What aspects of civilization does the "Epic of Gilgamesh" help us to understand?

There is much to be learned from the "Epic of Gilgamesh"
both historically and from a socially scientific point of
view.

Because it is one of the earliest know works of its
kind, the epic gives us a general idea about when humans began to record stories rather
than lists and inventories. A much more complicated system of writing is required for
the epic.

Though the legend is based on a Sumerian king who
lived possibly in the 27th century B.C., the events were not recorded on clay tablets
for at least another 1000 years. This illustrates the human ability to preserve events
in the oral tradition for a very long period of time.

Also
helpful to the study of ancient civilization are the descriptions of the gods who were
recognized and worshipped by the Sumerians, as well as their role in relation to their
human subjects. There are also a number of human relationships illustrated in
"Gilgamesh."

The details found in the epic parallel
biblical events in Genesis, and some of Homer's works as well. It is also important to
note that many more recent epics have been influenced by "Gilgamesh," which demonstrates
the human acceptance of the general struggle between the hero and life's many
challenges.