The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, originating in ancient Mesopotamia.

Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, is two-thirds divine and one-third human. He is powerful but rules as a tyrant, causing the gods to create Enkidu, a wild man, to challenge him. After fighting, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become close friends.

Together, they go on heroic adventures, including defeating Humbaba, the guardian of the Cedar Forest, and killing the Bull of Heaven, sent by the goddess Ishtar. Because of these actions, the gods punish them by causing Enkidu to fall ill and die.

Enkidu’s death deeply affects Gilgamesh. Fearing his own mortality, he begins a long journey to find immortality. He seeks Utnapishtim, the only human granted eternal life, who tells him the story of a great flood (similar to the biblical Flood).

Gilgamesh ultimately fails to gain immortality and realizes that eternal life is reserved for the gods. He returns to Uruk understanding that human legacy lies not in living forever, but in achievements, wisdom, and the lasting impact one leaves behind.

It’s a striking question, especially considering that the Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest written epic in human history, older than Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and even predating many later religious texts.

The lack of films is not due to a shortage of powerful stories. Rather, it reflects how Western popular culture has long focused on Greek and Roman mythology, while the civilizations of Mesopotamia—Assyria, Babylon, and Sumer—were treated mainly as archaeological subjects instead of living sources of heroic and philosophical storytelling.

Another factor is geography and politics. These civilizations are closely tied to regions that have suffered from war and instability for decades, making large-scale film projects difficult. In addition, modern studios often fear cultural misrepresentation or political controversy, and instead of investing in careful, respectful storytelling, they choose to avoid these topics altogether.

The irony is that many of the world’s most famous myths—such as the Great Flood, the quest for immortality, and the tragic death of the hero’s closest companion—originate in Mesopotamian literature. Yet they are frequently retold under different names, without acknowledging their true origins.

Assyrian and Mesopotamian civilizations are not a footnote in history; they are foundations of human civilization. Their stories remain some of the most profound ever told—and they are still waiting to be brought to the screen as they deserve.