Ur-Nanshe

King of Lagash
Ur-Nanshe
๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€
King of Lagash
Ur-Nanshe, seated, wearing flounced skirt. The text to the right of his head reads "Ur-Nanshe" (๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€, UR-NAN). The text in front of him reads "Boats from the land of Dilmun carried the wood" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2).[1][2][3] Limestone, Early Dynastic III (2550โ€“2500 BC). Found in Telloh (ancient city of Girsu). Louvre Museum.
Reignc. 2550  BC โ€“ 2500  BC
PredecessorLugal-sha-engur
SuccessorAkurgal
SpouseAbda?[4] Menbara-abzu[5]
IssueAkurgal, Lugal-ezem, Anekura, Mukur...ta, Anunpa, Menusu, Adatur[6]
Dynasty1st Dynasty of Lagash
FatherGunidu

Ur-Nanshe (Sumerian: ๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€, UR-NANล E) also Ur-Nina, was the first king of the First Dynasty of Lagash (approx. 2500 BCE) in the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period III. He is known through inscriptions to have commissioned many buildings projects, including canals and temples, in the state of Lagash,[7] and defending Lagash from its rival state Umma.[8] He was probably not from royal lineage, being the son of Gunidu (๐’„–๐’‰Œ๐’บ) who was recorded without an accompanying royal title.[8][9] He was the father of Akurgal, who succeeded him, and grandfather of Eanatum.[9] Eanatum expanded the kingdom of Lagash by defeating Umma as illustrated in the Stele of the Vultures and continue building and renovation of Ur-Nanshe's original buildings.[10]

He ascended after Lugalshaengur (lugal-ลกa-engur), who was the ensi, or high priest of Lagash, and is only known from the macehead inscription of Mesilim.[11]

Temples

According to the Perforated Relief of King Ur-Nanshe, temples attributed to Ur-Nanshe include Ningirsu's temple in Girsu, Nanshe's temple in Nina, and Apsubanda.[7] He is known to have originally built the Ibgal of Inanna, because of Eanatum's honorary inscriptions left after temple renovation.[10] The Ibgal of Inanna is located in modern-day al-Hiba (ancient city of Lagash). An oval wall surrounds the main mud brick temple and it is located on the southwest edge of the city. This placement within the city is different because temples were usually centrally positioned in ancient Sumer.[10]

Inscriptions

Ur-Nanshe has left behind many inscriptions and plates that depict him, his family, and court.[8]

The Perforated Relief

Votive relief of Ur-Nanshe, king of Lagash, with his sons and dignitaries. Limestone, Early Dynastic III (2550โ€“2500 BC). Found in Telloh (ancient city of Girsu).[12][13][14] Louvre Museum
class=notpageimage|
Ur-Nanshe was king of Lagash, circa 2550 BC.

The Perforated Relief of King Ur-Nanshe is on display at the Louvre. The king is portrayed as a builder of temples and canals, thus a preserver of order perceived to be bestowed upon them by the gods.[7] It is a perforated limestone slab that was probably part of a wall as a votive decoration and is inscribed in Sumerian:

๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€ / ๐’ˆ— / ๐’‰ข๐’“๐’†ท / ๐’Œ‰๐’„–๐’‰Œ๐’บ / ๐’Œ‰๐’„ฅ๐’Šฌ / ๐’‚๐’€ญ๐’Šฉ๐’Œ†๐’„ˆ๐’‹ข ๐’ˆฌ๐’†• / ๐’ช๐’€Š๐’Œ‰๐’• ๐’ˆฌ๐’†• / ๐’‚๐’€ญ๐’€ ๐’ˆฌ๐’†•

Ur-Nanshe / lugal / Lagash / dumu Gunidu / dumu Gurmu/ e2 Ningirsu mu-du3 / abzu-banda3da mu-du3 / e2 Dnanshe mu-du3

โ€œUr-Nanshe, king of Lagash, son of Gunidu, son of Gurmu, built the temple of Ningirsu, built Apsubanda, built the temple of Nanshe.โ€

โ€” Dedication inscription of Ur-Nanshe (top left corner)[7][15]

The carved illustration is in two registers, top and bottom, both depicting Ur-Nanshe in different roles as king. In the top register he is dressed in a kaunakes (tufted wool skirt), carrying a basket of bricks on his head while surrounded by other Lagash elite, his wife, and seven of his sons[12] (though it is possible female figure is instead the king's daughter[16]). Inscriptions on their respective garments identify each person. On the bottom register, Ur-Nanshe is at a banquet, which is to celebrate the building of the temple. He is seated on a throne wearing the same outfit as the top register surrounded by other court members. In both registers Ur-Nanshe is shown using hierarchical proportion in which he is considerably larger than everyone surrounding him.[7]

A part of the inscriptions, in front of the seated king, reads: โ€œBoats from the (distant) land of Dilmun carried the wood (for him)โ€.[7] This is the oldest known written record of Dilmun and importation of goods into Mesopotamia.[8]

  • The relief at time of discovery
    The relief at time of discovery
  • Ur-Nanshe on the relief. He is also depicted wearing a basket for the construction of a temple.
    Ur-Nanshe on the relief. He is also depicted wearing a basket for the construction of a temple.
  • Inscription in front of Ur-Nanshe: "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him wood as a tribute" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2).[17][8][7]
    Inscription in front of Ur-Nanshe: "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him wood as a tribute" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2).[17][8][7]
  • Ur-Nanshe's son Akurgal (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ) on the relief.
    Ur-Nanshe's son Akurgal (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ) on the relief.
  • Perforated relief of Ur-Nanshe at the Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. Very similar to the Louvre's plaque. From Girsu, Iraq[18]
    Perforated relief of Ur-Nanshe at the Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. Very similar to the Louvre's plaque. From Girsu, Iraq[18]

Door socket

Ur-Nanshe door socket with inscription: "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, son of Gunidu, the son of Gurmu..." and a list of the temples he built.[19] Louvre Museum.

