Tuesday, August 11, 2026 · 天火 · tianmu.org

Gudea — Statues and Shorter Inscriptions

✦ ─── ⟐ ─── ✦

The Royal Inscriptions of Lagaš under Gudea

Gudea ruled the Sumerian city-state of Lagaš around 2100 BCE, in the interval between the fall of the Akkadian Empire and the rise of the Third Dynasty of Ur. His masterwork, the two great clay cylinders describing the building of the god Ninĝirsu's temple E-ninnu, is published separately in this library; this companion volume gathers everything else of his that survives with a published translation — the complete corpus of his other royal inscriptions in the ETCSRI scholarly edition.

First among them are the statues. Gudea filled the temples of his territory with images of himself — standing or seated, hands clasped, carved mostly in black diorite brought by sea from Magan — and had them inscribed, sometimes at length. The statues were not portraits for admiration: they were installed before the gods to pray perpetually on the ruler's behalf, given names, and fed offerings. Statue B, the longest, preserves a detailed account of the E-ninnu's construction, a list of the far countries that supplied its materials, and one of the most elaborate curse formulas to survive from Sumer, protecting the statue against any future ruler who would remove it, efface its name, or claim it as his own. The remainder of the corpus — fragments of further cylinders, and more than a hundred short dedications on bricks, foundation cones, door sockets, mace heads, stone vessels, and seals — shows the same building program in miniature, one sentence at a time: for this god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built this house.

This edition is drawn from the Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Royal Inscriptions (ETCSRI), a born-digital scholarly edition built by Gábor Zólyomi and collaborators at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, and released under an open license (see the Colophon below). ETCSRI's own English translation is reproduced verbatim as continuous reading prose. Where the clay is broken, the translation's ellipses and half-brackets are the source's own honest markers of damage; where a text has no published translation yet, that gap is noted in place rather than filled.

Contents

Part I. The Statues

Twenty-five statues of Gudea survive with legible inscriptions, lettered A through AA in the standard scholarly edition (the lettering, which follows the order of their discovery and publication, skips J and L). Most are diorite, quarried — as several of the inscriptions themselves say — in the mountains of Magan and brought to Lagaš by sea. Each paragraph below follows one column of the original inscription.

Statue A

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue A; ETCSRI Q001540.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built the E-ninnu of Ninĝirsu.

For Ninḫursaĝa, the lady who had become one with the city, the mother of all children, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in the city of Ĝirsu. He fashioned her holy chest, fashioned her lofty throne of ladyhood, and brought them before her into her lofty temple. He transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned his statue from it, named it for her sake "The lady, who decides the fates in heaven and earth, Nintur, the mother of the gods, has prolonged the life of Gudea, the temple-builder ", and brought it before her into the temple.

Statue B

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue B; ETCSRI Q001541.

From the temple of his master, 1 sila of beer, 1 sila of bread, half a sila of flour, and half a sila of husked emmer groats are the regular offerings placed before the statue of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, builder of the E-ninnu. If a ruler revokes this and (thereby) strips (the statue) of the divine powers of Ninĝirsu, then may his regular offerings from the temple of Ninĝirsu be revoked, and may his (statue's) mouth remain closed.

When Ninĝirsu had looked favourably upon his city, and chosen Gudea as the true shepherd of the Land, taking him by the hand from among the multitude of people, (then) for Ninĝirsu, Enlil's powerful warrior, Gudea, (whose) name is everlasting, ruler of Lagaš, the shepherd chosen by Ninĝirsu in the heart, the one looked upon favourably by Nanše, given strength by Nindara, who submits to the orders of Bau, the child born by Ĝatumdug, entrusted with authority and a lofty sceptre by Ig-alima, provided richly with vigour by Šul-šagana, and made to emerge as the true head of the assembly by his personal god, Ninĝišzida, purified the city by carrying around fire, set up the brick-mould and requested an omen by a kid about the (first) brick.

He expelled the ritually unclean, the abhorrent ones, the..., the impotent ones, and the confined women from the city. No earth-basket was carried by women, (only) (ritual) transvestites worked for him on the building. He built the temple of Ninĝirsu in a place as pure as Eridug. No one was whipped, no one was lashed. No mother hit her child. Indeed the general, the captain, and the foreman supervised the conscripted people assigned to the work with combed wool in their hands. In the city's cemetery no hoe was wielded, no corpse was buried. The lamentation singer did not set up his balaĝ drum and did not perform laments with it. The wailing woman did not utter laments. Within the borders of Lagaš, no one took a person involved in a lawsuit to the place of oath-taking. No one's house was entered by the debt collector. For Ninĝirsu, his master, he made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar, restored it, (and) built his beloved divine audience chamber from fragrant cedarwood inside it.

