Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 83%

Which of the following best describes a major theme of the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Rationale

It was adopted by later Mesopotamian civilizations.

The Sumerian system of cuneiform writing served as a foundational writing system that influenced numerous subsequent civilizations in Mesopotamia, including the Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. This adoption illustrates the enduring legacy of cuneiform as a means of communication and record-keeping in the region.

A (The conflict between the will of the gods and the human search for immortality) CORRECT

While cuneiform was an important writing system, it did not lead to widespread literacy among the general population of Sumeria. Literacy was primarily confined to a small group of scribes and elites who were trained to read and write, rather than being accessible to the broader society.

B (The benevolence of the gods and their protection of all peoples) YOUR ANSWER

Cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphic script developed independently and coexisted for centuries. They were not replacements for one another; rather, both served different cultures and regions, and cuneiform continued to be used long after the establishment of hieroglyphics.

C (A renunciation of the gods and their erratic behavior) YOUR ANSWER

Cuneiform writing was primarily inscribed on clay tablets using a stylus, not recorded on papyrus sheets. Papyrus was more commonly associated with ancient Egyptian writing. The use of clay tablets was a defining characteristic of Sumerian cuneiform.

Conclusion

The Sumerian cuneiform writing system was pivotal not just for Sumer itself but also for the cultural and administrative practices of later Mesopotamian civilizations that adopted it. Although it did not facilitate widespread literacy among the general populace, its influence persisted through its integration into various cultures, maintaining its significance in the annals of human communication and historical documentation.

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