In ancient societies, literature often reflected the things that were most important to them. Somethings that no outside force can steal or take away. Ideas such as religion, history, and family. Literature also exhibited culture. What was written, such as trade, laws, and epics demonstrated order and harmony in ancient civilizations.
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, we see that afterlife and existence after death is very important to the people of ancient Sumeria. Gilgamesh, partially human and partially divine, travels far and near after his close acquaintance (Enkidu) dies. In his travels, Gilgamesh seeks for eternal life but later discovers that it is only available to the gods meaning that there is really no point in acting special to please the gods. This also shows that the Sumerians though the gods were selfish and greedy in regards to eternal life. This piece of literature portrays much about the Sumerians views on the gods, while also showing fierceness and lack of care towards them. Another piece of work in ancient Mesopotamia was the Code of Hammurabi. Babylonian ruler, Hammurabi, sought to bring peace and justice to the chaotic empire of Babylon; thus he created the Code of Hammurabi (Hammurabi's Code). Subjects such as relations, property tax, injury, and debt show
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The Lawbook outlines creation, responsibilities, and karma. Religion is a base supplement in this text and seeps throughout the document. At first (according to The Lawbook of Manu) the creator (Brahma) delicately constructs the Earth from trees to humans. After, the piece discusses duties of the upper castes, then goes into laws and duties of all people. The text is concluded with the summary of karma, or life after death. All things explained throughout this document confirm the faith of the Hindu's and what matters most to them: gentleness, order, veneration towards Brahma, and