When he built Ninĝirsu's temple, Ninĝirsu, his beloved master, opened the roads for him from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea. From Amanum, the mountain range of cedars, he rafted down 60 kuš long cedar timbers, 50 kuš long cedar timbers, and 25 kuš long boxwod timbers. He set up his Šarur weapon, the flood storm of battles, set up his Šargaz weapon, the weapon with seven spikes for (Ninĝirsu). He set up his copper weapon, the devastating axe. He set up his copper weapon, the durallu axe. He fashioned big doors from the cedar timbers, decorated them with holy flowers and installed them in the E-ninnu for him. He installed (the cedar timbers) as roof-beams on his lofty temple, where cold water is poured. From the city Ursu in the mountain range of Ebla he rafted juniper, huge pine-tree, plane tree, and ĝiškur - tree timbers and installed them as roof-beams on the E-ninnu for him. He transported great stone slabs from Umanum in the mountain range of Menua, and from Pusala in the mountain range of the Amorites, fashioned stelae from them and erected them in the courtyard of the E-ninnu. He brought blocks of alabaster from Tidanum in the mountain range of the Amorites, he fashioned... from them and installed them as... in the temple. He mined copper in Abullāt in the mountain range of Kimaš and fashioned from it a mace for him that no region can withstand. He transported ebony from the mountains of Meluḫa and used it in the construction for him. He (also) transported blocks of nir - stone from there and fashioned from it a mace with three lion-heads. He transported gold ore from the mountain range of Ḫaḫum and plated the mace with three lion-heads with it. He transported gold ore from the mountains of Meluḫa and fashioned from it a quiver for him. He (also) transported... from there. He transported halub - wood from Gubin in the mountain of halub - trees and fashioned from it the Šarur-bird. He transported... gun of bitumen from Madga in the mountain range of the ordeal river, and built it into the substructure of the E-ninnu. He (also) transported ha ' um earth from there. He loaded huge ships with gravel from the mountain range of Barme and used it strengthen the base of of the E-ninnu for him. He conquered the city of Anšan in Elam and brought its booty into the E-ninnu for Ninĝirsu. After building the E-ninnu for Ninĝirsu, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, donated (the booty) to it for ever. No ruler but he has ever built a temple fashioned like this for him, so he made a name for himself. He made an eternal thing appear, faithfully carried out Ninĝirsu's command.

He imported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned from it his statue, named it for his sake "I have built his temple for my master, (thus) well-being is my reward ", and brought it before him into the E-ninnu. Gudea entrusted the statue with a message: "Statue, tell my lord: When I built the E-ninnu, his beloved temple for him, I remitted all debts, I pardoned everyone. For seven days, no grain was ground, the slave girl was equal with her mistress, and slave and his master were peers. The ritually unclean was allowed to sleep only outside my city. I banished (all) wickedness. I observed the laws of Nanše and Ninĝirsu. I provided protection for the orphan against the rich, and provided protection for the widow against the powerful. I had the daughter become the heir in the families without a son." He made the statue convey this as a message. As this statue is neither of silver nor lapis lazuli, and neither of copper, nor tin, nor bronze, no one may reuse it. It is of diorite. It is set up for the mortuary chapel. No one may destroy it by force. O, statue, you turn your face towards Ninĝirsu! The man, who removes the statue of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, from the E-ninnu, erases its inscription, or destroys it, who, after Ninĝirsu, my lord, has addressed his personal god in the crowd at the beginning of a propitious year, just like my personal god, overturns my judgements and revokes my gifts, who replaces my name with his name in the songs compiled by me, or prevents (the performance of these songs) at the regular festivals in the courtyard of Ninĝirsu, my lord, who ignores that since the dawn of time, since primeval days, no one may challenge the commands or overturn the judgements of a ruler of Lagaš who made an eternal thing appear by having built the E-ninnu for Ninĝirsu, my lord, and (consequently) challenges the commands or overturns the judgements of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, may An, Enlil, Ninḫursaĝa, Enki, he of just speech, Suen, (the oath by) whose name cannot be annulled, Ninĝirsu, the king of weapons, Nanše, the lady of boundaries, Nindara, the king and warrior, the mother of Lagaš, holy Ĝatumdug, Bau, first-born child of An, Inana, the lady of battle, Utu, the king of blue (sky), Ḫendursaĝa, the herald of the Land, Ig-alima, Šul-šagana, Ninmarki, the first-born child of Nanše, Dumuzid-abzu, lady of Kinunir, and my personal god, Ninĝišzida change the fate decided for him! May he be slain like an ox on the very same day! May he be seized by his terrible hands like a wild bull (by its terrible horns)! May he sit in the dust instead of the throne erected for him. If he only intends to erase this inscription, may his name be removed from the temple of his personal god and from the accounts! May his personal god ignore him at... among the people! Under him, may the rains remain in the sky, may the waters remain in the ground. May he face years of hardship! May there be famine during his reign! Like someone committing a crime against a righteous man, may he...! May he never be set free!

May the Land proclaim the exaltedness of the strongest one among the gods, lord Ninĝirsu!

Statue C

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue C; ETCSRI Q001542.

Ninĝišzida is the personal god of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built the E-ana.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, after she had looked at him with her life-giving look, Gudea, (whose) name is everlasting, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, being a ruler of Lagaš with broad wisdom and a slave who loves his lady, he made a magical drawing on the brick making shed, and made a standard shine at the clay pit. He mixed the clay in a pure place, and made the (first) brick in an undefiled place. He purified the foundation pit by carrying around fire, and anointed the foundation pegs with oil of princely fragrance. He built her beloved temple, the E-ana, within Girsu for her.

He transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned his statue from it, named it for her sake "May the life of Gudea, the temple-builder, be prolonged!"; and brought it before her in the E-ana.

Whoever removes it from the E-ana, destroys it, or erases its inscription, may Inana, the lady of all lands, curse his head in the (divine) assembly, may she not allow the foundation of the throne erected for him to become firm! May his lineage come to an end, and may his reign be cut short!

