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

Ibbi-Suen and the Remaining Ur III Inscriptions

✦ ─── ⟐ ─── ✦

The Last King of the Third Dynasty of Ur, and the Corpus's Unattributed and Minor Ur III Texts

Ibbi-Suen was the fifth and last king of the Third Dynasty of Ur, reigning roughly 2028 to 2004 BCE. He inherited a throne that his four predecessors, Ur-Namma, Šulgi, Amar-Suena, and Šu-Suen, had built into an empire spanning Sumer and Akkad; by the end of his reign that empire was contracting province by province, and his reign closed with the Elamite sack of Ur itself, the disaster later Sumerian lament literature mourns as the fall of the dynasty. Each of his four predecessors has his own inscriptions gathered elsewhere on this shelf; this volume completes the Ur III set with Ibbi-Suen's own corpus, the material ETCSRI's catalogue could not confidently attribute to any single Ur III king, and a handful of contemporary figures catalogued individually rather than under a royal reign.

A hundred texts in ETCSRI's catalogue name Ibbi-Suen. Nine are proper royal inscriptions: building and victory notices on clay tablets and a foundation cone, and a scatter of small votive objects, a bead, a stone vessel, a statuette, a mace head, an eyestone, that officials dedicated for the king's well-being. The other ninety-one are seals: short formulaic dedications naming an official as the servant of the king, of a princess, or of another official, the everyday administrative genre of the period rather than literary composition. Both groups are gathered here in full, in ETCSRI's own translation.

The remaining forty-eight texts round out the Ur III shelf honestly rather than by omission. Forty-one are inscriptions ETCSRI's catalogue could only place within the Ur III period in general, too fragmentary, too generic, or too damaged to assign to a named king, mostly building notices and dedications on bricks, steles, vases, bowls, and weights. The last seven name not kings but people around them: priests and governors of Lagaš such as Ur-Ninĝirsu, Ur-Ninmarki, and Ur-Nanše, and Sin-abušu, a cup-bearer to whom Ibbi-Suen himself presented a seal while still crown prince. As throughout this edition, the translations are ETCSRI's own; where a line is broken or no translation yet exists for a passage, that gap is disclosed in place rather than filled.

Contents

Part I. Ibbi-Suen — Building and Dedicatory Inscriptions

Ibbi-Suen 01

Cone, tablet; clay, stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.0001; ETCSRI Q001005.

Because of his great love for Suen, Ibbi-Suen, the protective god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, decided to extend Urim. On this account, in order to make the Land secure, and so that the south and the highlands surrender, he surrounded his city with a big wall whose archer's loopholes cannot be reached being (as high) as a verdant mountain range. He marked out the place of its foundation deposits in (its) foundation.

The name of this wall is „Ibbi-Suen is the majestic canal-inspector”.

Ibbi-Suen 02

Tablet; clay; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.0002; ETCSRI Q001849.

After he roared over Susa, Adamšah, and the land of Awan like a storm, made them submit in a single day, and captured their lords, Ibbi-Suen, the protective god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, fashioned for Nanna, who spreads radiance over his people, the most luminous lord among the gods, his master, an artfully wrought golden šagan bowl, whose decoration with bisons and snakes, and with the awe-inspiring dark raincloud 1 attracts never-ending admiration, so that the mouth-opening ritual (carried out) with it at the place of the treasure chest during the great festival at the turn of the year, when (the statue of) Nanna is bathed, may never cease. He dedicated it for his well-being to him.

Ibbi-Suen 04

Tablet; clay; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.0004; ETCSRI Q001851.

For Nanna, the fierce calf of An, lord, the firstborn child of Enlil, his master, Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, fashioned an image of the Meluhhan leopard brought to him as a diplomatic gift from Marḫaši. He dedicated it to him for his well-being. The name of this leopard is „May it be caught!"

Ibbi-Suen 05

Bead; agate; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.0005; ETCSRI Q001852.

For Nanna, his master, Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, dedicated this (bead) for his well-being.

Ibbi-Suen 2004

Eyestone; agate; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2004; ETCSRI Q001859.

