Yes, the Epic of Gilgamesh was written before the Bible. The Epic of Gilgamesh dates back to around 2100 BCE, originating from ancient Mesopotamia, making it one of the oldest known works of literature. In contrast, the texts that would eventually form the Bible were written over a much more extended period, with the earliest portions, like the Torah, being composed around the 10th century BCE or later.
The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of a Sumerian king who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and explores themes like friendship, mortality, and the search for eternal life. Elements from this epic have parallels in various biblical stories, including the great flood narrative found in both the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Book of Genesis.
In summary, the Epic of Gilgamesh predates the writing of the Bible by many centuries, providing a glimpse into ancient literature and cultural values that existed long before biblical texts were composed.