Statue of Gilgamesh

This statue from the Palace of Sargon II in Khorsabad depicts Gilgamesh taming a young lion. Gilgamesh, a Babylonian king, is the hero of an important Middle Eastern literary work. According to the myth, the gods sent a brutish man, Enkidu, to challenge Gilgamesh to a wrestling match. When there is no clear winner, the two become close friends and share many adventures. This statue is housed in the Louvre in Paris.

Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY

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Gilgamesh Epic

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