In this 1951 National Geographic magazine illustration, a survivor tells Gilgamesh (right) about the trials of the flood. H.M. HERGET ... “I loaded into her [the boat] all that I had of gold ...

What it is: Also known as the 11th tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh, this fragment of a baked clay tablet contains cuneiform ...

After various travails, Gilgamesh finds Uta-napishtim, who recounts the story of the Flood. The questing hero, however, is denied his heart's desire: the gods will never again confer immortality ...

After Enkidu sickens and dies, Gilgamesh becomes anxious about his own impending death and goes on a quest to seek out Utnapishim, legendary survivor of the great flood and holder of the secret of ...