The Enuma Elish, also known as The Seven Tablets of Creation, is one of the oldest stories in the world.  Dated to between 1800 and 1600 B.C., this Babylonian creation myth gives an account of the creation of the world and the rise of the Babylonian gods.  The epic is included here for its rich symbolism, description of the pre-creative state of the universe,  its portrayal of the cosmic battle between order and disorder, and its emphasis on kingship. In this audio recording of the Enuma Elish, Tablets V-VII, Marduk creates the earth from the corpse of Tiamat.  The gods proclaim Marduk king and he is set upon a throne.  Marduk calls an assembly of the gods.  The gods petition Marduk to make shrines for themselves.  They build dwellings on high.  The gods swear an oath and confirm the sovereignty of Marduk over heaven and earth.  Marduk's royal titular of fifty names is recited.