Ur-Nanše to URU-KA-gina — The First Dynasty of Lagaš

This volume collects the complete transliterated corpus of Early Dynastic royal inscriptions of the First Dynasty of Lagaš, as catalogued by ETCSRI: Ur-Nanše, A-kurgal, E-anatum, En-anatum I, En-metena, En-anatum II, En-entarzi, Lugal-Anda, and URU-KA-gina, presented here in that dynastic order, followed by a short final part for two inscriptions of LUM-ma of Adab that the corpus files alongside them. These rulers belong to the Early Dynastic period of southern Mesopotamia (roughly 2900–2334 BCE), and it was in this dynasty's generations that Lagaš's long rivalry with the neighboring city of Umma over their shared irrigated border produced some of the best-known monuments of early Sumerian kingship, among them E-anatum's Stele of the Vultures and En-metena's own inscriptions recounting the border dispute.

Most of the 171 texts gathered here are short and formulaic, as royal inscriptions of this period generally are: bricks and clay cones commemorating the building of a temple, wall, or canal; foundation tablets buried at a structure's corners; door sockets, boundary stones, statues, vessels, and other votive objects dedicated to a god on a ruler's behalf. A number are longer — E-anatum's and En-metena's accounts of the Umma conflict, and URU-KA-gina's texts describing his reforms — but the corpus as a whole is a record of temple-building and boundary-marking rather than continuous narrative, and this edition presents it as ETCSRI catalogued it rather than selecting for drama.

The English text throughout is ETCSRI's own published translation — the Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Royal Inscriptions, an Oracc project directed by Gábor Zólyomi at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest — reformatted here from an interlinear word-by-word display into continuous reading prose, with no wording altered, invented, or supplied. Where a text has no published translation yet, or only part of it is translated, that gap is marked in place rather than filled. This is the first Lagaš volume on the Good Work Library's Sumerian shelf; the dynasty's later successors, once the Akkadian empire and its Gutian aftermath had passed, are the Lagaš II rulers under Gudea and his line, covered in two companion volumes already published here: The Cylinders of Gudea — The Building of Ninĝirsu's Temple and Gudea — Statues and Shorter Inscriptions.

Contents

• Part I. Ur-Nanše
• Part II. A-kurgal
• Part III. E-anatum
• Part IV. En-anatum I
• Part V. En-metena
• Part VI. En-anatum II
• Part VII. En-entarzi
• Part VIII. Lugal-Anda
• Part IX. URU-KA-gina
• Part X. LUM-ma of Adab

Part I. Ur-Nanše

Ur-Nanše, the dynasty's founder, is represented by figures, plaques, foundation tablets, cones, bricks, a stele, and other dedication objects, mostly from Girsu.

Ur-Nanše 01

Figure; mother of pearl; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0001; ETCSRI Q001016.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš.

Ur-Nanše 02

Plaque; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0002; ETCSRI Q001021.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the Abzu-banda. He built the temple of Nanše.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries.

Anita. Abda, child. Aya-kurgal, child. Lugal-ezen, child. Ani-kura, child. Mukuršubata, child.

Adda-tur, child. Menusura, child. Anunpad, child. Balu, chief snake charmer. Saĝ-diĝir-tuku.

Ur-Nanše 03

Plaque; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0003; ETCSRI Q001022.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the temple of Ninĝirsu.

Lugal-ezen. Gula.

Anita. Aya-kurgal, child. Barag-sagnudi.

Ur-Nanše 04

Plaque; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0004; ETCSRI Q001023.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the temple of Nanše. He built the Abzu-banda. He built the Šeše-ĝara.

Awil-kinatum. Lugal-ezen, child. Mukuršubata, child. Hursaĝše-mah

Anita Balu, chief snake charmer. Aja-kurgal, child. Namazu, scribe.

Ur-Nanše 05

Plaque; limestone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.01.0005; ETCSRI Q001024.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the Abzu-banda.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the Šeše-ĝara. He established control of the Dilmun-boats.

Lugal-ezen, child. Ani-kura, child. Mukuršubata, child. Aya-kurgal, child.

.... Anunpad, child. Gula, child. ..., child.

Ur-Nanše 06a

Stele; limestone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.01.0006a; ETCSRI Q003641.

Ur-Nanše, child of Gunidu, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal.

Men-barag-abzu, spouse of Ur-Nanše, ruler of Lagaš.

Nin-usura, child of Ur-Nanše, ruler of Lagaš.

Ur-Nanše, child of Gunidu, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal.

... established šontrol of the Dilmun-boats (šoming) from the foreign šountries.

He captured....

He dug....

He fashioned (the statue of) Kindazid.

Ur-Nanše 06b

Slab; limestone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.01.0006b; ETCSRI Q001050.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the Bagara of fired brick. He dug the Bagara........

He built the Ebgal. He built the temple of Nanše. He built the shrine of Ĝirsu. He built the Kinir. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the Tiraš. He built the Nine-ĝara. He built the temple of Ninmarki. He built the E-dam. He built the Kame. He built the Abzu-ega. He built the city wall of Lagaš.

He dug the Pa-saman-canal. He dug the A-suhur-canal.

He fashioned (the statue of) Ninmarki. He fashioned (the statue of) Nineš-REC107. He fashioned (the statue of) Ninĝidru. He fashioned (the statue of) Šul-šagana. He fashioned (the statue of) Kindazid. He fashioned (the statue of) Gušudu. He fashioned (the statue of) Lama-u-e. He fashioned (the statue of) Lugal-urtur.

The leader of Lagaš went into battle against the leader of Urim and the leader of Umma. The leader of Lagaš defeated the leader of Urim, and captured him. He captured the captain of the barges. He captured the captains Ama-barage-si and Kišibĝal. He captured Pap-ursaĝ, child of.... He captured the captains [... ] and [... ]. He piled up burial mounds.

He defeated the leader of Umma. He captured the captains Lupada and Pabilga-lala. He captured Pabilgal-tuku, the ruler of Umma. He captured captain Ur-pusaĝ. He captured chief merchant Hursaĝše-mah. He piled up burial mounds.

The leader of Umma.

Ur-Nanše 07

Cone, plate, brick; alabaster, copper, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0007; ETCSRI Q001017.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

Ur-Nanše 08

Stele; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0008; ETCSRI Q001039.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

... foundation pegs and šourses of brišk.

Ur-Nanše 09

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0009; ETCSRI Q001027.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He fashioned (the statue of) Šul-šagana. He fashioned (the statue of) Gušudu. He fashioned (the statue of) Kindazid.He built the temple of Ninmarki. He fashioned (the statue of) Lama-u-e.

He dug the A-suhur-canal. He dug the Eg-tirsig-canal. He dug the great... of the Enlile-pada-canal. He dug the... of the Surdugin-du-canal. He dug the Nin-REC107-ba-du.

He is a man, who submits to the orders of Nanše.

Ur-Nanše 10

Foundation tablet; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.01.0010; ETCSRI Q001029.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He built the temple of Nanše.

He built the Ebgal. He built the Kinir.

He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the Abzu-ega. He built the Tiraš.

He built the shrine of Bagara. He built the E-dam. He built the Kame.

Ur-Nanše 11

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0011; ETCSRI Q001026.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He fashioned (the statue of) Nanše, the mighty lady. He built the shrine of Ĝirsu. He fashioned (the statue of) Šul-šagana. He built the Ebgal.

He fashioned (the statue of) Lugal-urtur. He fashioned (the statue of) Lugal-Uruba. He built the Kinir.

He fashioned (the statue of) Nineš-REC107. He fashioned (the statue of) Ninĝidru. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He fashioned (the statue of) Ĝatumdug.

He built the Bagara. He built the Abzu-ega. He built the Tiraš.

Ur-Nanše 12

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0012; ETCSRI Q001028.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He dug the Ninĝirsuke-pada (canal)....

He built the Abzu-ega. He built the E-dam.

Ur-Nanše 13

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0013; ETCSRI Q001030.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He built the Ebgal. He built the E-ĝidru. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug.

He built the temple of Ninmarki. He built the E-dam.

Ur-Nanše 14

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0014; ETCSRI Q001031.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He built the Ebgal. He built the Kinir. He built the E-dam.

He built the Bagara. He built the Abzu-ega.