An inscribed door socket from Ur-Nanshe is also known, now in the Louvre Museum. The full inscription of the door socket has been translated as:

"Ur-Nanshe, the king of Lagash, the son of Gunidu, the son of Gurmu, built the house of Ningirsu; built the house of Nanshe; built the house of Gatumdug; built the harem; built the house of Ninmar. The ships of Dilmun brought him wood as a tribute from foreign lands. He built the Ibgal; built the Kinir; built the scepter (?)-house."

โ€” Inscription on the perforated relief of Ur-Nanshe.[20][21]
  • The door socket of Ur-Nanshe at time of discovery.
    The door socket of Ur-Nanshe at time of discovery.
  • "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him (Ur-Nanshe) wood as a tribute (?)" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2). Door socket of Ur-Nanshe.[22][23]
    "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him (Ur-Nanshe) wood as a tribute (?)" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2). Door socket of Ur-Nanshe.[22][23]

The Plaque of Ur Nanshe

Plaque of Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, with his sons and a cup bearer. Louvre Museum.[24][25]

The Plaque of Ur Nanshe is a limestone plaque currently located at the Louvre Museum that honors Ur Nanshe. The figures displayed are the king and his court standing rigid and wide eyed, paying homage to the god Nanshe. They are dressed in kaunakes with their hands clasped together over their chest. Hierarchical scale of the king and the use of cuneiform on the figures to identify them[26] are employed as in the Perforated Relief.

๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€ / ๐’ˆ— / ๐’‰ข๐’“๐’†ท / ๐’Œ‰๐’„–๐’‰Œ๐’บ / ๐’‚๐’€ญ๐’Šฉ๐’Œ†๐’„ˆ๐’‹ข / ๐’ˆฌ๐’†•

Ur-Nanshe / lugal / Lagash / dumu Gunidu / E-Ningirsu / mudu

"Ur-Nanshe, king of Lagash, son of Gunidu, built the temple of Ningirsu"

โ€” Inscription on the plaque of Ur-Nanshe. Louvre Museum.[27][28]
  • Plaque of Ur-Nanshe at time of discovery
    Plaque of Ur-Nanshe at time of discovery
  • Ur-Nanshe himself
    Ur-Nanshe himself
  • Akurgal (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ) as a child in the limestone votive relief of Ur-Nanshe
    Akurgal (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ) as a child in the limestone votive relief of Ur-Nanshe

Additional inscriptions

Ur-Nanshe inscription
"Ur-Nanshe"
๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€
King of
๐’ˆ—
"Lagash"
๐’‰ข๐’“๐’†ท
Fragmentary stele bearing from right to left the inscription "Ur-Nanshe/ King of/ Lagash/ son of Gunidu/ to Ningirsu..." (Louvre)

There are many other inscriptions found by or mentioning Ur-Nanshe. Some of them include a listing of rulers of Lagash and a Hymn to Nashe.[8]

Excerpt from Ruler of Lagash:

โ€œUr-Nanลกe, the son of ......, who built the E-Sirara, her temple of happiness and Niฤin, her beloved city, acted for 1080 years. Ane-tum, the son of Ur-Nanลกeโ€[29]

Excerpt from A Hymn to Nashe:

โ€œThere is perfection in the presence of the lady. Lagaลก thrives in abundance in the presence of Nanลกe. She chose the ลกennu in her holy heart and seated Ur-Nanลกe, the beloved lord of Lagaลก, on the throne. She gave the lofty scepter to the shepherd.โ€[30]