To Bau, her lady, ' Aman-ili, the spouse of Arad-Nanna, governor of Lagaš, dedicated this (eye stone) for the well-being of Ibbi-Suen.

Ibbi-Suen 2005

Statuette; limestone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2005; ETCSRI Q001860.

For Nindara, the mighty master, his master, Ur-Ninĝirsu, (also called?) En-me-zid-ana, the šennu priest, the beloved en priest of Nanše, fashioned this (statuette) for the well-being of Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters.

Ibbi-Suen 2014

Mace head; limestone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2014; ETCSRI Q001869.

To Mešlamta-ea, his personal deity,..., the..., for the well-being of Ibbi-Suen,....

Ibbi-Suen 2015

Bead; marble; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2015; ETCSRI Q001870.

To Ĝatumdug, his lady, E-heĝal, child of Anza, dedicated this (bead) for the well-being of Ibbi-Suen.

Ibbi-Suen 2016

Vessel; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2016; ETCSRI Q001871.

To Ninšubur, his personal deity,... for the well-being of Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land.

Part II. Ibbi-Suen — Seal Inscriptions

Ibbi-Suen 06 / CDLI Seals 003779

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.0006; ETCSRI Q001853.

Mammetum, daughter of the king: Atanaḫ, the temple administrator, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 07 / CDLI Seals 006354

Seal (not impression); calcite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.0007; ETCSRI Q001854.

Ibbi-Suen, the king of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Aḫam-arši, the scribe, child of Babati, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 08 / CDLI Seals 005938

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.0008; ETCSRI Q001855.

Ibbi-Suen, powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ĝirini-isag, the scribe, child of Babati, the archivist, is your servant.

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

Ibbi-Suen 2001 / CDLI Seals 005876

Seal (not impression); stone; Adab. RIME 3/2.01.05.2001; ETCSRI Q001856.

Ur-Ašgi, governor of Adab: Nita-saga, the scribe, is his child.

Ibbi-Suen 2002 / CDLI Seals 005584

Seal (not impression); stone; Ešnunna. RIME 3/2.01.05.2002; ETCSRI Q001857.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Šu-iliya, the scribe, child of Ituria, the governor, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2003 / CDLI Seals 000539

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2003; ETCSRI Q001858.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Arad-Nanna, the grand vizier, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2006 / CDLI Seals 000081

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2006; ETCSRI Q001006.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ea-bani, the scribe, child of Pišah-ilum, the governor of Kutha, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2007 / CDLI Seals 005917

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2007; ETCSRI Q001861.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of the Land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Dada, the governor of Nibru, child of Ur-Nanibgal, the governor of Nibru, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2008 / CDLI Seals 005789

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2008; ETCSRI Q001862.

Dada, governor of Nibru: Ĝ̃irini-isag, the scribe, child of Lu-kala, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2009 / CDLI Seals 002103

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2009; ETCSRI Q001863.

Dada, governor of Nibru: Idi-ili, child of..., the steward, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2010 / CDLI Seals 005788

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2010; ETCSRI Q001864.

Dada, governor of Nibru: Adda-kala, the scribe, child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2011 / CDLI Seals 002289

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2011; ETCSRI Q001865.

Ennam-Šulgi, child of Lu-Nanna, the military governor.

Ibbi-Suen 2012 / CDLI Seals 005935

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2012; ETCSRI Q001866.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Dadaga, the governor of Umma, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2013 / CDLI Seals 005940

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2013; ETCSRI Q001867.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Gududu, the scribe, child of Dadaga, the governor of Umma, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2017add / CDLI Seals 005978

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2017add; ETCSRI Q004952.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Abba-gula, the scribe, child of...,....

Ibbi-Suen 2018add / CDLI Seals 005930

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2018add; ETCSRI Q004953.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ahu-bani, the scribe,....

Ibbi-Suen 2019add / CDLI Seals 005933

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2019add; ETCSRI Q004954.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Anid, child of Urmeš, the brewer, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2020add / CDLI Seals 005934

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2020add; ETCSRI Q004955.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Dada, the equerry, child of Name, the envoy, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2021add / CDLI Seals 005572

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2021add; ETCSRI Q004956.

