Gilgeam the Horse-Eater: Difference between revisions
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The Bladed Altar is a Nasrid ziggurat in present-day Radan governorate. It was raised around the 20th century BC by King Enmeragabisi the Hierophant. It is believed the structure was used for the ritualistic sacrifice of animals to Gilgeam. The sacrifice of a precious animal was believed to be an emulation of Gilgeam's ultimate sacrifice, it was carried out as a homage to him. The small altar at the top is the color of dried blood despite the passage of time and the erosion of being exposed to the weather. Inside the structure a cuneiform cylinder with ten faces was found, inscribed upon it are tallies of the number and species of animals sacrificed over a span of fifty years. The cylinder is believed to have been only one of a number of records of such that the priesthood of Gilgeam kept, however only the one has been found. The altar measures 64 m (210 ft) in length, 45 m (148 ft) in width and over 30 m (98 ft) in height. The height is mere speculation, as only the foundations of the ziggurat have survived and it is entirely possible it was much higher when it was first constructed. The altar is located 5km north of [[Nasrad]], traces of an ancient road linking both sites have been uncovered, giving credence to the theory that the altar was used only on special occasions that necessitated preparation and significant travel time. | The Bladed Altar is a Nasrid ziggurat in present-day Radan governorate. It was raised around the 20th century BC by King Enmeragabisi the Hierophant. It is believed the structure was used for the ritualistic sacrifice of animals to Gilgeam. The sacrifice of a precious animal was believed to be an emulation of Gilgeam's ultimate sacrifice, it was carried out as a homage to him. The small altar at the top is the color of dried blood despite the passage of time and the erosion of being exposed to the weather. Inside the structure a cuneiform cylinder with ten faces was found, inscribed upon it are tallies of the number and species of animals sacrificed over a span of fifty years. The cylinder is believed to have been only one of a number of records of such that the priesthood of Gilgeam kept, however only the one has been found. The altar measures 64 m (210 ft) in length, 45 m (148 ft) in width and over 30 m (98 ft) in height. The height is mere speculation, as only the foundations of the ziggurat have survived and it is entirely possible it was much higher when it was first constructed. The altar is located 5km north of [[Nasrad]], traces of an ancient road linking both sites have been uncovered, giving credence to the theory that the altar was used only on special occasions that necessitated preparation and significant travel time. | ||
===Mouth of Creation=== | ===Mouth of Creation=== | ||
[[File:Cave entrance at Bell Caves.jpg|thumb|The cave reputed to be the one where Gilgeam took shelter is today a tourist attraction]] | [[File:Cave entrance at Bell Caves.jpg|thumb|The cave reputed to be the one where Gilgeam took shelter is today a tourist attraction known as the Mouth of Creation]] | ||
The mythical cave where Gilgeam is said to have hidden from the gods for ten thousand years is called the Mouth of Creation. Ancient sources placed it as a limestone cave near the city of [[Nasrad]]. The cave is a large circular chamber with a high ceiling, the chamber is exposed to the outside and as a result its walls have become smooth due to the flow of air. The cave is made mostly of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. If there ever existed the tunnel to the fabled Chamber of Creation where Gilgeam created his wife Ahunatum, it has been lost to time. | |||
==Cultural Significance== | ==Cultural Significance== | ||
[[File:Impression_of_an_Akkadian_cylinder_seal_with_inscription_The_Divine_Sharkalisharri_Prince_of_Akkad_Ibni-Sharrum_the_Scribe_his_servant.jpg|thumb|Relief of Gilgeam who has parted himself into two beings in order to tame the first bull and cow simultaneously, for humanity]] | [[File:Impression_of_an_Akkadian_cylinder_seal_with_inscription_The_Divine_Sharkalisharri_Prince_of_Akkad_Ibni-Sharrum_the_Scribe_his_servant.jpg|thumb|Relief of Gilgeam who has parted himself into two beings in order to tame the first bull and cow simultaneously, for humanity]] | ||