  • Tablet of Ur-Nanshe (Urn 24): "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, son of Gunidu, the son of Gurmu, built the house of Nanshe, fashioned (the statue of) Nanshe (...) Boats from the land of Dilmun carried the wood".[31][32][33]
    Tablet of Ur-Nanshe (Urn 24): "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, son of Gunidu, the son of Gurmu, built the house of Nanshe, fashioned (the statue of) Nanshe (...) Boats from the land of Dilmun carried the wood".[31][32][33]
  • "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him (Ur-Nanshe) wood as a tribute (?)" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2). Tablet of Ur-Nanshe (Urn 24).[34][35][36][37]
    "The ships of Dilmun, from the foreign lands, brought him (Ur-Nanshe) wood as a tribute (?)" (๐’ˆฃ๐’†ณ๐’‹ซ๐’„˜๐’„‘๐’ˆฌ-๐’……, ma2 dilmun kur-ta gu2 giลก mu-gal2). Tablet of Ur-Nanshe (Urn 24).[34][35][36][37]
  • Inscription in the name of Ur-Nanshe, an incantation to the reed and to Enki, before the foundation of the Girsu sanctuary for god Ningirsu.[38][39]
    Inscription in the name of Ur-Nanshe, an incantation to the reed and to Enki, before the foundation of the Girsu sanctuary for god Ningirsu.[38][39]
  • Goddess Shul-utul, foundation peg, with inscription "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, son of Gunidu, built the shrine Girsu", probably Girsu, Tell Telloh, Iraq, mid 3rd millennium BCE. Harvard Semitic Museum, Cambridge, MA
    Goddess Shul-utul, foundation peg, with inscription "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, son of Gunidu, built the shrine Girsu", probably Girsu, Tell Telloh, Iraq, mid 3rd millennium BCE. Harvard Semitic Museum, Cambridge, MA
  • "Akurgal king of Lagash, son of Ur-Nanshe" (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ ๐’ˆ— ๐’‰ข๐’“๐’†ท๐’†  ๐’Œ‰ ๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€) on the Stele of the Vultures.[40][41]
    "Akurgal king of Lagash, son of Ur-Nanshe" (๐’€€๐’†ณ๐’ƒฒ ๐’ˆ— ๐’‰ข๐’“๐’†ท๐’†  ๐’Œ‰ ๐’Œจ๐’€ญ๐’€) on the Stele of the Vultures.[40][41]
  • Votive relief of Ur-Nanshe, king of Lagash, representing the bird-god Anzรป (or Im-dugud) as a lion-headed eagle. Alabaster, Early Dynastic III (2550โ€“2500 BC). Found in Telloh, ancient city of Girsu.
    Votive relief of Ur-Nanshe, king of Lagash, representing the bird-god Anzรป (or Im-dugud) as a lion-headed eagle. Alabaster, Early Dynastic III (2550โ€“2500 BC). Found in Telloh, ancient city of Girsu.
  • Temple foundation figurine in the name of Ur-Nanshe. Inscription "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, has built the shrine of Girsu". British Museum, BM 96565.[42][43]
    Temple foundation figurine in the name of Ur-Nanshe. Inscription "Ur-Nanshe, King of Lagash, has built the shrine of Girsu". British Museum, BM 96565.[42][43]
  • Stele of Ur-Nanshe with goddess Nisaba, ruler of Lagash, from Lagash, Iraq, 26th century BCE. Iraq Museum
    Stele of Ur-Nanshe with goddess Nisaba, ruler of Lagash, from Lagash, Iraq, 26th century BCE. Iraq Museum

See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ur-Nanshe.

References

  1. ^ Louvre Pouyssรฉgur, Patrick , ed. "Perforated Relief of King Ur-Nanshe." Louvre Museum. Louvre Museum. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
  2. ^ Transliteration: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  3. ^ Similar text: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  4. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  5. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  6. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Louvre Pouyssรฉgur, Patrick , ed. "Perforated Relief of King Ur-Nanshe." Louvre Museum. Louvre Museum. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d e f CDLI Wiki University of Oxford, 14 Jan 2010. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
  9. ^ a b Van De Mieroop, Marc (2004). A History of the Ancient Near East: Ca. 3000-323 BC. Wiley. pp. 50โ€“51. ISBN 9780631225522.
  10. ^ a b c Hansen, Donald "Royal Building Activity at Sumerian Lagash in the Early Dynastic Period." Biblical Archaeologist. 55.4 (1992): 206-11. Print.
  11. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  12. ^ a b Finegan, Jack (2019). Archaeological History Of The Ancient Middle East. Routledge. p. 44. ISBN 978-0-429-72638-5.
  13. ^ Thomas, Ariane; Potts, Timothy (2020). Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins. Getty Publications. p. 164. ISBN 978-1-60606-649-2.
  14. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  15. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  16. ^ Podany, Amanda (2002). Weavers, Scribes, and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Middle East. Oxford University Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-0190059040.
  17. ^ "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  18. ^ "RIME 1.09.01.05, ex. 01". Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  19. ^ Kramer, Samuel Noah (2010). The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press. p. 308, Door socket. ISBN 978-0-226-45232-6.
  20. ^ Kramer, Samuel Noah (2010). The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press. p. 308 #6. ISBN 978-0-226-45232-6.
  21. ^ Full transcription: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  22. ^ Full transcription: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  23. ^ Kramer, Samuel Noah (2010). The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press. p. 308 #6. ISBN 978-0-226-45232-6.
  24. ^ Thomas, Ariane; Potts, Timothy (2020). Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins. Getty Publications. p. 164. ISBN 978-1-60606-649-2.
  25. ^ Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus. Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2003. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-58839-043-1.
  26. ^ Cole, Karl. "Plaque of Ur Nanshe." SchoolArts. 100.1 (2000): 33. Print.
  27. ^ Thomas, Ariane; Potts, Timothy (2020). Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins. Getty Publications. p. 164. ISBN 978-1-60606-649-2.
  28. ^ Art of the First Cities: The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus. Metropolitan Museum of Art. 2003. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-58839-043-1.
  29. ^ E, J. translation : t.2.1.2." rulers of Lagaลก (2003): n.pag. Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
  30. ^ C, G. Translation: t.4.14.1." hymn to Nanลกe (Nanลกe A) (2003): n.pag. Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature. Web. 13 Mar 2013.
  31. ^ Kramer, Samuel Noah (2010). The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press. p. 308. ISBN 978-0-226-45232-6.
  32. ^ de Sarzec, E. (1892). "Deux Tablettes Archaรฏques de Tello". Revue d'Assyriologie et d'archรฉologie orientale. 2 (4): 146โ€“149. ISSN 0373-6032. JSTOR 23284262.
  33. ^ Full transliteration: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  34. ^ Kramer, Noah (1964). "The Indus civilization and Dilmun" (PDF). Expeditions WWW.penn.museum: 49.
  35. ^ Kramer, Samuel Noah (2010). The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press. p. 308. ISBN 978-0-226-45232-6.
  36. ^ de Sarzec, E. (1892). "Deux Tablettes Archaรฏques de Tello". Revue d'Assyriologie et d'archรฉologie orientale. 2 (4): 146โ€“149. ISSN 0373-6032. JSTOR 23284262.
  37. ^ Full transliteration: "CDLI-Found Texts". cdli.ucla.edu.
  38. ^ "Louvre Museum Official Website". cartelen.louvre.fr.
  39. ^ Full transcription: "CDLI-Archival View". cdli.ucla.edu.
  40. ^ Sallaberger, Walther; Schrakamp, Ingo (2015). History & Philology (PDF). Walther Sallaberger & Ingo Schrakamp (eds), Brepols. pp. 74โ€“76. ISBN 978-2-503-53494-7.
  41. ^ Dรฉcouvertes en Chaldรฉe... / publiรฉes par L. Heuzey . 1รจre-4รจme livraisons / Ernest de Sarzec - Choquin de Sarzec, Ernest (1832-1901). pp. Plate XL.
  42. ^ "plaque / figurine". British Museum.
  43. ^ "CDLI-Archival View". cdli.ucla.edu.
Regnal titles
Preceded by King of Lagash
ca. 25th century BCE 		Succeeded by
  • v
  • t
  • e
Rulers of the Ancient Near East
Territories/
dates
[1][2][3][4][5]		 Egypt Canaan Ebla Mari Kish/
Assur		 Akshak/
Akkad		 Uruk Adab Umma
 Lagash Ur Elam
4000โ€“3200 BCE Naqada I
Naqada II
Gebel el-Arak Knife 		Egypt-Mesopotamia relations Pre-Dynastic period (4000โ€“2900 BCE) Susa I