Ur-Nanše 15

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0015; ETCSRI Q001032.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

He built the Ebgal. He built the E-ĝidru. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug.

He built the E-dam. He built the temple of Ninmarki. He built the Abzu-ega.

Ur-Nanše 16

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0016; ETCSRI Q001034.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He built the shrine of Ĝirsu. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug.

He built the E-ĝidru. He built the E-dam.

He built the Nine-ĝara. He built the Bagara. He built the Kinir.

Ur-Nanše 17

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0017; ETCSRI Q001025.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Nanše.

He fashioned (the statue of) Nanše. He dug the... canal, and... water into the... canal for Nanše.

He fashioned (the statue of) Ešir. He chose Ur-nimin (as) the spouse of Nanše by extispicy. He built the A-eden.

He built the Nine-ĝara. He built the E-ĝidru. He built the city wall of Lagaš.

He fashioned (the statue of) Lugal-Uruba. He established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries.

Ur-Nanše 18

Foundation tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0018; ETCSRI Q001033.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the Ebgal.

He built the Kinir. He built the Nine-ĝara.

He built the Bagara. He built the E-dam. He built the Tiraš

He built the A-eden. He built the E-ĝidru.

Ur-Nanše 19

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0019; ETCSRI Q001018.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the temple of Ninĝirsu.

Ur-Nanše 20

Plate; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0020; ETCSRI Q001035.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the Ebgal. He built the temple of Nanše.

He built the Kinir. He built the Bagara. He built the E-dam. He built the E-ĝidru. He built the Šeše-ĝara.

He built the Tiraš. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the Abzu-ega. When he built temple of Ninĝirsu, he provided the temple with 70 guru of barley.

He established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries. He built the city wall of Lagaš. He built the Abzu-banda.

He fashioned (the statue of) Nanše, the mighty lady. He dug the... canal, and... water into the... canal for her.

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

Ur-Nanše 21

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0021; ETCSRI Q001036.

To Ninĝirsu, when he built for him the shrine of Ĝirsu, Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, dedicated this (door socket). He built the temple of Nanše. He built the Ebgal. He built the Kinir. He built the Bagara. He built the E-dam. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the Tiraš.

Ur-Nanše 22

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0022; ETCSRI Q001037.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the temple of Nanše. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the E-dam. He built the temple of Ninmarki. He established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries. He built the Ebgal. He built the Kinir. He built the E-ĝidru.

Ur-Nanše 23

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0023; ETCSRI Q001038.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the temple of Ninĝirsu. He built the temple of Nanše. He built the Šeše-ĝara. He built the Abzu-banda. He built the Bagara. He established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries.

Ur-Nanše 24a

Lion figurine; onyx; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0024a; ETCSRI Q001044.

For/to Ninĝirsu, Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu,....

Ur-Nanše 24b

Lion figurine; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0024b; ETCSRI Q001045.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu,....

Ur-Nanše 25

Lion figurine; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0025; ETCSRI Q001046.

He established control of the Dilmun-boats (coming) from the foreign countries.

Ur-Nanše 26

Wall plaque; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0026; ETCSRI Q001042.

For Ninĝirsu, Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the temple of Tiraš.

Ur-Nanše 27

Cup; onyx; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0027; ETCSRI Q001047.

To Bau, Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, dedicated this (cup).

Ur-Nanše 28

Vase; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0028; ETCSRI Q001048.

To Bau, Ur-Nanše,....

Ur-Nanše 29

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0029; ETCSRI Q001019.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the E-tar.

Ur-Nanše 30a

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0030a; ETCSRI Q001020.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the Šeše-ĝara.

Ur-Nanše 30b

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0030b; ETCSRI Q003642.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, built the E-ĝidru.

Ur-Nanše 31

Stele; granite; Ur. RIME 1.09.01.0031; ETCSRI Q001040.

Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the levee alongside Sala of the Amorites.

... the temple of....

Ur-Nanše 32

Plaque; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0032; ETCSRI Q001049.

Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god of the king, carried the pure earth-basket. Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, child of Gunidu, citizen of Gursar, built the shrine of Ĝirsu.

Ur-Nanše 33

Vase; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.01.0033; ETCSRI Q001051.

To Ninĝirsu, Ur-Nanše,....

Part II. A-kurgal

A-kurgal 1

Lion figurine; gypsum; Lagash. RIME 1.09.02.0001; ETCSRI Q001053.

For Ninĝirsu, Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš. child of Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, built the Antasura.

A-kurgal 2a

Lion figurine; gypsum; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.02.0002a; ETCSRI Q001054.

... built....

A-kurgal 3

Brick; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.02.0003; ETCSRI Q001055.

Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš.

Part III. E-anatum

E-anatum's inscriptions include the Stele of the Vultures, commemorating his victory over Umma in the long-running border conflict between the two cities.

E-anatum 01

Stele; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0001; ETCSRI Q001056.

... payed its interest-bearing loan, but took its barley rental. The king of Lagaš....

Because of..., the leader of Umma acted belligerently against it and defied Lagaš. Aya-kurgal, king of Lagaš, child of Ur-Nanše,....

... and he too defied Lagaš because of its own property. The... lion of Ĝirnun's innermost part, Ninĝirsu, let his voice out...: "Umma... my forage, my own property in the field of Gu-edena... Lagaš.... Ninĝirsu, Enlil's warrior....".

... Ninĝirsu begot E-ana-tum.... took delight in him. Inana took him with her, and named him "He is worthy of the E-ana of Inana of the Ebgal ". She sat him on Ninhursaĝaś righ knee, and Ninhursaĝa offered him her right breast. Ninĝirsu was delighted by E-ana-tum begotten by him. (Measuring,) he laid his handspan on him: he was 5 kuš tall. (Then) he laid his forearm on him, and he was (already) 5 kuš and 1 zipah tall. In his great happiness Ninĝirsu gave him the kingship of Lagaš.

..., E-ana-tum, the mighty one,.... (Ninĝirsu) proclaimed "He is worthy of the E-ana of Inana of the Ebgal "as E-ana-tum's name, the very name that Inana had given him..... The mighty one, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu, E-ana-tum declared that... according to the ancient state of affairs. "When will the ruler of Umma become satisfied?..., he may now use the Gu-edena, the beloved field of Ninĝirsu. May (Ninĝirsu) make him fall!...."

... followed him. He stepped to the sleeper, to the sleeper in a vision. His beloved master, Ninĝirsu, stepped to the sleeping E-ana-tum in a vision. ".... Like Kiš, Umma will be abandoned. No one will support it after you have seized it. I have made Utu appear at your right arm. I have bound a/the... on your forehand." E-ana-tum....

.... He slaughtered them, their myriad šorpses reašhed the base of heaven. Umma....... revolted against him and killed him in the middle of Umma.... in the distrišt.....

... fought with him. Someone shot an arrow at E-ana-tum and pieršed him with the arrow. He broke it off.... its arrowhead..... E-ana-tum unleashed a flood in Umma like a heavy rainstorm.....

Being a man of just words, E-ana-tum measured off a part the border territory... and left it under Umma's control.

E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, given strenght by Enlil, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, called by a propitious name by Inana, given wisdom by Enki, chosen by Nanše, the mighty lady, in the heart, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, beloved of Dumuzid-Abzu, whose name was proclaimed by Hendursaĝ, beloved friend of Lugal-Uruba, the beloved spouse of Inana,... Elam and Subartu, the lands,... timber and goods....

He defeated.... He defeated Susa. He defeated Arawa, whose ruler marched with its standard in the vanguard

He destroyed Arua. He..., the terror of Sumer.

He defeated Urim.

..., who returned..., the Gu-edena, under (Ninĝirsu's) control, E-ana-tum, The stela’s name is not one (given by) a man; its name sounds: “Ninĝirsu, the lord with the luxuriant crown, is life for the Piriĝ-edena canal”.

..., the... of Ninĝirsu, who erected (this stela) for Ninĝirsu,....

..., the king of Kiš....

E-ana-tum, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu.

E-ana-tum, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu.

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

E-anatum 02

Boundary stone; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0002; ETCSRI Q001060.

... Enlil demarcated... for (Ninĝirsu) and Me-silim erected a stela,.... his order....

... removed the stela and repositioned it towards the plain of Lagaš.