Statue D

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue D; ETCSRI Q001543.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, (whose) name is everlasting, the boat-tower of Enlil, the shepherd chosen by Ninĝirsu in the heart, the powerful steward of Nanše, who submits to the orders of Bau, the child born by Ĝatumdug, entrusted with authority and the lofty sceptre by Ig-alima, provided richly with vigour by Šul-šagana, the just person loved by his city, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar, (and) built his beloved divine audience chamber from fragrant cedarwood inside it. He built his E-ĝidru, the temple of seven niches, (and) prepared the wedding-gifts for Bau, his lady, inside it.

He fashioned his beloved boat, Karnunta-ea, moored it at the shining quay of Kasura, assigned boatmen and a captain to it for him, (and then) donated them to the temple of his master. For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, his lady, he built her temple in Iri-kug.

Since by the might of Nanše (and) by the might of Ninĝirsu, Magan, Meluḫa, Gubin, and the land of Dilmun bowed down before Gudea, the one entrusted with the sceptre by Ninĝirsu, they brought all their timber cargoes to Lagaš for him. He transported diorite from the mountain ranges of Magan, fashioned his own statue from it, named it for his sake "The king whose immense power no foreign country can withstand, Ninĝirsu, has decided a good fate for Gudea, the temple-builder ", and brought it before him into E-ninnu.

Statue E

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue E; ETCSRI Q001544.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

Since Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, the lady of abundance, the lady who decides Ĝirsu's fate, the lady (who is) the judge of her city, the lady who likes the servants, the lady of lost things, his lady, chose Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu and the E-ĝidru, his temple of seven niches, in her holy heart, he, being a reverent slave of her lady, has proclaimed his lady's exaltedness unceasingly and observed the rituals of Bau, his lady.

When for Bau, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, he built the E-tarsirsir, her beloved temple, he built it in the same way as he did the E-ninnu, (Ninĝ̃irsu's) beloved temple for Ninĝirsu, his master. He purified the city by carrying around fire. He made a magical drawing on the brick making shed, (and) made a standard shine at the clay pit. He mixed the clay in a pure place, made the (first) brick in an undefiled place, and put the (first) brick into the brick-mould. He made an eternal thing appear. He purified the foundation by carrying around fire, (and) anointed the foundation pegs with oil of princely fragrance. He built the temple in a pure place for Bau, his lady, the lady who fills Iri-kug with awesomeness.

He fashioned her lofty throne of ladyhood, (and) set it up at her place of rendering judgments. He fashioned her holy chest, (and) brought it into her lofty temple for her. He fashioned the balaj - drum (named) "The lady, as prominent as An ", (and) set it up it in her main courtyard for her.

At the turn of the year, at the festival of Bau, when the bridewealth is to be presented, the bridewealth for Bau consisted of these in the former, old temple: 1 grain-fed oxen, 1 fattened sheep, 3 grain-fed sheep, 6 rams, 2 lambs, 7 portions of date, 7 jars of ghee, 7 palm hearts, 7 strings of figs, 7 baskets, 1 ti ' uz-bird, 7 cranes, 15 geese, 60 small birds in strings of 15, 60 suḫurtun - carps in strings of 30, 40 gun turnip, 7 gun marsh reed, 60 gun manu wood.

After Gudea, ruler of Lagaš built his beloved temple, the E-ninnu, for Ninĝirsu, his master, and built her beloved temple, the E-tarsirsir, for Bau, his lady, the bridewealth for Bau consists of these in the new temple, increased by Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the temple-builder: 2 grain-fed oxen, 2 fattened sheep, 10 grain-fed sheep, 2 lambs, 7 portions of date, 7 jars of ghee, 7 palm hearts, 7 strings of figs, 7 baskets, 14 date spadices, 14 cucumbers in basket, 1 ti ' uz bird, 7 cranes, 15 geese, 7 izi - birds, 60 small birds in strings of 15, 60 suḫurtun - carps in strings of 30, 40 gun turnip, 7 gun marsh reed, 60 gun manu wood.

To see that the temple of Bau is maintained, that its abundance is made visible, that the throne of Lagaš is firm, that the sceptre of just words is in the hand of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, that the days of his life are lengthened, his personal god, Ninĝišzida, brings these (gifts) to Bau in her temple in Iri-kug.

In this very year he transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned his statue from it, named it for her sake "My lady will rise! Grant (me) well-being, (as) I built it on the appointed day!", and brought it before her into the temple. Being the statue of the man who built the temple of Bau, no one may remove it from the place it was set up, (and) no one may strip it of its regular offerings!

Statue F

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue F; ETCSRI Q001545.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝ̃atumdug, your beloved slave, who made an eternal thing appear and built Ninĝirsu's E-ninnnu-anzud-babbar, to whom Ĝ̃atumdug, his lady, gave birth in the shining sanctuary of Lagaš, her beloved city, was eager to build the temple of Ĝ̃atumdug, the mother of Lagaš, his lady.

Being a ruler of Lagaš with broad wisdom, and a slave reverent of his lady, Gudea made a magical drawing on the brick making shed, and made a standard shine at the clay pit. He mixed the clay in a holy place, and made the (first) brick in an undefiled place. He purified the foundation pit by carrying around fire, and anointed the foundation pegs with oil of princely fragrance. He built the temple in Iri-kug on pure ground. He fashioned her lofty throne of ladyhood, (and) fashioned her holy treasure chest for her.

He organized yokes of oxen, and assigned farmers and ox drivers to them. He ensured that fecund cows gave birth to numerous healthy calves, and assigned cowherds to them. He ensured that fecund ewes gave birth to numerous healthy lambs, and assigned shepherds to them. He ensured that fecund goats gave birth to numerous healthy kids, and assigned shepherds to them. He let swift donkey stallions mate with breeding she-asses, and assigned herdsmen to them.

