Xisuthros

Xisuthros is a figure mentioned in the writings of Berossus, a Babylonian priest who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Berossus's work, "Babyloniaca," is a history of Babylonia that has largely survived through later citations and fragments, most notably by the ancient historian Josephus. Within Berossus's account of the Flood, Xisuthros is presented as the tenth and final antediluvian king of Babylonia.

According to the surviving fragments, Xisuthros was warned by the god Ea of an impending great flood. Ea instructed Xisuthros to build a large ark and to save his family, his possessions, and various animals. Following the god's command, Xisuthros built the vessel and, along with his companions, survived the deluge. After the waters receded, the ark came to rest on a mountain, and Xisuthros released birds to ascertain if the land was dry. Eventually, he emerged from the ark and offered sacrifices to the gods.

The name Xisuthros is a Greek transliteration. In the original Akkadian, the name is likely Ziusudra, which means "he has seen the days of life." This figure is widely considered to be the Babylonian counterpart to the biblical Noah, and the story of Xisuthros is one of the earliest known flood narratives in human history, predating the biblical account. The similarities between the two stories are striking and have been a subject of extensive scholarly discussion regarding potential cultural transmission or common mythological origins.