Ibb-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Dannum, child..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2022add

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2022add; ETCSRI Q004957.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: En-temene, the envoy, his servant as crown prince.

Ibbi-Suen 2023add

Seal (not impression); stone; Umma. RIME 3/2.01.05.2023add; ETCSRI Q004958.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Gududu, child of Dadaga, the governor of Umma, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2024add / CDLI Seals 005942

Seal (not impression); stone; Ešnunna. RIME 3/2.01.05.2024add; ETCSRI Q004959.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Hamatil, the courier, child of Ahurani, the overseer, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2025add / CDLI Seals 005586

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2025add; ETCSRI Q004960.

Ibbi-Suen, king of Urim: Humanzi, the overseer of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2026add / CDLI Seals 013617

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2026add; ETCSRI Q004961.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Erra-dan, the scribe, child of Aršiah, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2027add / CDLI Seals 005980

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2027add; ETCSRI Q004962.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Iškun-Ea, the overseer, child of Kurbilak, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2029add / CDLI Seals 005945

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2029add; ETCSRI Q004963.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Kug-Nanna....

Ibbi-Suen 2030add / CDLI Seals 005946

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2030add; ETCSRI Q004964.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Libur-Suen, the grand vizier, is you servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2031add / CDLI Seals 000178

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2031add; ETCSRI Q004965.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-amana, child of Ur-Hendursaĝaka, the brewer, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2032add / CDLI Seals 005949

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2032add; ETCSRI Q004966.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-Enlila, the scribe, child of Lu-Ninšubur, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2033add / CDLI Seals 005918

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2033add; ETCSRI Q004967.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Lu-Enlila, the sea mechant, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2034add / CDLI Seals 005948

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2034add; ETCSRI Q004968.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-diĝira, child of.... the royal scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2035add

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2035add; ETCSRI Q004969.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-Mama, child of Habaluge, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2036add / CDLI Seals 005950

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2036add; ETCSRI Q004970.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-Ninĝirsu, the scribe, child of Lu-Bau, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2037add / CDLI Seals 000252

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2037add; ETCSRI Q004971.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-Ninšubur, the scribe, child of Urmeš, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2038add / CDLI Seals 005951

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2038add; ETCSRI Q004972.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lu-Šara, the envoy, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2039add / CDLI Seals 005919

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2039add; ETCSRI Q004973.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Lu-Šu-Suenka, the envoy, child of Lugal-durgare, the envoy, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2040add / CDLI Seals 005574

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2040add; ETCSRI Q004974.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lugula, the temple administrator, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2041add / CDLI Seals 005976

Seal (not impression); stone; Irisagrig. RIME 3/2.01.05.2041add; ETCSRI Q004975.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Nur-Šamaš, the barber, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2042add / CDLI Seals 005932

Seal (not impression); stone; Irisagrig. RIME 3/2.01.05.2042add; ETCSRI Q004976.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Anid, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2043add / CDLI Seals 006339

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2043add; ETCSRI Q004977.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-akkila, child of Šu-Ninšubur, the envoy, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2044add / CDLI Seals 006338

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2044add; ETCSRI Q004978.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Dan-ili, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2045add / CDLI Seals 005981

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2045add; ETCSRI Q004979.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Lu-girizal, child of..., the..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2046add

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2046add; ETCSRI Q004980.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Enlil, child of Šarrum-bani, the general, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2047add / CDLI Seals 000197

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2047add; ETCSRI Q004981.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to..., the royal equerry, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2048add

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2048add; ETCSRI Q004982.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lugal-azida, the scribe, child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2049add / CDLI Seals 005971

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2049add; ETCSRI Q004983.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Lugal-azida, the royal archivist, Enlil’s temple administrator, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2050add / CDLI Seals 005953

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2050add; ETCSRI Q004984.

