Akkadian literature refers to the body of written works produced in the ancient Akkadian language, primarily during the Babylonian and Assyrian periods. This literature includes a variety of genres such as poetry, myths, epics, and legal texts. Notable works include the Epic of Gilgamesh, which explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the quest for wisdom. The literature was inscribed on clay tablets using cuneiform script, a writing system developed by the Sumerians. Akkadian literature reflects the culture, religion, and values of ancient Mesopotamia, providing insights into the lives and beliefs of its people.