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Gilgeam the Horse-Eater: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Ziggarat_of_Ur_001.jpg|thumb|The Bladed Altar in Radan governorate]] | [[File:Ziggarat_of_Ur_001.jpg|thumb|The Bladed Altar in Radan governorate]] | ||
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=== | |||
[[File:Cave entrance at Bell Caves.jpg|thumb|The cave reputed to be the one where Gilgeam took shelter is today a tourist attraction]] | |||
==Cultural Significance== | ==Cultural Significance== | ||
[[File: | [[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]] | ||
Despite the mythology describing him as a partially divine construct of the gods, Gilgeam was worshipped as the chief deity and protector of [[Nasrad]], the god of humanity, sacrifice and strength. The people of [[Nasrad]] and the surrounding regions would cling to the worship of Gilgeam so ferociously that the invading Muslims saw no choice but to surreptitiously integrate him into Islam. Gilgeam's mythos represents the indomitable will of man to persevere through adversity and ultimately thrive. The survival of the cult of Gilgeam and its adoption into local Islamic doctrine reflects a more pragmatic side of early [[Oduniyyad Caliphate|Oduniyyad]] commanders campaigning in the frontiers, being far from the imperial metropole, keeping the peace was more important than theological stricture. This equation allowed elements of [[Rusana]]'s pre-Islamic culture and religion to survive to the present day. | Despite the mythology describing him as a partially divine construct of the gods, Gilgeam was worshipped as the chief deity and protector of [[Nasrad]], the god of humanity, sacrifice and strength. The people of [[Nasrad]] and the surrounding regions would cling to the worship of Gilgeam so ferociously that the invading Muslims saw no choice but to surreptitiously integrate him into Islam. Gilgeam's mythos represents the indomitable will of man to persevere through adversity and ultimately thrive. The survival of the cult of Gilgeam and its adoption into local Islamic doctrine reflects a more pragmatic side of early [[Oduniyyad Caliphate|Oduniyyad]] commanders campaigning in the frontiers, being far from the imperial metropole, keeping the peace was more important than theological stricture. This equation allowed elements of [[Rusana]]'s pre-Islamic culture and religion to survive to the present day. | ||