Uruk period
(4000โ€“3100 BCE)


(Anu Ziggurat, 4000 BCE)

(Anonymous "King-priests") 		Susa II
Susa II Priest-King with bow and arrows
(Uruk influence or control)
3200โ€“3100 BCE Proto-Dynastic period
(Naqada III)
Early or legendary kings:
Upper Egypt
Finger Snail Fish Pen-Abu Animal Stork Canide Bull Scorpion I Shendjw Iry-Hor Ka Scorpion II Narmer / Menes 		Lower Egypt
Hedju Hor Ny-Hor Hsekiu Khayu Tiu Thesh Neheb Wazner Nat-Hor Mekh Double Falcon Wash
3100โ€“2900 BCE Early Dynastic Period
First Dynasty of Egypt
Narmer Palette
Narmer Palette

Narmer Menes Neithhotepโ™€ (regent) Hor-Aha Djer Djet Merneithโ™€ (regent) Den Anedjib Semerkhet Qa'a Sneferka Horus Bird 		Canaanites Jemdet Nasr period
(3100โ€“2900 BCE) 		Proto-Elamite
period
(Susa III)
(3100โ€“2700 BCE)
2900 BCE Second Dynasty of Egypt

Hotepsekhemwy Nebra/Raneb Nynetjer Ba Nubnefer Horus Sa Weneg-Nebty Wadjenes Senedj Seth-Peribsen Sekhemib-Perenmaat Neferkara I Neferkasokar Hudjefa I Khasekhemwy
Khasekhemwy 		Early Dynastic Period I (2900โ€“2700 BCE)
First Eblaite
Kingdom
 First kingdom of Mari
 Kish I dynasty
Jushur, Kullassina-bel
Nangishlishma,
En-tarah-ana
Babum, Puannum, Kalibum
2800 BCE


Kalumum Zuqaqip Atab
Mashda Arwium Etana
Balih En-me-nuna
Melem-Kish Barsal-nuna 		Uruk I dynasty
Mesh-ki-ang-gasher
Enmerkar ("conqueror of Aratta")
2700 BCE Early Dynastic Period II (2700โ€“2600 BCE)
Zamug, Tizqar, Ilku
Iltasadum 		Lugalbanda
Dumuzid, the Fisherman
Enmebaragesi ("made the land of Elam submit")[6]
Aga of Kish Aga of Kish Gilgamesh Old Elamite period
(2700โ€“1500 BCE)

Indus-Mesopotamia relations
2600 BCE Third Dynasty of Egypt

Djoser
Saqqarah Djeser pyramid
(First Egyptian pyramids)
Sekhemkhet Sanakht Nebka Khaba Qahedjet Huni 		Early Dynastic Period III (2600โ€“2340 BCE)
Sagisu
Abur-lim
Agur-lim
Ibbi-Damu
Baba-Damu 		Kish II dynasty
(5 kings)
Uhub
Mesilim 		Ur-Nungal
Udulkalama
Labashum 		Lagash
En-hegal
Lugal-
shaengur 		Ur
A-Imdugud
Ur-Pabilsag
Meskalamdug
(Queen Puabi)
Akalamdug
Enun-dara-anna
Mes-he
Melamanna
Lugal-kitun 		Adab
Nin-kisalsi
Me-durba
Lugal-dalu
2575 BCE Old Kingdom of Egypt
Fourth Dynasty of Egypt
Snefru Khufu

Djedefre Khafre Bikheris Menkaure Shepseskaf Thamphthis 		Ur I dynasty
Mesannepada
"King of Ur and Kish", victorious over Uruk
2500 BCE Phoenicia (2500-539 BCE) Second kingdom of Mari

