really good ideas for books, so I think it would be cool to give some guidence. I'd appreciate any suggestions for books that are current, inspirational, and knowledgable that will teach her the basics and more. Also, I have a $20 budget for her. Is there anything else that I could get her to go along with a book? I have no idea, but suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for your time! I appreciate any answers.

2007-12-13 05:23:51 · 6 answers · asked by GottaJustBe 2 in Books & Authors

2 ⤊

Do you think the German's Ardennes Offensive in 1944 could have succeeded?

Or was it a case of too little, too late?

2007-12-13 05:20:39 · 9 answers · asked by Robert S 4 in History

4 ⤊

why do some historians say that there have been multiple french revolutions?

i have heard that some feel that the current french government is the 'fifth' revolution but i wasn't sure what that meant...

2007-12-13 05:17:28 · 6 answers · asked by umdsmlee 1 in History

1 ⤊

Whats that book called?

You know where the lady spins thread into gold, was it Flumpy Pigskin

2007-12-13 05:10:53 · 6 answers · asked by Pissed off Sasquatch 4 in Books & Authors

18 ⤊

When the future arrives will it be the present?

2007-12-13 05:10:07 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Philosophy

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What are some of your favorite quotes?

I have several that I use a "tags" under my signature on emails.

"I am only one, but still, I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do some-thing. And, because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do what I can." Edwin Hale

Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.--Valentine Davies (Miracle on 34th Street)

"If there is no enemy within - the enemy outside can do us no harm"

"Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks up."

People will forget what you did and people will forget what you said, but they may never forget how you made them feel.

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a bad world. - William Shakespeare 1564-1616

It is not length of life, but depth of life. Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.

"Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees" J. Willard Marriot

2007-12-13 05:07:21 · 14 answers · asked by Flys with the Eagle 4 in Philosophy