Statue G

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue G; ETCSRI Q001546.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built Ninĝirsu, his master's E-ĝidru, the temple of seven niches, the temple whose scepter takes precedence, (and) for which Ninĝirsu decided a good fate. Ninĝirsu dispatches the joyful bridewealth of Bau, the child of An, his beloved spouse, from this (temple). (Gudea's) personal god, Ninĝišzida follows them, (and) Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, escorts them from Ĝirsu to Iri-kug to congratulate (on the occasion).

In this very year he transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, (and) fashioned his statue from it.

At the turn of the year, at the festival of Bau, when the bridewealth is to be presented, the bridewealth for Bau consisted of these in the former, old temple: 1 grain-fed ox, 1 fattened sheep, 3 grain-fed sheep, 6 rams, 2 lambs, 7 portions of date, 7 jars of ghee, 7 palm hearts, 7 strings of figs, 7 baskets, 1 ti ' uz-bird, 7 cranes, 15 geese, 60 small birds in strings of 15, 60 suḫurtun - carps in strings of 30, 30 gun turnip, 7 gun marsh reed, 60 gun manu wood.

After Gudea, ruler of Lagaš built his beloved temple, the E-ninnu, for Ninĝirsu, his master, (and) built her beloved temple, the E-tarsirsir, for Bau, his lady, the bridewealth for Bau consists of these in the new temple, increased by Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the temple-builder: 2 grain-fed oxen, 2 fattened sheep, 10 grain-fed sheep, 2 lambs, 7 portions of date, 7 jars of ghee, 7 palm hearts, 7 strings of figs, 7 baskets, 14 date spadices, 14 cucumbers in basket, 1 ti ' uz bird, 7 cranes, 10 geese, 7 izi - birds, 60 small birds in strings of 15, 60 suḫurtun - carps in strings of 30, 40 gun turnip, 7 gun marsh reed, 60 gun manu wood.

Statue H

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue H; ETCSRI Q001547.

For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, the lady of abundance, the child of holy An, his lady, after building her beloved temple, the E-tarsirsir, the temple which is the ornament of Iri-kug, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned his statue from it, named it for her sake "The lady, the beloved child of holy An, mother Bau from E-tarsirsir, granted well-being to Gudea "; and brought it before her in the temple in Iri-kug.

Statue I

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue I; ETCSRI Q001548.

When Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, had established a dwelling in the city and established fields and canals on the agricultural land for Ninĝišzida, child of Ninazu, the beloved of the gods, (and when) for Ninĝirsu, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the just person who is loved by his personal god, had built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar and the E-ĝidru, his temple of seven niches, then for Nanše, the mighty lady, his lady, he built her E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, for the great gods of Lagaš, he built their temples, (and) for Ninĝišzida, his personal god, he built his temple in Ĝirsu.

The person whose personal god, just like my personal god, will have been addressed by Ninĝirsu in the crowd should not take exception to the temple of my personal god, may he rather regard it with respect! May this person be my friend, (and) preserve my memory!

(Gudea) fashioned his own statue, named it for his sake "(Ninĝišzida) granted well-being to Gudea, the temple-builder”, and brought it before him into the temple.

Statue K

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue K; ETCSRI Q001549.

....

He transported diorite from the mountains of Magan, fashioned his statue from it, named it for her his sake “As I am... loved by his master, may my life be prolonged!”, and brought it before him into the E-ninnu.

Whoever erases its inscription, removes..., or strips it from its regular offering, (which is) 1 sila of flour (and) 1 sila of husked emmer groats, may Ninĝirsu, the king of weapons, Bau, the child of An, and Ig-alima and Šul-šagana, the beloved children of Ninĝirsu, uproot him, (and) put an end to his lineage!

Statue M

Anthropomorphic statue; alabaster or paragonite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue M; ETCSRI Q001551.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built the temple of Ninĝišzida and the temple of Ĝeštin-ana.

For Ĝeštin-ana, the lady who grew with him, the beloved spouse of Ninĝišzida, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu. He fashioned his statue, named it for her sake "She stood by the entreaties ", and brought it before her into the temple.

Statue N

Anthropomorphic statue; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue N; ETCSRI Q001552.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built the temple of Ninĝišzida and the temple of Ĝeštin-ana.

For Ĝeštin-ana, the lady who grew with him, the beloved spouse of Ninĝišzida, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu. He fashioned his statue, named it for her sake "Ĝeštin-ana granted well-being to him ", and brought it before her into the temple.

Statue O

Anthropomorphic statue; steatite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue O; ETCSRI Q001553.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built the temple of Ninĝišzida and the temple of Ĝeštin-ana.

For Ĝeštin-ana, the lady who grew with him, the beloved spouse of Ninĝišzida, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu. He fashioned his statue, named it for her sake "Ĝeštin-ana looked at him with favour ", and brought it before her into the temple.

Statue P

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite or gabbro; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue P; ETCSRI Q001554.

When Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, had established a dwelling in the city and established fields and canals on the agricultural land for Ninĝišzida, child of Ninazu, the beloved of the gods, (and when) for Ninĝirsu, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the just person who is loved by his personal god, had built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar and the E-ĝidru, his temple of seven niches, then for Nanše, the mighty lady, his lady, he built her E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, for the great gods of Lagaš he built their temples, (and) for Ninĝišzida, his personal god, he built his temple in Ĝirsu.

