1) The Epic of Gilgamesh, originating from ancient Mesopotamia, is one of the oldest surviving works of literature and tells the story of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality. It explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the relationship between humans and the divine.

2) The role of lobbyists in politics involves representing the interests of specific groups or industries and advocating for favorable policies or influencing decision-making processes within government institutions.

3) The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 and has since grown into a global sport played at both amateur and professional levels.

4) Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it through elected representatives. It allows for political participation, freedom of speech, and protection of individual rights and liberties.