1. The epic is set in ancient Mesopotamia, a region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now modern-day Iraq
2. Mesopotamia is often referred to as the "cradle of civilization" because it is one of the earliest known centers of human civilization
3. The story of Gilgamesh, the epic's protagonist, takes place in the city of Uruk, which was a prominent city-state in this region
4. Mesopotamia was characterized by a collection of city-states, each with its own ruler, culture, and belief system
5. The people of Mesopotamia had a polytheistic religion, which means they believed in multiple gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life, nature, and society
6. These gods played a significant role in the daily lives of the people, and their actions often influenced human affairs