The person whose personal god, just like my personal god, will have been addressed by Ninĝirsu in the crowd should not take exception to the temple of my personal god, may he rather preserve its fame! May this person be my friend, (and) preserve my memory!

(Gudea) fashioned his own statue, named it for his sake "May the life of Gudea, the temple-builder, be prolonged!”, and brought it before him into the temple.

Statue Q

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue Q; ETCSRI Q001555.

For Ninĝišzida, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, fashioned his own statue, named it for his sake "(Gudea) made the temple worthy of (Ninĝišzida) ", and brought it before him into the temple.

Statue R

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue R; ETCSRI Q001556.

After having built Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, Ninĝirsu's true shepherd of reliable words, who (always) perfoms the rituals of the gods correctly, exempted Namḫani, the chief lamentation singer of the E-munus-gisa. from anyone entering his house (with claims for) for silver, bronze, corvée labour, (or) whatever property he has. In that year (Gudea) assigned an area of 6 bur... field to him.

.... He set it up for her in the E-munus-gisa on the appointed day. The name of this statue is "Gudea gave it to me."

Statue S

Anthropomorphic statue; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07."Statue S"; ETCSRI Q001557.

... from the temple of the personal god.... May..., Nanše, the lady of boundarieṣ Ninĝirsu, the king of weaponṣ Ĝatumdug, the mother of Lagaš, Ig-alima, the beloved šhild of Ninĝirsu,..., and seat another man on his throne! May they put an end to his lineage! May they make his name disappear!

Statue T

Anthropomorphic statue; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/1.01.07."Statue T"; ETCSRI Q001558.

For Nisaba, lady of wisdom,... lady....

..., the boat-tower of Enlil, fashioned his own statue, (and) set it up in the temple before her for his well-being.

Statue U

Anthropomorphic statue; uralite-quartz-dolerite; Tell Hammam. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue U; ETCSRI Q001559.

... of Lagaš, who built the E-sirara, the temple of Nanše.

For..., his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,....... built his beloved divine audience chamber from fragrant cedarwood....

...

Statue V

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue V; ETCSRI Q001560.

[This statue's surviving inscription — 2 transliterated lines — has no published English translation in ETCSRI yet; the project is an ongoing scholarly corpus, and no translation is invented here to fill the gap.]

Statue W

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue W; ETCSRI Q001561.

... Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar....

Statue X

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue X; ETCSRI Q001562.

For Mešlamta-ea, his master, Gudea, ruler....

Statue Y

Anthropomorphic statue; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue Y; ETCSRI Q001563.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler....

Statue Z

Anthropomorphic statue; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue Z; ETCSRI Q001564.

... transported diorite from..., fashioned his own statue from iṭ....

Statue AA

Anthropomorphic statue; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Statue AA; ETCSRI Q001565.

... restoring his beloved temple....... for Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,....

Part II. Cylinder Fragments

Besides the two great cylinders published separately in this library, fragments of further clay cylinders of Gudea survive. The three fragments with a published ETCSRI translation are given here, numbered as in the standard edition.

Fragment 6

Cylinder; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Fragment 6; ETCSRI Q001534.

.......

........ He made the dragon raise its neck high.... manu - wood.... Its... did sit in the... for him. You did capture the dragon and kill it; you indeed made it lie at your feet.

My father, although it was a warrior, I did kill the Six-headed wild ram in its mountain. The Date palm grew very tall over the mountain, the pure place.

Because.....,... do not eat good food; do not drink fresh water in Ŋirsu.

Fragment 7

Cylinder; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Fragment 7; ETCSRI Q001535.

... lapis lazuli....

... of the Land, its mooring stake....

... temple... Land....

Fragment 10

Cylinder; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.Fragment 10; ETCSRI Q001538.

Enlil said to lord Ninĝirsu:....

....

Part III. The Shorter Inscriptions

The building and dedication inscriptions that Gudea's workshops placed on bricks, foundation cones and pegs, door sockets, mace heads, vessels, and seals — over a hundred distinct compositions, many of them stamped or carved onto dozens of surviving objects. They are numbered as in the standard edition. Most are a single sentence: the god's name and titles, Gudea's name and titles, and the thing built or dedicated.

1. Brick

Brick; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0001; ETCSRI Q000887.

For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Iri-kug.

2. Tablet, stele or slab

Tablet, stele or slab; limestone, obsisian; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0002; ETCSRI Q000888.

For Bau, the child of An, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Iri-kug.

3. Cone, brick

Cone, brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0003; ETCSRI Q000889.

For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Iri-kug.

4. Tablet

Tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0004; ETCSRI Q000890.

For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu and the E-ĝidru, his temple of seven niches, built her temple in Iri-kug.

5. Tablet

Tablet; grey talc rock; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0005; ETCSRI Q001473.

For Bau, the kind woman, the daughter of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built her city wall of Iri-kug.

6. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0006; ETCSRI Q000891.

For Bau, the kind woman, the child of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her city wall of Iri-kug.

7. Stele

Stele; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0007; ETCSRI Q001474.

For Bau, the kind woman, the daughter of An, the lady of Iri-kug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,... builder Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu-anzud-babbar,... Bau....

8. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0008; ETCSRI Q000892.

For Dumuzid-abzu, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu.

9. Cone

Cone; clay; Ur. RIME 3/1.01.07.0009; ETCSRI Q001475.

For Enki, king of the Abzu, the eternal and immutable king, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple on the bank of the Tigris.

10. Statue base / vase

Statue base / vase; dolerite; Nippur. RIME 3/1.01.07.0010; ETCSRI Q001476.