E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, given strenght by Enlil, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, called by a propitious name by Nanše, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, returned his beloved field under Ninĝirsu’s authority. E-ana-tum did not let (the field) extend beyond the place where Me-silim once had erected the stela. He returned (this stela) to its (original) place.

E-anatum 03

Jar; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0003; ETCSRI Q001067.

Enlil... Ninĝirsu and Šara.... The leader of Umma removed the stela and repositioned it towards the plain of Lagaš.... commanded E-ana-tum, and he destroyed Umma.... E-ana-tum erected a stela next to the mound on which Me-silim had erected a stela. He named the stela that he erected next to it "Ninĝirsu, the lord, is eternally exalted in the abzu ".

If the leader of Umma crosses the (border) canal in order to take away fields, may Ningirsu be (like a) dragon to him, and may Enlil make salt surface in his furrows! May... not grant hime life, and he himself...! May... not grant him life! May he be killed in his own city!

E-anatum 04

Pillar; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0004; ETCSRI Q001064.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, chosen in her holy heart by Nanše, the mighty lady, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš,.... (When) he annihilated... of Umma, who took away the Gu-edena, he returned (Ninĝirsu's) beloved field, the Gu-edena, under Ninĝirsu's control. He named the border territory of Ĝirsu's region that he returned under Ninĝirsu's control as ' Luma is chosen from Ĝirnun in the holy heart '.....

..., he dedicated this (pillar) to him.

E-anatum 05

Boundary stone; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0005; ETCSRI Q001057.

For Ninĝirsu. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, whose name was proclaimed by Enlil, given strength by Ninĝirsu, chosen by Nanše in the heart, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, called by a propitious name by Inana, given wisdom by Enki, beloved of Dumuzid-Abzu, supported by Hendursaĝ, beloved friend of Lugal-Uruba, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, restored Ĝirsu for Ninĝirsu. He built the city-wall of Irikug. He built Niĝin for Nanše.

E-ana-tum defeated Elam, the marvelous mountain range and piled up a burial mound for it. He defeated Arawa, whose ruler marched with its standard in the vanguard and piled up a burial mound for it. He defeated Umma, and piled up 20 burial mounds for it.

He restored his beloved field of Gu-edena to Ninĝirsu’s control. He defeated Unug. He defeated Urim. He defeated Ki-Utu. He conquered Iriaz and killed its ruler. He conquered Mišime. He destroyed Arua. All lands trembled before E-ana-tum, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu. In the year when the king of Akšak rebelled, E-ana-tum, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu, repelled Zuzu, king of Akšak, from the Antasura of Ninĝirsu until Akšak and destroyed (his city).

Then E-ana-tum, whose own name is E-ana-tum, (but) whose... name is Luma, dug a new canal for Ninĝirsu and named it for him as "Lumagin-dug ". As a sign of her love to him, Inana gave the kingship of Kiš in addition to the rulership of Lagaš to E-ana-tum, who submits to the orders of Ninĝirsu, E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš.

Elam trembled before E-ana-tum and he made the Elamite return into his land. Kiš trembled before E-ana-tum and he made the king of Akšak return into his land. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, defeated Elam, Subartu and Arawa at the A-suhur canal. He defeated Kiš, Akšak and Mari at the Antasura of Ninĝirsu. He had the Lumagin-dug canal reach (the Antasura) for Ninĝirsu, and presented him with it. E-ana-tum, given strenght by Ninĝirsu, built a weir on the Lumagin-dug canal with the use of 3600 gur of 2 ul of bitumen.

E-ana-tum, who submits to the orders of Ninĝirsu, and whose personal god is Šul-MUŠxPA, built the great temple of Tiraš for (Ninĝirsu).

He is the child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš; his grandfather is Ur-Nanše, ruler of Lagaš.

E-anatum 06

Boulder; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0006; ETCSRI Q001058.

For Nanše, E-ana-tum built the city-wall of Lagaš and had it manned. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, whose name was proclaimed by Enlil, given strength by Ninĝirsu, chosen by Nanše in the heart, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, called by a propitious name by Inana, given wisdom by Enki, beloved of Dumuzid-Abzu, supported by Hendursaĝ, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, restored Ĝirsu for Ninĝirsu. He built the city-wall of Irikug. He built Niĝin for Nanše.

E-ana-tum defeated Elam, the marvelous mountain range and piled up a burial mound for it. He defeated Arawa, whose ruler marched with its standard in the vanguard and piled up a burial mound for it.

He defeated Umma, and piled up 20 burial mounds for it. He returned Ninĝirsu's beloved field, the Gu-edena, under his control. He defeated Unug. He defeated Urim. He defeated Ki-Utu. He conquered Iriaz and killed its ruler.

He conquered Mišime. He destroyed Arua. All lands trembled before E-ana-tum, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu. In the year when the king of Akšak rebelled, E-ana-tum, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu, repelled him from the Antasura of Ninĝirsu until Akšak and destroyed (his city).

E-ana-tum then dug a new canal for Ninĝirsu.....

The personal god of E-ana-tum, who... of Ninĝirsu, is Šul-MUŠxPA. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, child of Aya-kurgal,....

E-anatum 07a

Boulder; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0007a; ETCSRI Q001059.

E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, subjugated Elam and Subartu to Ninĝirsu.

He built the temple of Tiraš and made it resplendent for him. E-ana-tum, who submits to the orders of Ninĝirsu, is someone, who has no opponent throughout all lands by the might of Ninĝirsu.

E-anatum 07b

Vessel; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0007b; ETCSRI Q003644.

..., he built the temple of Tiras for him....

E-anatum 08

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0008; ETCSRI Q001062.

E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, whose name was proclaimed by Enlil, given strenght by Ninĝirsu, chosen by Nanše in the heart, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, called by a propitious name by Inana, child of Akurgal, ruler of Lagaš, built Ĝirsu for Ninĝirsu, and built Niĝin for Nanše.

E-ana-tum defeated Elam, the marvelous mountain range, and piled up a burial mound for it. He defeated Arawa, whose ruler marched with its standard in the vanguard, and piled up a burial mound for it.

He defeated Umma, and piled up 20 burial mounds for it. He restored the field of Gu-edena to Ninĝirsu’s control.

He defeated Unug. He conquered Iriaz. He conquered Mišime. All lands trembled before E-ana-tum, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu.

E-ana-tum, who submits to the orders of Ninĝirsu, and whose personal god is Šul-MUŠxPA, destroyed Arua.

E-anatum 09

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0009; ETCSRI Q001063.

E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, given strength by Enlil, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu, chosen by Nanše in the heart, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, defeated the highlands of Elam. He defeated Arawa. He defeated Umma. He defeated Urim.

At that time, he built a well of fired brick for Ninĝirsu in his courtyard and then Ninĝirsu was pleased by him, whose personal god is Šul-MUŠxPA, by E-ana-tum.

E-anatum 10

Vase; stone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.03.0010; ETCSRI Q001071.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, given strength by Ninĝirsu, the man who returned Ninĝirsu's beloved field, the Gu-edena, under his control, E-ana-tum, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, built the E-za for Ninĝirsu with precious metal and lapis lazuli. He built for him the storehouse of... and heaped up piles of grain in it.

The personal god of E-ana-tum, entrusted with the sceptre by Ninĝirsu, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

E-anatum 11

Mortar; diorite; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.03.0011; ETCSRI Q001066.

.... He defeated.... He defeated Uruk. He defeated Urim.....

The personal god of E-ana-tum, the builder of Ĝatumdug's temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA. E-ana-tum fashioned (the statue of) Nanše.....

When..., he assigned regular offerings to the lofty high temple for Nanše; he assigned regular offerings to... for Ninĝirsu, he assigned regular offerings to Nibru for Enlil.....

He brought (this mortar) before Nanše in the E-mah.

E-anatum 12

Bowl; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.03.0012; ETCSRI Q001068.

..., E-ana-tum, king of Lagaš, given strength by Enlil,....

E-anatum 13

Vessel; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0013; ETCSRI Q001065.

.... (When Ninĝirsu) plašed all lands in his hand, and plašed the rebellious lands at his feeṭ then E-ana-tum, whose name was prošlaimed by Ninĝirsu,........

E-anatum 14

Vessel; basalt; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.03.0014; ETCSRI Q001070.

..., who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu,....

... he returned..., he dug a new šanal,....