Ibbi-Suen,...: Lugal-dumugir, the gudug - abzu priest of Nanna, child of Nanna-izig, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2051add / CDLI Seals 005575

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2051add; ETCSRI Q004985.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lugal-melem, the scribe, child of Ur-e’e, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2052add / CDLI Seals 000280

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2052add; ETCSRI Q004986.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Manum-ki-Šulgi, the scribe, child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2053add / CDLI Seals 005956

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2053add; ETCSRI Q004987.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Namzid-tara, the scribe, child of Ahuni, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2054add / CDLI Seals 005916

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2054add; ETCSRI Q004988.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of the Land, the powerful king, king of the four quarters, king of Urim: Nannakam, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2055add / CDLI Seals 005966

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2055add; ETCSRI Q004989.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nanna-kiaĝ, the scribe, child of Lu-Nanna, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2056add / CDLI Seals 005967

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2056add; ETCSRI Q004990.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nanna-ludug, the scribe, child of Lu-diĝira, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2057add / CDLI Seals 000561

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2057add; ETCSRI Q004991.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nanna-maba, the scribe, child of Unapšen, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2058add

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2058add; ETCSRI Q004992.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nanna-maba, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2059add / CDLI Seals 005922

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2059add; ETCSRI Q004993.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his Land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nanna-zu, the scribe,..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2063add / CDLI Seals 005957

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2063add; ETCSRI Q004994.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nur-Adad, the overseer of the dogs, child of Lugal-urani, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2064add / CDLI Seals 000317

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2064add; ETCSRI Q004995.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Nur-Eštar, the scribe, child of Manum-ki-Šulgi, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2066add / CDLI Seals 000330

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2066add; ETCSRI Q004996.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Puzur-Enlil, the envoy, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2067add / CDLI Seals 000341

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2067add; ETCSRI Q004997.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Puzur-Šulgi, child of Abiya, the šarabdu offical, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2068add

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2068add; ETCSRI Q004998.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Puzur-Šulgi, the scribe, child of Abiya, the šarabdu offical, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2069add / CDLI Seals 005928

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2069add; ETCSRI Q004999.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, the beloved of Inana: Saĝ-Enlila, steward of Inana, nueša - priest of Enlil, child of Lugal-engardug, steward of Inana, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2070add / CDLI Seals 005972

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2070add; ETCSRI Q005000.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Saĝ-Nanna-zu, Enlil’s temple administrator, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2071add / CDLI Seals 005925

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2071add; ETCSRI Q005001.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim: Suen-bani, the cook, child of Itiya, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2072add

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2072add; ETCSRI Q005002.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to..., the..., his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2073add / CDLI Seals 000357

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2073add; ETCSRI Q005003.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful man, king of Urim: Šeškala, the scribe, child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2074add

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2074add; ETCSRI Q005004.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Šu-Enlil, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2075add / CDLI Seals 005578

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2075add; ETCSRI Q005005.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Šu-Eštar, child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2076add / CDLI Seals 005927

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2076add; ETCSRI Q005006.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Šulgi-Šamši, the chief soldier, child of Niĝu, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2077add / CDLI Seals 000381

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2077add; ETCSRI Q005007.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Šulgi-ili, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2078add / CDLI Seals 000391

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2078add; ETCSRI Q005008.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Šu-Suen-iṭibšinat, the chief cup-bearer, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2079add / CDLI Seals 005580

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2079add; ETCSRI Q005009.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim: Udali, the..., child of..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2080add / CDLI Seals 005974

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2080add; ETCSRI Q005010.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Umani, the scribe, child of Šeš-kala, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2081add

Seal (not impression); stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2081add; ETCSRI Q005011.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-aba, the scribe, child of Adda-kala, the overseer of the animal-fatteners, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2083add / CDLI Seals 005964

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.05.2083add; ETCSRI Q005012.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Bau, the scribe, child of En-guli, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2084add / CDLI Seals 005583

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2084add; ETCSRI Q005013.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Enlila, the judge, child of Lu-aĝal.

Ibbi-Suen 2085add / CDLI Seals 000567

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2085add; ETCSRI Q005014.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Enlila, the scribe, child of Lugal-urani, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2086add

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2086add; ETCSRI Q005015.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Šulpae, the scribe, child of Ur-Haya, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2087add / CDLI Seals 005965

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2087add; ETCSRI Q005016.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-Šulpae, the scribe, child of Ur-saga, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2090add / CDLI Seals 005962

Seal (not impression); stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.05.2090add; ETCSRI Q005017.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-gulaĝu, the scribe, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2091add / CDLI Seals 000568

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2091add; ETCSRI Q005018.

