Final answer:
The Epic of Gilgamesh is the first written epic, not the first system of writing. It was written around 2100 BCE and includes complex themes such as leadership, friendship, and mortality. (Option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The Epic of Gilgamesh is believed to be the first written epic, a monumental piece of ancient literature. Recorded around 2100 BCE, this Mesopotamian epic tells the story of the hero, Gilgamesh, a king who embarks on great adventures with his companion, Enkidu. The themes of the Epic of Gilgamesh are sophisticated, including the qualities that make a good leader, human frailty, the importance of friendship, and the inevitability of death. Moreover, it tackles philosophical concerns that show a highly advanced engagement with human nature and the human condition present in Mesopotamian society.
In contrast, the first system of writing was also developed by the Mesopotamians, notably in the form of cuneiform script around 3000 BCE, pre-dating the Epic of Gilgamesh. This system evolved from pictographs to cuneiform, primarily used to record the Sumerian and later Akkadian languages.
The Epic of Gilgamesh stands as a groundbreaking work, representing not only the first written epic but also a foundational piece of world literature that has influenced storytelling traditions for millennia. Its existence highlights the early human impulse to record and convey narratives through the written word.