Humanities CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Which of the following is praised as the first complete epic poem in recorded literature?

1. The Odyssey

2. The Aeneid

3. Virgil's Ecologues

4. Gilgamesh

The correct answer is: Gilgamesh

The epic poem Gilgamesh is praised as the first complete epic poem in recorded literature because it is the oldest surviving complete epic poem, dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilization. This poem tells the story of the demigod king Gilgamesh and his adventures and is considered a masterpiece of literature. The other options listed are also important works, but they were written after Gilgamesh and are not considered the first complete epic poem in recorded literature. The Odyssey, written by Homer, is often regarded as one of the greatest works of Western literature, but it came several centuries after Gilgamesh. The Aeneid by Virgil was heavily influenced by Homer's works and was written in the first century BC, also well after Gilgamesh. Virgil's Eclogues, a collection of poems, were written before The Aeneid and are significant works, but they