Ibbi-Suen, the protective god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Urim-kidug, the king's cook, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2092add / CDLI Seals 005581

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2092add; ETCSRI Q005019.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-kugnuna, child of Lu-Ninĝirsu, the animal-fattener, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2093add / CDLI Seals 000467

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2093add; ETCSRI Q005020.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Ur-kugnuna, child of Lu-Suen, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2094add / CDLI Seals 005920

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2094add; ETCSRI Q005021.

Ibbi-Suen, the protective god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Ur-niĝar, the scribe, child of..., his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2095add / CDLI Seals 005973

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2095add; ETCSRI Q005022.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Ur-niĝar, the archivist, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2096add / CDLI Seals 005926

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2096add; ETCSRI Q005023.

Ibbi-Suen, the protective god of his land, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Ur-niĝar, the archivist, child of Aršiah, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2097add / CDLI Seals 005988

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2097add; ETCSRI Q005024.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, presented this (seal) to Ur-saga, the envoy, his servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2099add / CDLI Seals 005959

Seal (not impression); stone; Umma. RIME 3/2.01.05.2099add; ETCSRI Q005025.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Utul-Ea,..., is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2100add

Seal (not impression); stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.05.2100add; ETCSRI Q005026.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters:..., the scribe, child of Kug-Ningal, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2101add / CDLI Seals 005954

Seal (not impression); stone; Irisagrig. RIME 3/2.01.05.2101add; ETCSRI Q005027.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Lugal-ituda, the scribe, child of Ur-Dumuzida, is your servant.

Ibbi-Suen 2102add / CDLI Seals 005931

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.05.2102add; ETCSRI Q005028.

Ibbi-Suen, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of the four quarters: Abi-luma, the comptroller, is your servant.

Part III. Unattributed Ur III Inscriptions

Texts ETCSRI's catalogue could not confidently attribute to a named Ur III king; mostly short building and dedicatory formulas on bricks, steles, vases, bowls, and weights.

Unattributed Ur III 1001

Tablet; stone; Diqdiqqah. RIME 3/2.01.06.1001; ETCSRI Q001872.

For... king of Urim, king of Sumer and Akkad, built her/his beloved palace.

Unattributed Ur III 1002

Tablet; steatite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1002; ETCSRI Q001873.

For... king of Sumer and Akkad, built her/his temple.

Unattributed Ur III 1003

Tablet; steatite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1003; ETCSRI Q001874.

..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters, who... the temple of Ulmašitum....

Unattributed Ur III 1004

Tablet; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1004; ETCSRI Q001875.

..., the powerful man, king of Sumer and Akkad, built... storehouse..., her/his house....

Unattributed Ur III 1005

Brick; clay; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1005; ETCSRI Q001876.

Ninurta, the chief governor of Enlil.

Unattributed Ur III 1007

Stele; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1007; ETCSRI Q001007.

.... ... erases this insšription and... his own name....

Unattributed Ur III 1008

Stele; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1008; ETCSRI Q001878.

... king of Sumer and Akkad....

Unattributed Ur III 1009

Stele; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1009; ETCSRI Q001879.

... king of Sumer and Akkad....

Unattributed Ur III 1010

Stele; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1010; ETCSRI Q001880.

....

... sila...., 1 sila of beer, 10....

Unattributed Ur III 1011

Stele; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1011; ETCSRI Q001881.

... 2 sila....

....

Unattributed Ur III 1012

Tablet; clay; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1012; ETCSRI Q001882.

... Huhnuri......., Šipara......., Sabum,..., Kimaš, Duduli,..., land of Anšan....

Unattributed Ur III 1015

Statuette; ivory; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1015; ETCSRI Q001885.

To Inana, her/his lady,... well-being....

Unattributed Ur III 1017

Mace head; alabaster; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1017; ETCSRI Q001887.