To Enlil, the king of the gods, for the sanctuary in Nibru, the Dur-an-ki, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the boat-tower of the E-kur, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being.

11. Cone, brick

Cone, brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0011; ETCSRI Q000893.

For Ĝatumdug, the mother of Lagaš, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug, built her temple in Iri-kug.

11a. Lion

Lion; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0011a; ETCSRI Q001477.

For Ĝatumdug, the mother of Lagaš, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Iri-kug. This is (part) of the door.

12. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0012; ETCSRI Q001478.

For Ĝatumdug, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug, built her temple in Iri-kug.

13. Tablet

Tablet; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0013; ETCSRI Q001479.

For Ĝatumdug, the mother of Lagaš,..., his mother who bore him, built her temple in Ĝirsu.

14. Tablet

Tablet; alabaster; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0014; ETCSRI Q001480.

For Ḫendursaĝ, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple.

15. Human-headed bull figurine

Human-headed bull figurine; steatite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0015; ETCSRI Q001481.

For Ḫendursaĝ, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,....

16. Cone, peg with kneeling god, tablet

Cone, peg with kneeling god, tablet; clay, metal: bronze, stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0016; ETCSRI Q000894.

For Igalim, the beloved child of Ninĝirsu, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-mehušgal-anki.

17. Mace head

Mace head; granite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0017; ETCSRI Q000895.

To Igalim, the beloved child of Ninĝirsu, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (mace) for his well-being.

18. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0018; ETCSRI Q000896.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug, built her temple in Ĝirsu.

19. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0019; ETCSRI Q000897.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu.

20. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0020; ETCSRI Q000898.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug, built her E-ana in Ĝirsu.

21. Cone, peg with kneeling god, brick

Cone, peg with kneeling god, brick; clay, metal: bronze; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0021; ETCSRI Q000899.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her E-ana in Ĝirsu.

22. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0022; ETCSRI Q001482.

For Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple.

23. Vessel

Vessel; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0023; ETCSRI Q001483.

To Inana, the lady of all lands, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being.

24. Cone, brick

Cone, brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0024; ETCSRI Q000900.

For Mešlamta-ea, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

25. Brick, tablet, peg with calf standing among reeds

Brick, tablet, peg with calf standing among reeds; clay, metal: bronze, stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0025; ETCSRI Q000901.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, the lady of boundaries, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built and restored her E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, in her beloved city, Niĝin.

26. Cone, brick

Cone, brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0026; ETCSRI Q000902.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, the lady of the boundaries, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built and restored her E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, for her in her beloved city, Niĝin.

27. Door socket

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0027; ETCSRI Q001484.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, the lady of the boundaries, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built and restored her E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, in her beloved city, Niĝin, (and) restored her lofty city wall.

28. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0028; ETCSRI Q001485.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple.

29. Cone

Cone; clay; Ur. RIME 3/1.01.07.0029; ETCSRI Q000903.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, the lady of the boundaries, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her E-engur in Zulum.

30. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0030; ETCSRI Q001486.

For Ninazu, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš built his temple in Ĝirsu.

31. Cone, brick

Cone, brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0031; ETCSRI Q000904.

For Nindara, the mighty master, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

32. Tablet

Tablet; steatite; Ur. RIME 3/1.01.07.0032; ETCSRI Q001487.

For Nindara, the mighty master, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his beloved temple, the E-lalde in Kieša.

33. Mace head

Mace head; dark marble; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0033; ETCSRI Q000905.

To Nindara, the mighty master, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of the E-sirara, Nanše's temple, dedicated this (mace) for his well-being.

34. Mace head

Mace head; grey diorite, stone: limestone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0034; ETCSRI Q000906.

To Nindara, the mighty master, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (mace/bowl) for his well-being.

35. Cone

Cone; clay; Uruk. RIME 3/1.01.07.0035; ETCSRI Q000907.

For Nindub, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple.

36. Vase

Vase; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0036; ETCSRI Q001488.

To Ninegala, the lady of the scepter, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being.

37. Brick, block, tablet, door socket, cone

Brick, block, tablet, door socket, cone; clay, stone: limestone, stone: diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0037; ETCSRI Q000908.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, brought about perfection: he built and restored his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

38. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0038; ETCSRI Q001489.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built and restored his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

39. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0039; ETCSRI Q000909.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

40. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0040; ETCSRI Q000910.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

41. Door socket, tablet, peg with kneeling god, cone

Door socket, tablet, peg with kneeling god, cone; stone, stone: diorite, metal: bronze, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0041; ETCSRI Q000911.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built and restored his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

42. Brick, peg with kneeling god, cone

Brick, peg with kneeling god, cone; clay, metal: bronze; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0042; ETCSRI Q000912.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

43. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0043; ETCSRI Q000913.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

44. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0044; ETCSRI Q000914.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar, (and) built a cedar porch, his place of rendering judgement, inside it.

45. Threshold slab

Threshold slab; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0045; ETCSRI Q001490.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar, (and) built his beloved divine audience chamber from fragrant cedarwood inside it.

46. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0046; ETCSRI Q001491.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built his E-ĝidru, the temple of seven niches.

47. Tablet

Tablet; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0047; ETCSRI Q001492.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built his E-ĝidru, the temple of seven niches.

48. Door socket, brick, cone

Door socket, brick, cone; limestone, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0048; ETCSRI Q000915.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built his E-ĝidru, the temple of seven niches.

49. Brick

Brick; clay; Lagash. RIME 3/1.01.07.0049; ETCSRI Q000916.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, the master of Bagara, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple of Bagara.

