one of the earliest known works of literature is the epic of gilgamesh ,engraved on stone by the sumeriens from southern iraq nearly 5000 years ago. the work is an epic poem ehich deals with the theme of heroism , friendship and the quest for eternal life. Public poetry recitals were popular event at the time and it's not surprisingthat the first written texts such as the epic of gilgamesh were version of the poems that could be heard in squares and theatres