E-anatum 15 / CDLI Seals 012127

Seal (not impression); stone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.03.0015; ETCSRI Q003645.

E-ana-tum,... ruler....

E-anatum 16

Boundary stone; stone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.03.0016; ETCSRI Q001182.

... he annihilated. From Ĝirsu....

.... He returned (Ninĝirsuś) beloved field, the Gu-edena, under Ninĝirsuś šontrol.....

... field,... field....

E-anatum 18

Tablet; alabaster; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.03.0018; ETCSRI Q003646.

..., given strength by Enlil, given wisdom by Enki,...,

..., whose name was proclaimed by Hendursaĝ, beloved friend of Lugal-Uruba, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš,....

E-anatum 19

Vessel; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0019; ETCSRI Q001175.

... of Lagaš, child of Aya-kurgal,....

E-anatum 22add

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.03.0022add; ETCSRI Q004842.

E-ana-tum, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, bought a garden with an area of 1 bur and 2 iku from the brother of Amar-egala, the travelling merchant. He paid 2 mana silver for him. The gift was 1 pot of beer.

E-anatum 23add

Vase; stone; Kish. RIME 1.09.03.0023add; ETCSRI Q008902.

... child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš....

Part IV. En-anatum I

En-anatum I 01

Plaque; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.04.0001; ETCSRI Q001072.

En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš.

En-anatum I 03

Brick; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0003; ETCSRI Q001073.

When Ninĝirsu chose him in the heart, En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, transported white cedar timbers from the mountains for him.

From among those (En-ana-tum) used for the temple, he installed some white cedar timbers (also) as its roof for (Ninĝirsu).

For Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, he recorded (his) name on the lions of halub wood he had seated for him as doorkeepers.

En-anatum I 04

Mortar; diorite; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.04.0004; ETCSRI Q001078.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, who makes the foreign lands submit to Ninĝirsu, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, fashioned this vessel for crushing garlic, and dedicated it to Ninĝirsu for his well-being in the E-ninnu.

En-anatum I 05

Foundation tablet, boulder, foundation peg, foundation tablet; clay, stone, copper, stone; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0005; ETCSRI Q001090.

For Inana, lady of all lands. En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, called by a propitious name by Inana, the child born to Lugal-Uruba, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, beloved brother of E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal for Inana, made the E-ana exceed all the mountains, decorated it with gold and silver, and made it worthy of her.

May Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god of En-ana-tum, who submits to the orders of Inana, pay obeisance to Inana in the Ebgal perpetually for the well-being of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš!

May the rulers of the bright future be my friend!

En-anatum I 06

Cone; clay; Diqdiqqah. RIME 1.09.04.0006; ETCSRI Q001076.

For Inana of the Ebgal, En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal, made it exceed all the mountains.....

En-anatum I 07

Cone; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0007; ETCSRI Q001077.

En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of the Ebgal,....

En-anatum I 08

Brick; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0008; ETCSRI Q001074.

[This inscription — 45 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.]

En-anatum I 10

Boulder; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0010; ETCSRI Q001080.

When he built the Ebgal for Inana, restored his temple for Nindara, the mighty master, built his temple for Hendursaĝa, built his great temple in Urub for Lugal-Uruba, and built her temple in Saĝub for Ama-ĝeštin-ana, then for Lugal-Uruba, his powerful servant En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, built the great storehouse of Urub.

May this (stone boulder) pay obeisance to Lugal-Uruba in the great temple of Urub, for his (En-ana-tum’s) well-being.

En-anatum I 11

Statue; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0011; ETCSRI Q001082.

... When Ninĝirsu prošlaimed the name of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš,... of Lagaš, gave him strength, and put all the lands in his hand,..., (then)... of Lagaš,....

... he named (the statue) "...", and brought it before Bau, the kind woman, in the temple.

... Bau, the kind woman,....

En-anatum I 12

Statue; syenite; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0012; ETCSRI Q001081.

....

... assigned... to Lugal-Urubaś šourtyard as regular offering. En-ana-tum... for Ama-ĝeštin-ana.

He had them/it bring healthy goats and healthy kids. He had them/it bring healthy cows and healthy calves. He... swift donkey stallions with breeding she-asses.

En-anatum I 14

Cone; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0014; ETCSRI Q001075.

En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, nominee of Inana, built the Ebgal. (When) he made the E-ana exceed all the mountains for (Inana), then Luma-tur, child of En-ana-tum, fashioned numerous inscribed clay nails, and embellished the E-ana for her with them.

En-anatum I 15

Statue; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.04.0015; ETCSRI Q001083.

For Lugal-Uruba, Ama-ušumgal-ana. When En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, the child born to Lugal-Uruba, the child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, the beloved brother of E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal for Inana, made the E-ana exceed all the mountains, (then) Me-ane-dug, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, fashioned his (own) statue, and brought it before Lugal-Uruba in the temple.

May it pay obeisance to Lugal-Uruba in the great temple of Urub for the well-being of his father, En-ana-tum, for the well-being of his mother, Aya-šurmen, and for his own well-being.

En-anatum I 16

Cylinder; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0016; ETCSRI Q001089.

... Aya-šurmen, spouse of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš,....

En-anatum I 17

Cone; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0017; ETCSRI Q001084.

When En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, the child born to Lugal-Uruba, the child of Aya-kurgal, ruler of Lagaš, built the Ebgal for Inana, made the E-ana exceed all the mountains, and decorated it with gold and silver, then his servant, Id-lusikil, his personal quarters’ scribe, fashioned (this) inscribed clay nail for himself.

En-anatum I 18

Cone; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0018; ETCSRI Q001086.

En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, whose name was proclaimed by Inana, built the Ebgal. (When) he made the E-ana exceed all the mountains for (Inana), then Šuni-aldugud, his servant, the chief barber to whom the office of the personal quarters ' overseer was also given, fashioned numerous inscribed clay nails, and embellished the E-ana for her with them.

En-anatum I 19

Mace head; limestone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.04.0019; ETCSRI Q001079.

To Ninĝirsu of the Eninnu, Barag-kisumun, a man of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the envoy, dedicated this (mace) for the well-being of his king, En-ana-tum.

En-anatum I 20

Cone; clay; Lagash. RIME 1.09.04.0020; ETCSRI Q001087.

(When)... from........ and made the E-ana exceed all the mountains for (Inana), then Luma-tur, child of En-ana-tum, fashioned numerous inscribed clay nails, and embellished the E-ana for her with them.

Part V. En-metena

En-metena's inscriptions include his own account of the Lagaš–Umma border settlement, continuing the dispute recorded under E-anatum.

En-metena 01

Cone, cylinder, vessel; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0001; ETCSRI Q001103.

Enlil, the king of all lands, the father of all gods, fixed the border between Ninĝirsu and Šara by his firm command. By the order of Ištaran, Me-silim, king of Kiš measured it off and erected a stela on that place. Uš, ruler of Umma, treated these (commands) as if they did not pertain to him: he removed the stela and repositioned it towards the plain of Lagaš. By (Enlil’s) just command, Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, did battle with Umma. By Enlil’s command, he cast on it the great battle-net, and heaped up a burial mound for it on the plain. E-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, paternal uncle of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, fixed the border together with En-akale, ruler of Umma. He extended its dyke from the Id-nun canal to the Gu-edena. He set aside a 215 nindan (wide strip of) Ninĝirsu’s land along the border of Umma and designated it no-man’s land. He set up inscribed stelae everywhere along the dyke. He restored stela of Me-silim, he did not shift its position towards the plain of Umma. Along Ninĝirsu’s border, (called) Namnunda-kiĝara, he set up the pedestal of Enlil, the pedestal of Ninhursaĝa, the pedestal of Ninĝirsu, and the pedestal of Utu.

The leader of Umma took 1 guru of Nanše’s and Ninĝirsu’s barley as interest bearing loan. It yielded interest and accummulated to 8,640,000 guru. As he was unable to repay this (amount) of barley, Ur-Luma, ruler of Umma, washed away Ninĝirsu’s and Nanše’s boundary dyke. He set fire to their stelae and tore each of them out. He destroyed the pedestals erected for the gods that were set up at Namnunda-kiĝara. He hired foreigners and crossed Ninĝirsu’s boundary dyke. In the Ugiga field, the field of Ninĝirsu, En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, fought with him. En-metena, the beloved child of En-ana-tum, defeated him. Ur-Luma escaped, (En-metena) forced him back to Umma. 60 teams of his donkeys were abandoned on the bank of the Luma-ĝirnunta canal. The bones of their personnel were left strewn all around the plain. He piled up their burial mounds in five places.