To Nanna, the firstborn child of Enlil,..., for the E-kiš-nu-ĝal..., king of Urim, dedicated this (mace) for his well-being.

Unattributed Ur III 1018

Mace head; chalcedony; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1018; ETCSRI Q001888.

... writes his own name there,... Mešlamta-ea, my... that person!

Unattributed Ur III 1023

Weight; diorite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1023; ETCSRI Q001893.

For...,..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters, certified this (weight stone to be) 10 manas.

Unattributed Ur III 1024

Weight; stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1024; ETCSRI Q001894.

For...,...., the powerful..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters, certified this (weight stone to be) 2 manas in the E-kišiba-Nannaa-ĝara.

Unattributed Ur III 1025

Weight; stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1025; ETCSRI Q001895.

For...,...., the powerful man, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, certified this (weight stone to be) [... ] manas in the E-kišiba-Nannaa-ĝara.

Unattributed Ur III 1026

Duck weight; stone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1026; ETCSRI Q001896.

For...,...., the powerful man, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, certified this (duck weight stone to be) 30 manas for his well-being.

Unattributed Ur III 1027

Vessel; marble; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1027; ETCSRI Q001008.

To...,..., king of Sumer and Akkad, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being. Whoever erases this inscription and writes his own name there, may Nanna, my master, (and) my [... ], Ningal... that person!

Unattributed Ur III 1028

Vase; calcite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1028; ETCSRI Q001897.

..., king of Urim,....

Unattributed Ur III 1029

Bowl; steatite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1029; ETCSRI Q001898.

..., king of Urim,....

Unattributed Ur III 1030

Vase; alabaster; Sippar. RIME 3/2.01.06.1030; ETCSRI Q001899.

To...,..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters, dedicated this (vessel) for his well-being. Whoever erases his inscription and writes his own name there, may Utu, king of Zimbir, put an end to his lineage!

Unattributed Ur III 1031

Cup; obsidian; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1031; ETCSRI Q001900.

..., may... put an end to his lineage! If, after removing this (cup) from the cupboard, he brings it into the storehouse,....

Unattributed Ur III 1032

Vessel; alabaster; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1032; ETCSRI Q001901.

..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters....

Unattributed Ur III 1033

Bowl; diorite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1033; ETCSRI Q001902.

To..., Lugalkagena, child of Ur-Utu, his servant, dedicated this (bowl) for... of..., the powerful king, king of Urim.

Unattributed Ur III 1034

Cup; granite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.06.1034; ETCSRI Q001903.

To..., Me-namnina, spouse of Gani, dedicated this (bowl) for... of..., the powerful man, king of Urim. The name of this bowl is "My lady indeed cared for me!".

Unattributed Ur III 1035

Vase; calcite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1035; ETCSRI Q001904.

To..., Nanna-kugzu, captain of the guards, dedicated this (vessel) for... of..., king of Sumer and Akkad, king of Urim.

Unattributed Ur III 1036

Vessel; alabaster; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1036; ETCSRI Q001905.

To Nanna, his master,... well-being....

Unattributed Ur III 1037

Bowl; alabaster; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1037; ETCSRI Q001906.

To Ninkugnuna, her/his lady,... life....

Unattributed Ur III 1038

Mace head; basalt; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.06.1038; ETCSRI Q001907.

To..., Urmeš, child of Ilama, dedicated this (mace) for... of..., king of Urim, king of Sumer and Akkad.

Unattributed Ur III 1039

Vase; felsite; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.06.1039; ETCSRI Q001908.

...,... of..., the poweful man, king of Urim.

Unattributed Ur III 1040

Vase; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.01.06.1040; ETCSRI Q001909.

For... Lu-Utu, the stone-cutter, fashioned (this) beautiful bowl for the... of..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters. The name of this bowl is "My lady, let me live in his benevolent attention, may he look at me with favour!"

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

Unattributed Ur III 1041

Bowl; stone; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1041; ETCSRI Q001910.

To Inana, Pap-lal, child of Amar-sumun, temple administrator of Enlil,....

Unattributed Ur III 1042 / CDLI Seals 006355

Seal (not impression); jasper; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.06.1042; ETCSRI Q001911.