Ikun-Shamash
Iku-Shamagan
Iku-Shamagan


Ansud
Sa'umu
Ishtup-Ishar
Ikun-Mari
Iblul-Il
Nizi 		Kish III dynasty
Ku-Babaโ™€ 		Akshak dynasty
Unzi
Undalulu 		Uruk II dynasty
Ensha-
kushanna 		Mug-si Umma I dynasty

Pabilgagaltuku 		Lagash I dynasty

Ur-Nanshe


Akurgal 		A'annepada
Meskiagnun
Elulu
Balulu 		Awan dynasty
Peli
Tata
Ukkutahesh
Hishur
2450 BCE Fifth Dynasty of Egypt

Userkaf Sahure Neferirkare Kakai Neferefre Shepseskare Nyuserre Ini Menkauhor Kaiu Djedkare Isesi Unas 		Enar-Damu
Ishar-Malik 		Ush
Enakalle
Elamite invasions
(3 kings)[6] 		Shushun-
tarana
Napilhush
2425 BCE Kun-Damu Eannatum
(King of Lagash, Sumer, Akkad, conqueror of Elam)
2400 BCE Adub-Damu
Igrish-Halam
Irkab-Damu 		Kish IV dynasty
Puzur-Suen
Ur-Zababa 		Urur Lugal-kinishe-dudu
Lugal-kisalsi 		E-iginimpa'e
Meskigal 		Ur-Lumma
Il
Gishakidu
(Queen Bara-irnun) 		Enannatum
Entemena
Enannatum II
Enentarzi 		Ur II dynasty
Nanni
Mesh-ki-ang-Nanna II 		Kiku-siwe-tempti
2380 BCE Sixth Dynasty of Egypt
Teti Userkare Pepi I Merenre Nemtyemsaf I Pepi II Merenre Nemtyemsaf II Netjerkare Siptah
Kneeling statuette of Pepy I 		Adab dynasty
Lugalannemundu
"King of the four quarters of the world"
2370 BCE Isar-Damu Enna-Dagan
Ikun-Ishar
Ishqi-Mari 		Invasion by Mari
Anbu, Anba, Bazi, Zizi of Mari, Limer, Sharrum-iter[6] 		Ukush Lugalanda
Urukagina 		Luh-ishan
2350 BCE Puzur-Nirah
Ishu-Il
Shu-Sin 		Uruk III dynasty
Lugalzagesi
(Governor of Umma, King of all Sumer)
2340 BCE Akkadian Period (2340โ€“2150 BCE)
Akkadian Empire

Sargon of Akkad Rimush Manishtushu 		Akkadian Governors:
Eshpum
Ilshu-rabi
Epirmupi
Ili-ishmani
2250 BCE Naram-Sin Lugal-ushumgal
(vassal of the Akkadians)
2200 BCE First Intermediate Period
Seventh Dynasty of Egypt
Eighth Dynasty of Egypt
Menkare Neferkare II Neferkare Neby Djedkare Shemai Neferkare Khendu Merenhor Neferkamin Nikare Neferkare Tereru Neferkahor Neferkare Pepiseneb Neferkamin Anu Qakare Ibi Neferkaure Neferkauhor Neferirkare 		Second Eblaite
Kingdom 		Third kingdom of Mari
(Shakkanakku
dynasty)

Ididish
Shu-Dagan
Ishma-Dagan
(Vassals of the Akkadians)
Shar-Kali-Sharri
Igigi, Imi, Nanum, Ilulu (3 years)
Dudu
Shu-turul 		Uruk IV dynasty
Ur-nigin
Ur-gigir 		Lagash II dynasty
Puzer-Mama
Ur-Ningirsu I
Pirig-me
Lu-Baba
Lu-gula
Ka-ku
 Hishep-Ratep
Helu
Khita
Puzur-Inshushinak
2150 BCE Ninth Dynasty of Egypt
Meryibre Khety Neferkare VII Nebkaure Khety Setut 		Ur III period (2150โ€“2000 BCE)
Nรปr-Mรชr
Ishtup-Ilum

Ishgum-Addu
Apil-kin 		Gutian dynasty
(21 kings)

La-erabum
Si'um 		Kuda (Uruk)
Puzur-ili
Ur-Utu 		Umma II dynasty
Lugalannatum
(vassal of the Gutians) 		Ur-Baba
Gudea

Ur-Ningirsu
Ur-gar
Nam-mahani

Tirigan
2125 BCE Tenth Dynasty of Egypt
Meryhathor Neferkare VIII Wahkare Khety Merykare


Uruk V dynasty
Utu-hengal
2100 BCE (Vassals of UR III) Iddi-ilum
Ili-Ishar
Tura-Dagan
Puzur-Ishtar
(Vassals of Ur III)[7] 		Ur III dynasty
"Kings of Ur, Sumer and Akkad"
Ur-Nammu Shulgi Amar-Sin Shu-Sin
2025-1763 BCE Amorite invasions Ibbi-Sin Elamite invasions
Kindattu (Shimashki Dynasty)
Middle Kingdom of Egypt
Eleventh Dynasty of Egypt
Mentuhotep I Intef I Intef II Intef III Mentuhotep II Mentuhotep III Mentuhotep IV
Third Eblaite
Kingdom
(Amorites)
Ibbit-Lim

Immeya Indilimma 		(Amorite Shakkanakkus)
Hitial-Erra
Hanun-Dagan
(...)