Then Il, who was the temple administrator of Zabalam, marched from Ĝirsu until Umma in retreat. Il claimed the rulership of Umma for himself. He washed away the boundary dyke of Ninĝirsu, the boundary dyke of Nanše, (which form) the boundary of Ninĝirsu that reaches until the bank of the Tigris on the territory of Ĝirsu, the Namnunda-kiĝara of Enlil, Enki, and Ninhursaĝa. He set under water 3600 guru of Lagaš’s barley. (When) because of the dykes, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, sent envoys to Il, then Il, the ruler of Umma, the field thief, the villain, declared: “The boundary dyke of Ninĝirsu and the boundary dyke of Nanše belong to me!” He declared: “I will shift the boundary from the Antasura to the E-dimgal-abzu.“ But Enlil and Ninhursaĝa did not let him do so.

By the just command of Enlil, by the just command of Ninĝirsu, and by the just command of Nanše, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, whose name was proclaimed by Ninĝirsu, constructed their dyke from the Tigris to the Id-nun. He built the substructure of the Namnunda-kiĝara of stone for him. For Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, and for Nanše, the lady who loves him, he restored it. May Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, entrusted with the sceptre by Enlil, given wisdom by Enki, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, who conveys the commands of the gods, intercede forever for En-metena’s well-being with Ninĝirsu and Nanše.

May Enlil annihilate the leader of Umma, may he be an Ummaite or a foreigner, who crosses the boundary dyke of Ninĝirsu and the boundary dyke of Nanše in the direction of (Lagaš) in order to rob fields! Having cast on him his great battle-net, may Ninĝirsu pound him down with his majestic hands, tread on him with his majestic feet! Having revolted against him in his city, may the people kill him in the middle of his city!

En-metena 02

Brick; clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0002; ETCSRI Q001110.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, constructed the lofty dyke of the border demarcated by Enlil for Ninĝirsu. For Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, En-metena extended it from the Idnun canal until Mubikura. He erected a stela for him in the field at Ninĝirsu’s border.

The personal god of En-metena, the constructor of Ninĝirsu’s lofty dyke, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 03

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0003; ETCSRI Q001092.

For Inana and Lugal-emuš, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, built the E-muš, their beloved temple, and embellished it with inscribed clay nails. The personal god of En-metena, the builder of the E-muš, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

At that time En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, and Lugal-kiĝeneš-dudu, ruler of Unug, established brotherhood.

En-metena 04

Tablet, cone; stone, clay; Bad-tibira. RIME 1.09.05.0004; ETCSRI Q001117.

For Lugal-emuš. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the sanctuary of Dugru for Ninĝirsu, built him the A-huš, the temple that is looked upon with favour, and made them worthy of him. He fashioned him the chariot that heaps up the foreign lands for Ninĝirsu, the "May all bow down!" of the road to Eridug, whose fearsomeness (reaches) until the heart of the foreign lands. He built him the E-dur-zile.

For Lugal-Uruba he built his great temple in Urub. For Nanše he built the E-engur in Zulum, and made it worthy of her. He released (the people of) Lagaš, let the mother return to (her) child, and let the child return to (its) mother. He remitted the barley-loan debts.

At that time for Lugal-emuš En-metena built and restored the E-muš in Patibira, his beloved temple. He released the citizens of Unug, Larsam and Patibira. He returned them to Unug under Inana’s authority, returned them to Larsam under Utu’s authority; and returned to the to E-muš under Lugal-emuš’s authority.

The personal god of En-metena, who submits to the orders of Inana, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

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

En-metena 05a

Tablet, brick; stone, clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0005a; ETCSRI Q001115.

For Inana and Lugal-emuš, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the E-muš, their beloved temple.

The personal god of En-metena, whose name was proclaimed by Inana, the builder of the E-muš, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 06

Cone; clay; Ur. RIME 1.09.05.0006; ETCSRI Q001118.

For Ninĝirsu of the E-ninnu, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built his temple, decorated it with gold and silver, and embellished it with inscribed clay nails.

En-metena 07

Vase; silver; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0007; ETCSRI Q001107.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, fashioned a gurgur vessel of purified silver for Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, from which Ninĝirsu consumes the monthly oil (offering). He displayed it for his well-being for Ninĝirsu of the E-ninnu. At that time Dudu was the temple administrator of Ninĝirsu.

En-metena 08

Tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0008; ETCSRI Q001112.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s reed shrine of the high temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 09

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0009; ETCSRI Q001095.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s reed shrine of the high temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 10

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0010; ETCSRI Q001096.

The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s reed shrine of the high temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 11

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0011; ETCSRI Q001109.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s reed shrine, may his personal god, Šul-MUŠxPA, intercede forever with Ninĝirsu in the E-ninnu for his well-being!

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

En-metena 12

Tablet; alabaster; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0012; ETCSRI Q001093.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, descendant of Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, built the sanctuary of Dugru for Ninĝirsu. He built the Ahuš, the temple that is looked upon with favour, for him.

For Lugal-Uruba, he built his great temple in Urub.

For Nanše, he built the E-engur in Zulum. For Enki, king of Eridug, he built the Abzu-pasira.

For Ninhursaĝa, he built the high temple of Tirkug. For Ninĝirsu, he built the Antasura, the temple whose fearsome radiance covers all the lands.

For Enlil, he built the E-adda in Imsaĝ. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug.

For Nanše, he built the Šage-pada. For Nanše, he built her lofty high temple. At that time, En-metena built his brewery for Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him.

The personal god of En-metena, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s brewery, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 13

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0013; ETCSRI Q003671.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ninĝirsu’s brewery, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

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

En-metena 14

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0014; ETCSRI Q001097.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, built a coach-house. The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of the coach-house, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 15

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0015; ETCSRI Q001111.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, given wisdom by Enki, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, for Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, constructed the garden of the personal quarters.... its entrance....

En-metena 16

Door socket; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0016; ETCSRI Q001098.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the sanctuary of Dugru. He built the Ahuš, the temple that is looked upon with favour, for him. For Nanše, he built the E-engur in Zulum, and built her high temple for her. He built the E-šage-pada. For Enlil, he built the E-adda in Imsaĝ. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug. He built the temple of Ninmah, the high temple of Tirkug. For Lugal-Uruba, he built his great temple in Urub. For Enki, king of Eridug, he built the Abzu-pasira. For Ninĝirsu, he built the Antasura, the temple whose fearsome radiance covers all the lands. The personal god of En-metena, the builder of the Antasura, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

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

En-metena 17

Statuette; diorite; Ur. RIME 1.09.05.0017; ETCSRI Q001091.

En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, parceled out 25 bur of land, (a field called) En-ana-tum-sur-Nanše-etaed, 11 bur of land, (a field called) Nizuh-šub in the marshland of Niĝin, next to the holy canal, and 60 bur of land, (a field called) Enlil in the area of Gu-edena for Enlil of the E-adda.

For Enlil of the E-adda. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, descendant of Ur-Nanše, king of Lagaš, built the sanctuary of Dugru for Ninĝirsu, built him the A-huš, the temple that is looked upon with favour.

For Lugal-uruba, he built his great temple in Urub. For Nanše, he built the E-engur in Zulum. For Enki, king of Eridug, he built the Abzu-pasira. For Ninhursaĝa, he built the high temple of Tirkug. For Ninĝirsu, he built the Antasura. For (Nanše), he built the Šage-pada. He built the temple of Ĝatumdug.

For Nanše, he built her lofty high temple and restored her temple. For Enlil, he built the E-adda in Imsaĝ. At that time, En-metena fashioned his (own) statue, named him "En-metena is the beloved of Enlil ", and brought it before Enlil in the temple.

May Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god of En-metena, the builder of the E-adda, pay obeisance to Enlil perpetually for the well-being of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš!

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

En-metena 18

Vase; stone; Nippur. RIME 1.09.05.0018; ETCSRI Q001105.

