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Gilgamesh and the role of kingship in ancient Sumeria

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Citing specific evidence from Gilgamesh, explain the role of kingship in ancient Sumerian society.

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This solution explains the role and importance of kingship in ancient Sumeria by using the mythical tale of Gilgamesh as an example.

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In ancient Sumerian society, kings represented the will of the gods. In Uruk, a city set between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, Gilgamesh was the fifth king. The role of kingship set apart the king from his people. Gilgamesh illustrates the importance placed on kingship, religion and the gods in Sumerian society. Gilgamesh was entrusted to rule and care for his people, and through his exploits we are able to learn much about Sumerian society. From the Epic of Gilgamesh we learn kingship was a matter of divine privilege and human responsibility. Below are some examples:

1) As the king, Gilgamesh was revered and said to be "two-thirds god" and "a god and a man." Kings were divinely appointed and granted great authority with god-like status. However, god-like status did not make ...

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