When George Smith, a self-taught Assyriologist at the British Museum, deciphered an ancient cuneiform tablet in 1872, he uncovered a Mesopotamian flood narrative that bore striking parallels to the biblical story of Noah-yet clearly predated it. Presented to the Society of Biblical Archaeology, his findings caused a sensation, offering the first tangible evidence of shared mythologies across ancient civilizations.
This groundbreaking work details Smith's discovery and interpretation of what is now known as the eleventh tablet of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Framing the flood myth within the broader context of Near Eastern literature and archaeology, the account explores the origins, transmission, and cultural resonance of this enduring story.
More than a scholarly triumph, Smith's revelation redefined the study of ancient texts and illuminated the deep historical roots of biblical narratives. The Chaldean Account of the Deluge remains a cornerstone in the history of archaeology and comparative mythology.