Lim Dynasty
of Mari
(Amorites)
Yaggid-Lim Yahdun-Lim Yasmah-Adad Zimri-Lim (Queen Shibtu) 		Old Assyria
Puzur-Ashur I
Shalim-ahum
Ilu-shuma
Erishum I
Ikunum
Sargon I
Puzur-Ashur II
Naram-Sin
Erishum II 		Isin-Larsa period
(Amorites)
Dynasty of Isin: Ishbi-Erra Shu-Ilishu Iddin-Dagan Ishme-Dagan Lipit-Eshtar Ur-Ninurta Bur-Suen Lipit-Enlil Erra-imitti Enlil-bani Zambiya Iter-pisha Ur-du-kuga Suen-magir Damiq-ilishu
Dynasty of Larsa: Naplanum Emisum Samium Zabaia Gungunum Abisare Sumuel Nur-Adad Sin-Iddinam Sin-Eribam Sin-Iqisham Silli-Adad Warad-Sin Rim-Sin I (...) Rim-Sin II
Uruk VI dynasty: Alila-hadum Sumu-binasa Naram-Sin of Uruk Sรฎn-kฤลกid Sรฎn-iribam Sรฎn-gฤmil Ilum-gamil Anam of Uruk Irdanene Rim-Anum Nabi-iliลกu 		Sukkalmah dynasty

Siwe-Palar-Khuppak
Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt
Amenemhat I Senusret I Amenemhat II Senusret II Senusret III Amenemhat III Amenemhat IV Sobekneferuโ™€
1800โ€“1595 BCE Thirteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Fourteenth Dynasty of Egypt 		Abraham
(Biblical)
Kings of Byblos
Kings of Tyre
Kings of Sidon 		Yamhad
(Yamhad dynasty)
(Amorites) 		Old Assyria

(Shamshi-Adad dynasty
1808โ€“1736 BCE)
(Amorites)
Shamshi-Adad I Ishme-Dagan I Mut-Ashkur Rimush Asinum Ashur-dugul Ashur-apla-idi Nasir-Sin Sin-namir Ipqi-Ishtar Adad-salulu Adasi

(Non-dynastic usurpers
1735โ€“1701 BCE)
Puzur-Sin Ashur-dugul Ashur-apla-idi Nasir-Sin Sin-namir Ipqi-Ishtar Adad-salulu Adasi

(Adaside dynasty
1700โ€“722 BCE)
Bel-bani Libaya Sharma-Adad I Iptar-Sin Bazaya Lullaya Shu-Ninua Sharma-Adad II Erishum III Shamshi-Adad II Ishme-Dagan II Shamshi-Adad III Ashur-nirari I Puzur-Ashur III Enlil-nasir I Nur-ili Ashur-shaduni Ashur-rabi I Ashur-nadin-ahhe I Enlil-Nasir II Ashur-nirari II Ashur-bel-nisheshu Ashur-rim-nisheshu Ashur-nadin-ahhe II

First Babylonian dynasty
("Old Babylonian Period")
(Amorites)
Sumu-abum Sumu-la-El Sin-muballitSabium Apil-Sin Sin-muballit Hammurabi Samsu-iluna Abi-eshuh Ammi-ditana Ammi-saduqa Samsu-Ditana

Early Kassite rulers

Second Babylonian dynasty
("Sealand Dynasty")
Ilum-ma-ili Itti-ili-nibi Damqi-ilishu
Ishkibal Shushushi Gulkishar
mDIล +U-EN Peshgaldaramesh Ayadaragalama
Akurduana Melamkurkurra Ea-gamil

Second Intermediate Period
Sixteenth
Dynasty
Abydos
Dynasty
Seventeenth
Dynasty

Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt
("Hyksos")
Pharaoh Ahmose I slaying a Hyksos
Pharaoh Ahmose I slaying a Hyksos

Semqen 'Aper-'Anati Sakir-Har Khyan Apepi Khamudi 		Mitanni
(1600โ€“1260 BCE)
Kirta Shuttarna I Parshatatar
1531โ€“1155 BCE
Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun
New Kingdom of Egypt
Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Ahmose I Amenhotep I
Third Babylonian dynasty (Kassites)
Agum-Kakrime Burnaburiash I Kashtiliash III Ulamburiash Agum III Karaindash Kadashman-harbe I Kurigalzu I Kadashman-Enlil I Burnaburiash II Kara-hardash Nazi-Bugash Kurigalzu II Nazi-Maruttash Kadashman-Turgu Kadashman-Enlil II Kudur-Enlil Shagarakti-Shuriash Kashtiliashu IV Enlil-nadin-shumi Kadashman-Harbe II Adad-shuma-iddina Adad-shuma-usur Meli-Shipak II Marduk-apla-iddina I Zababa-shuma-iddin Enlil-nadin-ahi 		Middle Elamite period

(1500โ€“1100 BCE)
Kidinuid dynasty
Igehalkid dynasty
Untash-Napirisha

Thutmose I Thutmose II Hatshepsutโ™€ Thutmose III
Amenhotep II Thutmose IV Amenhotep III Akhenaten Smenkhkare Neferneferuatenโ™€ Tutankhamun Ay Horemheb Hittite Empire

Ugarit
Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Ramesses I Seti I Ramesses II Merneptah Amenmesses Seti II Siptah Twosretโ™€ 		Elamite Empire
Shutrukid dynasty
Shutruk-Nakhunte
1155โ€“1025 BCE Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt

