Yes, the Epic of Gilgamesh is indeed older than the Iliad. The Epic of Gilgamesh, which originates from ancient Mesopotamia, is believed to date back to around 2100 BC, making it one of the oldest known pieces of literature in human history. It was written on clay tablets in cuneiform script and tells the story of Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king, and his adventures.
On the other hand, the Iliad, attributed to the poet Homer, was composed in the 8th century BC, which places it several centuries after the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Iliad recounts events from the Trojan War and holds a significant place in ancient Greek literature.
This temporal difference highlights how the Epic of Gilgamesh predates the Iliad by many centuries, providing valuable insights into the cultures and storytelling traditions of the ancient world.