50. Tablet

Tablet; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0050; ETCSRI Q001493.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple of Bagara.

51. Slab, cone

Slab, cone; stone, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0051; ETCSRI Q000917.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built and restored his spectacular Kasura gate, which brings abundance.

52. Lion

Lion; stone; Uruk. RIME 3/1.01.07.0052; ETCSRI Q001494.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built and restored his spectacular Kasura gate, which brings abundance. (This) is part of the door.

53. Cone

Cone; agate; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0053; ETCSRI Q001495.

To Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, said: „... the dais of Girnun... ”

54. Door socket

Door socket; stone; Lagash. RIME 3/1.01.07.0054; ETCSRI Q000918.

For Ninĝirsu, master of Bagara, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš installed this (door socket) in the temple of Bagara for his well-being.

55. Stand or footed bowl

Stand or footed bowl; stone; Lagash. RIME 3/1.01.07.0055; ETCSRI Q001496.

To Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil,..., the builder of..., dedicated this (stand) for his well-being.

55b. Stand or footed bowl

Stand or footed bowl; stone; Lagash. RIME 3/1.01.07.0055b; ETCSRI Q003220.

... of Lagaš, brought about perfeštion:... his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

56. Mace head

Mace head; marble; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0056; ETCSRI Q001497.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, mined this (piece of) alabaster in the mountain range of Uringiriaz at the Upper Sea, transported it from there, and fashioned a mace with three lion heads from it. He dedicated it for his well-being to (Ninĝirsu).

57. Uncertain

Uncertain; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0057; ETCSRI Q001498.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (bowl) for his well-being.

58. Basin

Basin; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0058; ETCSRI Q001499.

He transported... from... and fashioned a lofty basin from it for him.... For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (basin) for his well-being.

59. Basin

Basin; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0059; ETCSRI Q001500.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he... his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar.

60. Uncertain

Uncertain; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0060; ETCSRI Q001501.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,...

61. Mace head

Mace head; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0061; ETCSRI Q001502.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, Gudea,...

62. Brick, cone

Brick, cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0062; ETCSRI Q000919.

For Ninĝišzida, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the bulder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

63. Brick, cone

Brick, cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0063; ETCSRI Q000920.

For Ninĝišzida, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, devotee of Ĝatumdug, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

64. Brick, tablet

Brick, tablet; clay, stone: limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0064; ETCSRI Q000921.

For Ninĝišzida, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

65. Plaque (with relief)

Plaque (with relief); limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0065; ETCSRI Q001503.

Ninĝišzida, his personal god.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, who built....

66. Relief vase, bowl, circular socket with cylindrical base

Relief vase, bowl, circular socket with cylindrical base; steatite, stone: marble; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0066; ETCSRI Q000922.

To Ninĝišzida, his personal god, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (vessel/bowl/pedestal) for his well-being.

67. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0067; ETCSRI Q000923.

For Ninḫursaĝa, the beloved mother of Ninĝirsu, the lady who had become one with the city, the mother of all children, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple in Ĝirsu.

68. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0068; ETCSRI Q001504.

For Ninḫursaĝa, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple.

69. Libation cup

Libation cup; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0069; ETCSRI Q001505.

To Ninizimua,... dedicated this (cup).... The name of this libation vessel is "My compassionate personal god will rise on the horizon ".

70. Cone

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0070; ETCSRI Q001506.

For Ninmarki, the kind woman, the firstborn child of Nanše, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her wall of Guabbatur, and inside it he built her temple.

71. Tablet

Tablet; serpentine; Uruk. RIME 3/1.01.07.0071; ETCSRI Q001507.

For Ninšubur, the envoy of An, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple.

72. Cone

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0072; ETCSRI Q000924.

For Ninšubur, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built her temple.

73. Tablet, cone

Tablet, cone; limestone, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0073; ETCSRI Q000925.

For Šul-šagana, the beloved child of Ninĝirsu, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-kitušakkile.

74. Plaque

Plaque; gypsum; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0074; ETCSRI Q001508.

..., his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple in Ĝirsu.

75. Tablet

Tablet; steatite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0075; ETCSRI Q001509.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, restored his city wall of Ĝirsu.

76. Cone

Cone; limestone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0076; ETCSRI Q001510.

..., Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, dedicated this (stand) for his well-being.

77. Vessel

Vessel; marbe; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0077; ETCSRI Q001511.

..., Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (bowl) for his well-being.

78. Vase

Vase; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0078; ETCSRI Q001512.

..., who built the temple of Nanše, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being.

79. Mace head

Mace head; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0079; ETCSRI Q001513.

..., who built... of..., dedicated this (mace) for his well-being.

80. Pipe

Pipe; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0080; ETCSRI Q000926.

..., Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu, his wine....

81. Mace head

Mace head; marble; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0081; ETCSRI Q001514.

..., his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,....

82. Brick

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0082; ETCSRI Q001515.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu.

83. Uncertain

Uncertain; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0083; ETCSRI Q000927.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

84. Bowl

Bowl; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0084; ETCSRI Q001516.

..., Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu and the E-ĝidru, his temple of seven niches,....

85. Stele

Stele; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0085; ETCSRI Q001517.

He mixed the clay in a pure place, and made the (first) brick in an undefiled place. He purified the foundation by carrying around fire, and anointed the foundation pegs with oil of princely fragrance.

86. Cylinder

Cylinder; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0086; ETCSRI Q001518.

..., the builder Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu,....