Setnakhte Ramesses III Ramesses IV Ramesses V Ramesses VI Ramesses VII Ramesses VIII Ramesses IX Ramesses X Ramesses XI

Third Intermediate Period

Twenty-first Dynasty of Egypt
Smendes Amenemnisu Psusennes I Amenemope Osorkon the Elder Siamun Psusennes II

Phoenicia
Kings of Byblos
Kings of Tyre
Kings of Sidon

Kingdom of Israel
Saul
Ish-bosheth
David
Solomon 		Syro-Hittite states Middle Assyria
Eriba-Adad I Ashur-uballit I Enlil-nirari Arik-den-ili Adad-nirari I Shalmaneser I Tukulti-Ninurta I Ashur-nadin-apli Ashur-nirari III Enlil-kudurri-usur Ninurta-apal-Ekur Ashur-dan I Ninurta-tukulti-Ashur Mutakkil-Nusku Ashur-resh-ishi I Tiglath-Pileser I Asharid-apal-Ekur Ashur-bel-kala Eriba-Adad II Shamshi-Adad IV Ashurnasirpal I Shalmaneser II Ashur-nirari IV Ashur-rabi II Ashur-resh-ishi II Tiglath-Pileser II Ashur-dan II 		Fourth Babylonian dynasty ("Second Dynasty of Isin")
Marduk-kabit-ahheshu Itti-Marduk-balatu Ninurta-nadin-shumi Nebuchadnezzar I Enlil-nadin-apli Marduk-nadin-ahhe Marduk-shapik-zeri Adad-apla-iddina Marduk-ahhe-eriba Marduk-zer-X Nabu-shum-libur 		Neo-Elamite period (1100โ€“540 BCE)
1025โ€“934 BCE Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Babylonian dynasties ("Period of Chaos")
Simbar-shipak Ea-mukin-zeri Kashshu-nadin-ahi Eulmash-shakin-shumi Ninurta-kudurri-usur I Shirikti-shuqamuna Mar-biti-apla-usur Nabรป-mukin-apli
911โ€“745 BCE Twenty-second Dynasty of Egypt
Shoshenq I Osorkon I Shoshenq II Takelot I Osorkon II Shoshenq III Shoshenq IV Pami Shoshenq V Pedubast II Osorkon IV

Twenty-third Dynasty of Egypt
Harsiese A Takelot II Pedubast I Shoshenq VI Osorkon III Takelot III Rudamun Menkheperre Ini

Twenty-fourth Dynasty of Egypt
Tefnakht Bakenranef

Kingdom of Samaria

Kingdom of Judah 		Neo-Assyrian Empire
Adad-nirari II Tukulti-Ninurta II Ashurnasirpal II Shalmaneser III Shamshi-Adad V Shammuramatโ™€ (regent) Adad-nirari III Shalmaneser IV Ashur-Dan III Ashur-nirari V
Ninth Babylonian Dynasty
Ninurta-kudurri-usur II Mar-biti-ahhe-iddina Shamash-mudammiq Nabu-shuma-ukin I Nabu-apla-iddina Marduk-zakir-shumi I Marduk-balassu-iqbi Baba-aha-iddina (five kings) Ninurta-apla-X Marduk-bel-zeri Marduk-apla-usur Eriba-Marduk Nabu-shuma-ishkun Nabonassar Nabu-nadin-zeri Nabu-shuma-ukin II Nabu-mukin-zeri
 Humban-Tahrid dynasty

Urtak
Teumman
Ummanigash
Tammaritu I
Indabibi
Humban-haltash III
745โ€“609 BCE Twenty-fifth Dynasty of Egypt
Taharqa
Taharqa
("Black Pharaohs")
Piye Shebitku Shabaka Taharqa Tanutamun 		Neo-Assyrian Empire

(Sargonid dynasty)
Tiglath-Pileserโ€  Shalmaneserโ€  Marduk-apla-iddina II Sargonโ€  Sennacheribโ€  Marduk-zakir-shumi II Marduk-apla-iddina II Bel-ibni Ashur-nadin-shumiโ€  Nergal-ushezib Mushezib-Marduk Esarhaddonโ€  Ashurbanipal Ashur-etil-ilani Sinsharishkun Sin-shumu-lishir Ashur-uballit II