For Enlil of the E-adda, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, given strength by Enlil, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa,.... (When...) took him by the hand from among the multitude of people, and Enlil granted to En-metena the lofty scepter of destiny from Nibru,....

..., he transported (this) lofty vase from the mountains for his father, Enlil. Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god of En-metena,.... ... by Enlil, fashioned it and dešorated it with purified silver for him. ... this (vessel) for his own well-being, for the well-being of Lagaš, and for the well-being of....

En-metena 19

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0019; ETCSRI Q001113.

For Nanše of the E-engur. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the E-engur in the field of Zulum for Nanše, decorated it for her with gold and silver, made it worthy of her, and embellished it for her with inscribed clay nails.

En-metena 20

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0020; ETCSRI Q001102.

For Nanše of the Šeše-ĝara, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, chosen brother of Nindara, the mighty master, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, fashioned a door of white cedar, and installed it in the temple for his well-being.

En-metena 21

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0021; ETCSRI Q001099.

For Ĝatumdug, the mother of Lagaš. The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Ĝatumdug's temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 22

Door socket; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0022; ETCSRI Q001100.

For Ĝatumdug, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, the child born by Ĝatumdug,....

En-metena 23

Door socket; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0023; ETCSRI Q001101.

For Lugal-Uruba, Ama-ušumgal-ana. When Nanše gave the kingship of Lagaš to En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum, and Ninĝirsu proclaimed his name, then for Lugal-Uruba, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, built his great temple in Urub, decorated it with gold and silver, and assigned precious metals, lapis lazuli, 20 oxen, and 20 sheep to Lugal-Uruba's courtyard as regular offering. The personal god of En-metena, the builder of Lugal-Uruba's temple, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

En-metena 24

Vase; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0024; ETCSRI Q001119.

For Bau, the kind woman, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart,....

En-metena 25

Vessel; steatite or basalt; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0025; ETCSRI Q001106.

..., for Nanše he built the E-engur in Zulum. For Enki, king of Eridug, he built the Abzu-pasira. For Ninhursaĝa,.....

(When)... gave..., he displayed (this) bursaj vessel for (Inana). May....

En-metena 26

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0026; ETCSRI Q001108.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. When Ninĝirsu chose him from Ĝirnun in his holy heart, and decided his fate from the E-ninnu, and Nanše looked at him with favour from Sirara, then En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, given strength by Enlil, nourished on rich milk by Ninhursaĝa, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, the child born to Lugal-Uruba, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built a weir on the Lumagin-dug canal for Ninĝirsu with the use of 648000 fired bricks and 1840 standard gur of bitumen.

He fashioned... of Ninĝirsu....

He released (the people of) Lagaš, let the mother return to (her) child, and let the child return to (its) mother. He let... return....

Since he built a weir on the Lumagin-dug canal in the Gu-edena for him, Ninĝirsu will care about En-metena's good fame forever. Enmetena,... by Ninĝirsu, built a weir on the Lumagin-dug canal for Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, and named it for his sake "Ninĝirsu...".

The personal god of E-ana-tum, the builder of Ninĝirsu's dam, is Šul-MUŠxPA. At that time Dudu was the temple administrator of Ninĝirsu.

En-metena 27

Boulder; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0027; ETCSRI Q001094.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior. En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, built the great temple of Antasura for Ninĝirsu, and decorated it with gold and silver. He constructed the garden of the personal quarters, and installed numerous wells of fired brick in it for him.

At that time, his servant Dudu, the temple administrator of Ninĝirsu, built the wall alongside Sala in Gu-edena, and named it for his sake "The temple is the guard against the plain ". He built the wall of the ferry harbour in Ĝirsu, and named it for his sake “The lord is vigour”.

May his personal god, Šul-MUŠxPA, pay obeisance to Ninĝirsu in the E-ninnu for his well-being!

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

En-metena 28

Plaque; slate; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0028; ETCSRI Q001116.

For Ninĝirsu of the E-ninnu, Dudu, the temple administrator of Ninĝirsu, transported (this material) from Arawa, and fashioned this (plaque) for (using it with) the roof-beam nails.

Dudu, the exalted temple administrator of Ninĝirsu.

En-metena 29

Weight; stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0029; ETCSRI Q003648.

(Weight stone of 1) mana for (measuring) wool rations, (certified by) Dudu, the temple administrator.

En-metena 30

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0030; ETCSRI Q003649.

For/to Ninĝirsu of the Ahuš, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-ana-tum,....

En-metena 32add

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0032add; ETCSRI Q008415.

The personal god of..., ruler of Lagaš, the builder of the E-muš, is Šul-MUŠxPA. At that time En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, and Lugal-kiĝeneš-dudu, ruler of Unug, established brotherhood.

En-metena 33add

Canephor; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0033add; ETCSRI Q004252.

For Lugal-emuš, En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš built and restored the E-muš in Patibira, his beloved temple.

En-metena 34add

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.05.0034add; ETCSRI Q004834.

(Weight stone of) 1 mana for, (certified by) Dudu, the temple administrator of Urub.

En-metena 35add

Mace head(?); clay; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.05.0035add; ETCSRI Q009691.

By his firm command, Enlil, the king of all lands, the father of all gods....... (Uš) removed the stela and repositioned it towards the plain of Lagaš. By (Enlil’s) just command, Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, did battle with Umma. By Enlil’s command, he cast on it the great battle-net, and heaped up a burial mound for it on the plain.

The leader of Umma took... as interest bearing loan. It yielded interest and accummulated to 144,000 guru. As this (amount) of barley could not be repaid, Ur-Luma, ruler of Umma, washed away Ninĝirsu’s and Nanše’s boundary dyke. He set fire to their stelae and tore each of them out.

Il claimed the rulership of Umma for himself..... ... (En-metena) built the substructure of the Namnunda-kiĝara of stone. He constructed its dyke from the Tigris to the Id-nun. For Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, and for Nanše, the lady who loves him, he restored it. May En-metena's personal god, Šul-MUŠxPA, intercede forever for En-metena’s well-being with Ninĝirsu and Nanše!

... Having cast on him his great battle-net, may Ninĝirsu pound him down with his majestic hands, tread on him with his majestic feet! Having revolted against him in his city, may the people kill him in the middle of his city!

En-metena 36add

Brick; clay; Tell Zurghul. RIME 1.09.05.0036add; ETCSRI Q009692.

The personal god of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, child of En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, the builder of Nanše’s lofty temple terrace, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

Part VI. En-anatum II

En-anatum II 1

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.06.0001; ETCSRI Q001120.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil's warrior. En-ana-tum, ruler of Lagaš, chosen by Nanše in the heart, chief governor of Ninĝirsu, child of En-metena, ruler of Lagaš, restored (Ninĝirsu's) brewery for Ninĝirsu. The personal god of En-ana-tum, the restorer of Ninĝirsu's brewery, is Šul-MUŠxPA.

Part VII. En-entarzi

En-entarzi 1

Statuette; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.07.0001; ETCSRI Q001121.

Geme-Bau, child of En-entarzid, temple administrator of Ninĝirsu.

Part VIII. Lugal-Anda

Lugal-Anda 1 / CDLI Seals 003372

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.08.0001; ETCSRI Q003650.

Lugal-Anda-nuhuŋa, ruler of Lagaš.

Lugal-Anda 2

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.08.0002; ETCSRI Q001122.

... of Lagaš, šhosen by Nanše in the hearṭ entrusted with the lofty sšeptre by Ninĝirsu, the child born by Bau,...

... of Lagaš, erešted a stela for for Ninĝirsu, his master who loves him, and named it "Ninĝirsu, the lord, is eternally eₓalted in Nibru "for him.

... fashioned his (own) statue, named him "Lugal-Anda-nuhuĝa is never tired of šaring for Ĝirnun ",....

....

Lugal-Anda 3 / CDLI Seals 002042

Seal (not impression); stone; provenience unknown. RIME 1.09.08.0003; ETCSRI Q003651.

Barag-namtara, spouse of Lugal-Anda, ruler of Lagaš.

Part IX. URU-KA-gina

URU-KA-gina, the dynasty's last ruler, is known for inscriptions describing reforms undertaken during his reign, alongside the usual building and dedication texts.