87. Stele

Stele; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0087; ETCSRI Q001519.

..., the builder Ninĝirsu's E-ninnu-anzud-babbar,....

[Part of this fragmentary inscription is transliterated but not yet translated by ETCSRI; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

88. Cone

Cone; clay; Uruk. RIME 3/1.01.07.0088; ETCSRI Q001520.

..., Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,... the temple....

89. Vessel

Vessel; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0089; ETCSRI Q001521.

To Bau, his lady, Lugal-durĝar, the merchant, dedicated this (vessel) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

90. Footed bowl

Footed bowl; black schist; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0090; ETCSRI Q001522.

To Bau, the kind woman, her lady, Ninala, (Gudea's) spouse, dedicated this (bowl) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, and for her own well-being.

91. Cone

Cone; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0091; ETCSRI Q001523.

To Ĝeštinana, the lady of Saĝub, Zikalama, the stone-cutter, dedicated this (stand) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

93. Mace head

Mace head; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0093; ETCSRI Q001525.

For Ig-alima, her/his master,... (this object) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš....

94. Female statuette

Female statuette; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0094; ETCSRI Q001526.

To Ninegala, her lady,... (this object) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš.

She fashioned (her statue) and brought it before her in the temple. The name of this statue is "Ninegala (is) my lady!".

95. Vase

Vase; marble; Ur. RIME 3/1.01.07.0095; ETCSRI Q001527.

To Ninmar, her/his lady,... (this object) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš....

96. Vase

Vase; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0096; ETCSRI Q001528.

To...., her/his lady,... (this object) for the well-being of Gudea,....

97. Vase

Vase; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0097; ETCSRI Q001529.

..., for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš,....

98. Mace head

Mace head; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0098; ETCSRI Q001530.

To Ig-alima, her master, Ninala, the spouse of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (mace).

99. Female statuette

Female statuette; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0099; ETCSRI Q001531.

To..., her lady, Ninala, child of Ur-Bau, ruler of Lagaš, dedicated this (female statuette) for the well-being of Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, her spouse, and for her own well-being. The name of this statue is "My lady called me, (and) I built it on the appointed day."

100. Mace head

Mace head; limestone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0100; ETCSRI Q001532.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš: Lugal-agrigzid, the scribe, (is) his child.

101add. Tablet

Tablet; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.0101add; ETCSRI Q003228.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar, (and) set up a stela before it.

102add. Tablet

Tablet; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0102add; ETCSRI Q003229.

For Ninkar, the shining god on the sky, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple in Niĝin.

103add. Tablet

Tablet; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0103add; ETCSRI Q004877.

For Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he built and restored his E-ninnu-anzud-babbar. It is... of the stela.

105add. Tablet

Tablet; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0105add; ETCSRI Q005315.

For Nanše, the mighty lady, the lady of the boundaries, his lady, Gudea, ruler of Lagaš, made an eternal thing appear: he restored Niĝin, her beloved city, built the E-sirara, the mountain rising from among the houses, and built his beloved divine audience chamber from fragrant cedarwood inside it.

106add. Eyestone

Eyestone; serpentine; provenience unknown. RIME 3/1.01.07.0106add; ETCSRI Q005316.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš: Geme-Šulpae is his spouse.

2001add. Seal (not impression)

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.2001add; ETCSRI Q008903.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš: Ur-Šarura, child of Ur-Suen, is your servant.

2002add. Seal (not impression)

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.2002add; ETCSRI Q008904.

Gudea, ruler of Lagaš: Ur-Šarura, child of Ur-Suen, is your servant.

2003add. Seal (not impression)

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.2003add; ETCSRI Q008905.

Mani, the cupbearer of Gudea, child of Ur-Lamma.

2004add. Seal (not impression)

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/1.01.07.2004add; ETCSRI Q008906.

Lu-Dumuzid, descendant of Ur-Lamma, the cupbearer of Gudea.

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translations of the Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Royal Inscriptions (ETCSRI), an Oracc project directed by Gábor Zólyomi at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/etcsri/), fetched 2026-08-07. The Oracc site states its content is "released under a CC-BY-SA 3.0 license"; the project's own machine-readable data files carry the further statement "This data is released under the CC0 license" (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). Both statements are recorded here; this edition credits ETCSRI and Gábor Zólyomi regardless of which license term governs a given file, per academic courtesy and per the Good Work Library's own attribution practice.

What this edition is. The English text above is ETCSRI's own published translation of every Gudea text in its corpus outside the great Cylinders (138 compositions), reproduced complete and verbatim from the project's HTML reading editions and reformatted from an interlinear word-by-word display into continuous reading prose — for the statues, one paragraph per inscribed column. No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Ellipses, question marks, and bracketed uncertainties are the source edition's own markers for damaged or doubtful text. Two honest gaps are noted in place: Statue V is transliterated but not yet translated by ETCSRI, and one line of the fragmentary stele inscription no. 87 likewise awaits translation. Untranslated single-word oddities native to the source data are reproduced exactly as ETCSRI's markup has them rather than silently corrected, since this is a source-text intake rather than a Good Works Translation.

Composite identification. The standard scholarly edition of this corpus is D.O. Edzard, Gudea and His Dynasty (RIME 3/1, University of Toronto Press, 1997); each text above carries its RIME 3/1 number and its ETCSRI composite ID (Q-number), under which the full transliteration, morphological analysis, exemplar list, and any Hungarian translation can be found at ETCSRI's own site.

Prepared for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church with AI-assisted research, transcription, and editorial work.

🌲