Assyrian conquest of Egypt Assyrian conquest of Elam
626โ€“539 BCE Late Period
Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt
Necho I Psamtik I Necho II Psamtik II Wahibre Ahmose II Psamtik III 		Neo-Babylonian Empire
Nabopolassar Nebuchadnezzar II Amel-Marduk Neriglissar Labashi-Marduk Nabonidus 		Median Empire
Deioces Phraortes Madyes Cyaxares Astyages
539โ€“331 BCE Twenty-seventh Dynasty of Egypt
(First Achaemenid conquest of Egypt) 		Kings of Byblos
Kings of Tyre
Kings of Sidon
Achaemenid Empire
Cyrus Cambyses Darius I Xerxes Artaxerxes I Darius II Artaxerxes II Artaxerxes III Artaxerxes IV Darius III
Twenty-eighth Dynasty of Egypt
Twenty-ninth Dynasty of Egypt
Thirtieth Dynasty of Egypt
Thirty-first Dynasty of Egypt
331โ€“141 BCE Argead dynasty and Ptolemaic Egypt
Ptolemy I Soter Ptolemy Keraunos Ptolemy II Philadelphus Arsinoe IIโ™€ Ptolemy III Euergetes Berenice II Euergetisโ™€ Ptolemy IV Philopator Arsinoe III Philopatorโ™€ Ptolemy V Epiphanes Cleopatra I Syraโ™€ Ptolemy VI Philometor Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator Cleopatra II Philometor Soterโ™€ Ptolemy VIII Physcon Cleopatra IIIโ™€ Ptolemy IX Lathyros Cleopatra IVโ™€ Ptolemy X Alexander Berenice IIIโ™€ Ptolemy XI Alexander Ptolemy XII Auletes Cleopatra Vโ™€ Cleopatra VI Tryphaenaโ™€ Berenice IV Epiphaneaโ™€ Ptolemy XIII Ptolemy XIV Cleopatra VII Philopatorโ™€ Ptolemy XV Caesarion Arsinoe IVโ™€ 		Hellenistic Period
Seleukos I Nikator Tetradrachm from Babylon
Seleukos I Nikator Tetradrachm from Babylon
Argead dynasty: Alexander III Philip III Alexander IV
Antigonid dynasty: Antigonus I
Seleucid Empire: Seleucus I Antiochus I Antiochus II Seleucus II Seleucus III Antiochus III Seleucus IV Antiochus IV Antiochus V Demetrius I Alexander III Demetrius II Antiochus VI Dionysus Diodotus Tryphon Antiochus VII Sidetes
141โ€“30 BCE Kingdom of Judea
Simon Thassi John Hyrcanus Aristobulus I Alexander Jannaeus Salome Alexandraโ™€ Hyrcanus II Aristobulus II Antigonus II Mattathias 		Alexander II Zabinas Seleucus V Philometor Antiochus VIII Grypus Antiochus IX Cyzicenus Seleucus VI Epiphanes Antiochus X Eusebes Antiochus XI Epiphanes Demetrius III Eucaerus Philip I Philadelphus Antiochus XII Dionysus Antiochus XIII Asiaticus Philip II Philoromaeus Parthian Empire
Mithridates I Phraates Hyspaosines Artabanus Mithridates II Gotarzes Mithridates III Orodes I Sinatruces Phraates III Mithridates IV Orodes II Phraates IV Tiridates II Musa Phraates V Orodes III Vonones I Artabanus II Tiridates III Artabanus II Vardanes I Gotarzes II Meherdates Vonones II Vologases I Vardanes II Pacorus II Vologases II Artabanus III Osroes I
30 BCEโ€“116 CE Roman Empire
(Roman conquest of Egypt)
Province of Egypt 		Judea Syria
116โ€“117 CE Province of Mesopotamia under Trajan Parthamaspates of Parthia
117โ€“224 CE Syria Palaestina Province of Mesopotamia Sinatruces II Mithridates V Vologases IV Osroes II Vologases V Vologases VI Artabanus IV
224โ€“270 CE Sasanian Empire
Province of Asoristan
Coin of Ardashir I, Hamadan mint.
Coin of Ardashir I, Hamadan mint.
Ardashir I Shapur I Hormizd I Bahram I Bahram II Bahram III Narseh Hormizd II Adur Narseh Shapur II Ardashir II Shapur III Bahram IV Yazdegerd I Shapur IV Khosrow Bahram V Yazdegerd II Hormizd III Peroz I Balash Kavad I Jamasp Kavad I Khosrow I Hormizd IV Khosrow II Bahram VI Chobin Vistahm
270โ€“273 CE Palmyrene Empire
Vaballathus Zenobiaโ™€ Antiochus
273โ€“395 CE Roman Empire
Province of Egypt Syria Palaestina Syria Province of Mesopotamia
395โ€“618 CE Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Egypt Palaestina Prima, Palaestina Secunda Byzantine Syria Byzantine Mesopotamia
618โ€“628 CE (Sasanian conquest of Egypt)
Province of Egypt
Shahrbaraz Sahralanyozan Shahrbaraz 		Sasanian Empire
Province of Asoristan
Khosrow II Kavad II
628โ€“641 CE Byzantine Empire Ardashir III Shahrbaraz Khosrow III Boranโ™€ Shapur-i Shahrvaraz Azarmidokhtโ™€ Farrukh Hormizd Hormizd VI Khosrow IV Boran Yazdegerd III Peroz III Narsieh
Byzantine Egypt Palaestina Prima, Palaestina Secunda Byzantine Syria Byzantine Mesopotamia
639โ€“651 CE Muslim conquest of Egypt Muslim conquest of the Levant Muslim conquest of Mesopotamia and Persia
Chronology of the Neolithic period Rulers of Ancient Central Asia
  1. ^ Rulers with names in italics are considered fictional.
  2. ^ Hallo, W.; Simpson, W. (1971). The Ancient Near East. New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich. pp. 48โ€“49.
  3. ^ "Rulers of Mesopotamia". cdli.ox.ac.uk. University of Oxford, CNRS.
  4. ^ Thomas, Ariane; Potts, Timothy (2020). Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins. Getty Publications. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-60606-649-2.
  5. ^ Roux, Georges (1992). Ancient Iraq. Penguin Books Limited. pp. 532โ€“534 (Chronological Tables). ISBN 978-0-14-193825-7.
  6. ^ a b c Per Sumerian King List
  7. ^ Unger, Merrill F. (2014). Israel and the Aramaeans of Damascus: A Study in Archaeological Illumination of Bible History. Wipf and Stock Publishers. p. 5. ISBN 978-1-62564-606-4.