URU-KA-gina 01

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0001; ETCSRI Q001124.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil's warrior, Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš, built the great temple of Tiraš, built the Antasura. He built the temple of Bau, built the Bur-saĝ, her house of regular offerings, built her sheep-shearing shed in Iri-kug for her. For Nanše he dredged the Id-Niĝin-du (" The-Canal-that-goes-to-Niĝin "), her beloved canal, extending it into the sea. He built the city wall of Ĝirsu for (Ninĝirsu).

Since the dawn of time, since primeval days, in the days (before me), the chief boatmen appropriated boats. Donkeys were appropriated by the chief herdsmen. Sheep were appropriated by the chief herdsmen. (Fishes) were appropriated (from) the fish container by the fisheries inspector. The gudug priests paid barley rentals in Ambar. The shepherds of wool-bearing sheep paid silver tax on the fleece of the (ritually) pure sheep.

The surveyors, chief lamentation-priests, stewards, brewers, and all overseers paid silver tax on the fleece of suckling lambs. The oxen of the gods plowed the ruler's onion plot. On the best fields of the gods were the ruler's onion and cucumber plots. The team donkeys and the unblemished oxen were harnessed for the temple administrators.

The temple administrators ' barley was allotted to the ruler's troops. As dupsik - tax all the temple administrators delivered (items like the followings:) mongoose-ear garments, … garments, šutur garments, outer garments, linen wraps, flax, bundled flax, bronze helmets, bronze spears, bronze …, burnished leather, wings of burusig birds, cumin,..., fleeced goats. The temple administrator of... regularly exploited for himself the "Poor Mothers "garden for wood, weaving baskets (from the branches).

When a corpse was buried, (the payment for) him was seven pots of beer and 420 loaves of bread. 2 barig of hazin barley, one garment, one lead goat, and one bed were taken by the uruh priest. 1 barig of barley was taken by the lu ' umuma. When someone was buried in a reed (mat) of Enki, (the payment for) him was seven pots of beer and 420 loaves of bread. 2 barig barley, one garment, one bed, and one chair were taken by the uruh priest. 1 barig of barley was taken by the lu ' umuma. The craftsmen received the bread for the šu ' ila prayer. The double men received the toll through the gate (of the netherworld).

The ruler's households and fields, the households and fields of the female (members ' of the ruler's family), the households and fields of the (ruler's) children were consolidated. From the border territory of Ninĝirsu until the sea there were commissioners acting (in the name of the ruler). After a royal attendant had built a well in the front part of his field, he assigned blind workers to it and to the irrigation canals of the field for himself. These were the customs of former times! When Ninĝirsu, Enlil’s warrior, gave the kingship of Lagaš to Iri-kagina, taking him by the hand from among the multitude of people, then, heeding the commands Ninĝirsu, his master, gave him, (Iri-kagina) replaced the determined fates of former times.

From (control over) the boats he removed the chief boatmen. From (control over) the donkeys and sheep he removed their chief herdsmen. From (control over) the fish containers he removed the fisheries inspectors. From (control over) the gudug priests ' barley rentals he removed the granary supervisors. He abolished the obligation that silver tax is to be payed on the fleece of the (ritually) pure sheep and on the fleece of suckling lambs.

He abolished the obligation that all the temple administrators pay dupsik - tax for the palace. Over the ruler's household and the ruler's fields he installed Ninĝirsu as proprietor. Over the household of the female (members ' of the ruler's family) and the fields of the female (members ' of the ruler's family) he installed Bau as proprietor. Over the household of the (ruler's) children and the fields of the (ruler's) children he installed Šul-šagana as proprietor. From the border territory of Ninĝirsu until the sea no one acts (in the name of the ruler) as commissioner anymore. When a corpse is buried, (the payment for) him is three pots of beer and 80 loaves of bread. One bed, and one lead goat is taken by the uruh priest. 3 barig of barley is taken by the lu ' umuma. When someone is buried in a reed (mat) of Enki, (the payment for) him is four pots of beer and 240 loaves of bread. 1 barig barley is taken by the uruh priest. 3 ban of barley is taken by the lu ' umuma. One woman's turban, and 1 sila of princely fragrance is taken by the erešdiĝir priestess.

The lamentation singers of Ĝirsu are (entitled to) 420 loaves of dry bread, which are bread for (those who are on) duty, 40 loaves of fresh bread, which are food allotment, 10 loaves of fresh bread, which are bread for the table, 5 loaves of bread, which are for the conscripts, and 2 mud vessels and 1 sadug vessel of beer. The lamentation singers of Lagaš are (entitled to) 490 loaves of bread, 2 mud vessels and 1 sadug vessel of beer. (Other) lamentation singers are (entitled to) 406 loaves of bread, 1 mud vessel and 1 sadug vessel of beer. The group of old wailing women is (entitled to) 250 loaves of bread and and 1 mud vessel of beer. The... of Niĝin are (entitled to) 180 loaves of bread and and 1 mud vessel of beer. For a blind worker who serves at..., his bread allotment is 1 loaf, 5 loaves are his midnight bread, 1 loaf is his midday bread, and 6 loaves are his evening bread.

The man of the saĝbur priest who is to perform for the city is (entitled to) 60 loaves of bread, 1 mud vessel of beer, and 3 ban of barley. The double men's toll through the gate (of the netherworld) is revoked. The craftsmen's bread for the šu ' ila prayer is revoked. The temple administrator of... no longer enters the "Poor mothers "garden. When a fine donkey is born to a royal attendant and his overseer says to him “I want to buy it from you”; whether he sells it to him saying “Pay me the silver that satisfies my heart!”, or whether he does not sell it to him, the foreman must not become angry with him because of that!’ When the house of a royal attendant borders on the house of an important man, and that important man says to him “I want to buy it from you”; whether he sells it to him saying “Pay me the silver that satisfies my heart! My house is a large container, fill it with barley for me!” or whether he does not sell it to him, the foreman must not become angry with him because of that!’

... He pardoned the citizen of Lagaš: the indebted ones, those who stole, and those who killed. He released them. Iri-kagina made an agreement with Ninĝirsu that he would not surrender the orphan or the widow to the powerful. In the same year, he dredged the Id-tur (" Little-canal ") that belongs to Ĝirsu for Ninĝirsu. He replaced its former name, Iri-kagina named it now as "Id-Ninĝirsu-Nibruta-nirĝal "(" Ninĝirsu-is-respected-in-Nibru-canal "), and extended it until the Id-Niĝin-du-canal for him. May the canal, which is holy and whose current is pure, bring fresh water for Nanše!

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

URU-KA-gina 02

Cone, jar; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0002; ETCSRI Q001123.

For Ninĝirsu, Enlil's warrior, Iri-kagina, king of Ĝirsu, built the Antasura, his temple, the abundance of the Land, and his great temple of Tiraš. He built the temple of Bau.....

For Igalim he built the E-mehušgal-anki. For Šul-šagana he built his Kitušakkile. For Lama-saga, his guide, he built her temple; and within it he built temples for Zazaru, Ni-pae, and Urnunta-ea. For Ninnisig, Ninĝirsu's butcher, he built his temple.

For Enlil, he built the Adda in Imsaĝ. For Nanše he dredged her beloved canal, the Id-Niĝin-du. He built the Eninnu at its beginning, and built the E-Sirara at its end. For Ninĝirsu he dredged his beloved canal, the Pa-Saman-kaša.....

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

URU-KA-gina 22add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.002add; ETCSRI Q001138.

Guards of the city wall: Amar-ezen, the captain. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 04

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0004; ETCSRI Q001132.

For Nanše he dredged her beloved canal, the Id-Niĝin-du. He built the Eninnu at its beginning, and built the E-Sirara at its end.

.... On the tenth day they.... "As for me, what do I have to do with that?", he said. I have šommitted no violenše.... my šity....

... He surrounded Ŋirsu. Iri-kagina fought with him and raised (Ŋirsuś) wall against him.... left to his šity. He šame then a sešond time.

URU-KA-gina 05

Tablet; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0005; ETCSRI Q001133.

The leader of Umma set fire to boundary levees. He set fire to the Antasura. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He looted the great temple of Tiraš. He looted the Abzu-banda. He looted the pedestal of Enlil and the pedestal of Utu.

He looted the Ahuš. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He looted the E-babbar. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He looted the high temple of Ninmah in Tirkug. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli.

