Cylinder Seal with Contest Scene
2350 BC - 2100 BC
Greenstone
Original Site Unknown
3.0 cm x 1.9 cm diam.
Greenstone
Original Site Unknown
3.0 cm x 1.9 cm diam.
Look Closely!
What do you see?
What makes you think that?
What else do you see?
Discussion Questions
Use the questions provided to guide your examination of the artifact.
Since most cylinder seals were not signed by their makers, why do you think this particular seal was inscribed with the name of the person who carved it?
Why do you think that contests (like the one described here) were such popular subjects of cylinder seals?
What can you tell about Gilgamesh and Eabani based on the evidence presented here?