George Smith, an Assyrologist who taught himself the Babylonian cuneiform while working in the British Museum, presents his analysis of a series of Babylonian myths and legends.
Several high-profile archaeological discoveries of the 19th century prompted intense public interest in ancient civilizations. Babylonia was one such kingdom; among the first to develop a system of writing and a code of laws, ancient Babylon at its height was a land rich in intellectual ability and sophisticated culture.
A fine example of Babylon's capacity is found in their stories, which Smith organizes and presents according to their subject. Unfortunately most of the stories are at least partly lost to time; the stones upon which the cuneiform is carved being either broken or worn away over thousands of years. George Smith was undeterred by such decay; the valiance of his efforts, wherein he lists every intact line and its words, is an undoubted highlight of this book.
The heroic exploits of Ishtar, the famed mythological creation story, and the tale of the sinful God Zu are but a few examples of the stories in this collection. Smith's intrepid account also includes fragments gained from recent decades of excavation, with which the author draws comparison between the Biblical book of Genesis, with particular attention drawn to the Tower of Babel.