He looted the Bagara. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He set fire to the Dugru. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He looted the Abzu-ega. He set fire to the temple of Ĝatumdug. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He destroyed all its statues.

He set fire to Inana’s oval E-ana. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He destroyed all its statues. He looted the Šagepada. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli.

In Henda he tore down all the canopies. In Kieša, he looted the temple of Nindara. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. In Kinunir, he set fire to the temple of Dumzid-abzu. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli.

He set fire to the temple of Lugal-Uruba. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. He looted the E-engura of Nanše. He seized all its precious metal and lapis lazuli. In Saĝub, he looted the temple of Ama-ĝeštin. He seized all her precious metal and lapis lazuli from (the statue of) Ama-ĝeštin, and threw (the statue) in (the temple’s) well.

He tore out the barley of all the cultivated fields of Ninĝirsu. Having raided Lagaš, the leader of Umma surely committed a sin against Ninĝirsu! He raised a hand against him, (and that hand) must be cut off! Iri-kagina, the king of Ĝirsu, is not capable of punishment. May Nisaba, the personal god of Lugal-zage-si, the ruler of Umma, take the responsibility for the punishment!

URU-KA-gina 06

Tablet; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0006; ETCSRI Q001128.

[This inscription — 41 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.]

URU-KA-gina 07

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0007; ETCSRI Q001129.

[This inscription — 43 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.]

URU-KA-gina 08

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0008; ETCSRI Q001126.

[This inscription — 19 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.]

URU-KA-gina 09

Door socket; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0009; ETCSRI Q001130.

For... he built his great temple of Tiraš, built his royal.... For Bau he built.... May Šul-MUŠxPA, the personal god Iri-kagina, the builder of Ninĝirsu's E-ĝidru, pay obeisance to Ninĝirsu perpetually for (Iri-kagina's) well-being!

URU-KA-gina 10

Brick; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0010; ETCSRI Q001127.

....

For Šul-šagana he built the Kitušakkile, and built the Bursaĝ, his house from which the regular offerings are delivered for him.

For Enlil, he built the Adda in Imsaĝ. For Ninĝirsu he dug her beloved canal, the Pa-Saman-kaša.

... Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš,....

URU-KA-gina 11

Vase; stone; Sippar. RIME 1.09.09.0011; ETCSRI Q001131.

To Bau, the kind woman, Ninĝirsu-luĝu, the envoy,... this (vase) for the life of Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 12 / CDLI Seals 012020

Bulla; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0012; ETCSRI Q003652.

For Ninĝirsu. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 13

Weight; stone; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0013; ETCSRI Q003653.

(Weight stone of) 15 shekel, for Ninĝirsu (certified by) Iri-kagina, king of Ĝirsu.

URU-KA-gina 14a

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014a; ETCSRI Q001150.

This (tree whose name is:) "Ninĝirsu will not revoke what he has agreed on with Iri-kagina "was planted by Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš "

URU-KA-gina 14b

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014b; ETCSRI Q001151.

This (tree whose name is:) "Ninĝirsu assigned position to Iri-kagina "was planted by Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš "

URU-KA-gina 14c

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014c; ETCSRI Q001152.

The datepalm tree standing on the right side, whose name is "Then king is never tired of caring for Eridug ", was planted by Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš. (Year) 3."

URU-KA-gina 14d

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014d; ETCSRI Q001153.

The 80 meš trees of third quality, from the garden of the personal quarters, were planted by Iri-kagina, king of Ŋirsu within the shrine. (Year) 10."

URU-KA-gina 14e

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014e; ETCSRI Q001154.

The name of this (object) is: "Ninĝirsu is the fertile field of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14f

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014f; ETCSRI Q001155.

The name of this (object) is: "Ninĝirsu cast his protecting arms over Iri-kagina like an anzud bird ".

URU-KA-gina 14g

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014g; ETCSRI Q001156.

The name of this (object) is: "Ninĝirsu decided with Bau in favour of Iri-kagina in the temple of Unug ".

URU-KA-gina 14h

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014h; ETCSRI Q001157.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the mother of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14i

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014i; ETCSRI Q001158.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the counsellor of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14j

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014j; ETCSRI Q001159.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the vigour of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14k

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014k; ETCSRI Q001160.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau takes care of Iri-kagina's throne ".

URU-KA-gina 14l

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014l; ETCSRI Q001161.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau declared: ' The crushing youth is Iri-kagina '".

URU-KA-gina 14m

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014m; ETCSRI Q001162.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the guide of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14n

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014n; ETCSRI Q001163.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the true diadem of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14o

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014o; ETCSRI Q001164.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau confirmed what was told by Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14p

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014p; ETCSRI Q001165.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau, who is worthy of the dais of Irikug, loves Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14q

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014q; ETCSRI Q001166.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau, the "May all bow down!" of Irikug, bore Iri-kagina to be a shepherd ".

URU-KA-gina 14r

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014r; ETCSRI Q001167.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau, the daughter-in-law of Eridug, walks in front of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14s

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014s; ETCSRI Q001168.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau stood by the entreaties of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14t

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014t; ETCSRI Q001169.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau stood by the prayers of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14u

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014u; ETCSRI Q001170.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau's love for Iri-kagina is never ending ".

URU-KA-gina 14v

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014v; ETCSRI Q001171.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau, (endowed with) deep understanding, assigned position to Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 14w

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0014w; ETCSRI Q001172.

The name of this (object) is: "Bau is the protector of Iri-kagina ".

URU-KA-gina 17add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0017add; ETCSRI Q001134.

Guards of the city wall: Ebabbar. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 19add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0019add; ETCSRI Q001135.

Guards of the city wall: Nanše. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 20add

Tablet; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0020add; ETCSRI Q001136.

Guards of the city wall: Lugal-metena. the man of Inim-duga. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 21add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0021add; ETCSRI Q001137.

Guards of the city wall: Ur-igi, the captain. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 23add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0023add; ETCSRI Q001139.

Guards of the city wall: Šul-šeš, the captain. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 24add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0024add; ETCSRI Q001140.

Guards of the city wall: Dundun, the captain. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 25add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0025add; ETCSRI Q001141.

Guards of the city wall: Zagmu, the captain. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 26add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0026add; ETCSRI Q001142.

Guards of the city wall: Aba-naĝ, the captain of the soldiers. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 27add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0027add; ETCSRI Q001143.

Guards of the city wall: Amar-Girid, the captain is Urdu. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 28add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0028add; ETCSRI Q001144.

Guards of the city wall: Amar-ezen, the captain of the.... Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 29add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0029add; ETCSRI Q001145.

Guards of the city wall: Lu-zabar, the captain is Amar-ezen. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 30add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0030add; ETCSRI Q001146.

Guards of the city wall: Meš-barag, the captain is Lu-idmah. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 31add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0031add; ETCSRI Q001147.

Guards of the city wall: Ur-Ningublaga, the captain is Šul-barag. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš. Fifth (year).

URU-KA-gina 32add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0032add; ETCSRI Q001148.

Guards of the city wall: Inana-ursaĝ, overseer of the palace staff. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 33add

Tag; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0033add; ETCSRI Q001149.

Guards of the city wall: shepherds and cowherds. Iri-kagina, king of Lagaš.

URU-KA-gina 34add

Cone; clay; Girsu (modern Tello). RIME 1.09.09.0034add; ETCSRI Q004873.

... were the rulerś onion plots. The team donkeys and the unblemished oxen....

Bau became the owner of all the households and fields of the female (members ' of the ruler's family).... all the households fields of the (ruler's) children.

The... of Niĝin are (entitled to) 180 loaves of bread and and 1 mud vessel of beer. The double men's toll through the gate (of the netherworld) is revoked.

Part X. LUM-ma of Adab

LUM-ma is not part of the Ur-Nanše–URU-KA-gina line; his two short inscriptions, from Adab rather than Lagaš, are filed by ETCSRI's own catalogue alongside this dynasty's Early Dynastic material and are gathered here rather than left out.

LUM-ma 1

Vessel; stone; Adab. RIME 1.01.05.0001; ETCSRI Q001204.

E-kiri, Luma,....

LUM-ma 2

Cup; steatite; Adab. RIME 1.01.05.0002; ETCSRI Q001205.

..., Luma, ruler of....

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 transliterated Early Dynastic text of the Lagaš dynasty in its corpus, together with LUM-ma of Adab's two related texts (171 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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