Mamaniša, daughter of the king: Puzur-Aški, the scribe is your servant.

Unattributed Ur III 1043

Vase; alabaster; Nippur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1043; ETCSRI Q001912.

To...,..., child of..., governor of Nibru, dedicated this (vase) for his well-being.

Unattributed Ur III 1044 / CDLI Seals 006518

Uncertain; clay; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1044; ETCSRI Q001913.

..., king of Urim, king of the four quarters:..., child of Ahhuya, governor of Puš is your servant.

Unattributed Ur III 1045

Vase; magnesite; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1045; ETCSRI Q001914.

To...,..., child of..., governor of Adab, dedicated this (vase).

Unattributed Ur III 1046 / CDLI Seals 000344

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. RIME 3/2.01.06.1046; ETCSRI Q001915.

Šulgi, the powerful man, king of Urim, king of the four quarters, presented this (seal) to Ṣilluš-Dagan, governor of Simurrum, his servant.

Ur-Numušda 1 (= Unattributed Ur III 1046add)

Mace head; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 3/2.01.06.1046add; ETCSRI Q005352.

To Gilgameš, Ur-Numušda, the soldier, dedicated this (mace).

Unattributed Ur III 1047add

Bowl; limestone; Ur. RIME 3/2.01.06.1047add; ETCSRI Q005029.

The name of this bowl is “... in the temple.”

Unattributed 02

Tablet; clay; provenience unknown. ETCSRI Q004874.

To...,... dedicated this (bowl).... The name of this bowl is “My master did look at me with favour!”.

Part IV. Minor Figures of the Ur III Period

Not kings but people around them: priests, governors, and courtiers named in dedications contemporary with the Ur III dynasty.

Ur-Ningirsu 1

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.02.01.0001; ETCSRI Q001916.

Ur-Ninĝirsu, (also called?) En-me-zid-ana, the šennu priest, the beloved en priest of Nanše.

Ur-Ningirsu 2

Bowl, vessel; steatite, alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.02.01.0002; ETCSRI Q001009.

Ur-Ninĝirsu, (also called?) En-me-zid-ana, the šennu priest, the beloved en priest of Nanše.

Ur-Nanše 1

Vessel; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 3/2.02.02.0001; ETCSRI Q001917.

To Nanše, the mighty lady, Ur-Bau dedicated this (vessel) for the well-being of Ur-Nanše, the šennu priest, the beloved en priest of Nanše, and for his own well-being.

Sin-abušu seal / CDLI Seals 000564

Seal (not impression); stone; Puzriš-Dagan. ETCSRI Q001868.

Ibbi-Suen, the god of his land, the powerful king, king of Urim, king of Sumer and Akkad, presented this (seal) to Suen-abušu, the cup-bearer, his friend as crown prince.

Ur-Ninmarki 1

Tablet; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). ETCSRI Q004878.

To Bau, his lady, Geme-ĝirnuna, the spouse of Amarsu, the child of Alla, dedicated this (object) for the well-being of Ur-Ninmarki, governor of Lagaš, and for her own well-being.

Ur-Ninmarki 2

Mace head; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). ETCSRI Q004879.

To Šul-šagana, the beloved child of Ninĝirsu, his master, Ur-Ninmarki, governor of Lagaš, dedicated this (mace) for her well-being.

Ur-Ninsumuna 1

Tablet; clay; Lagash. ETCSRI Q004880.

To Ninĝirsu, the powerful warrior of Enlil, his master, Ur-Ninsumuna, governor of Lagaš, dedicated this (bowl) for his well-being. The name of this bowl is “May my master prolong my life!”.

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 ETCSRI text attributed to Ibbi-Suen, fifth and last king of Ur, together with the corpus's unattributed Ur III royal inscriptions and its texts naming minor contemporary officials of the period (148 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. 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; where a text has no published translation yet, that gap is noted in place rather than filled. 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 editions of this material are the RIME volumes (The Royal Inscriptions of Mesopotamia, Early Periods, University of Toronto Press); each text above carries its RIME number where assigned 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.

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