Ur-Nammu

(reigned ca. 2113-2094 b.c.)

   An important and accomplished ruler of the Sumerian city of Ur and the founder of the ruling family and empire known today as the Third Dynasty of Ur, or Ur-III. Ur-Nammu began as governor of Ur under Uruk's ruler and would-be imperialist, Utuhegal. But after they successfully drove away the Guti, a hill people from the Zagros range, Ur-Nammu declared his and Ur's independence and began asserting control over other Sumerian cities, including Lagash. As his empire grew, he created a central administration that oversaw outlying provinces run by governors. He also instituted building programs, including work on the great ziggurat at Ur, new canals, improvements in Ur's defensive walls, and the planting of large orchards of date palms. Ur-Nammu eventually died from wounds sustained in battle with the Guti, who remained a menace throughout his reign. His death and burial were commemorated in a hymn, large parts of which survive, including the following passage:

   The wise shepherd ... does not give orders any more ... in battle and combat. The king, the advocate of Sumer, the ornament of the assembly, Ur-Nammu . . . the leader of Sumer, lies sick. His hands, which used to grasp, cannot grasp any more, [because] he lies sick. His feet ... cannot step any more. He lies sick. Ur-Nammu, he who was beloved by the troops, could not raise his neck any more. The wise one lay down; [and soon] silence descended. As he, who was the vigor of the land, had fallen, the land became demolished like a mountain; like a cypress forest it was stripped, its appearance changed. As if he were a boxwood tree, they put axes against him in his joyous dwelling place [i.e., his tomb]. As if he were a sappy cedar tree, he was uprooted in the palace where he used to sleep. . . . His appointed time had arrived, and he passed away in his prime. After . . . ten days had passed, lamenting for Sumer overwhelmed . . . Ur-Nammu. My king's heart was full of tears. . .. He could not complete the wall of Urim. He could no longer enjoy the new palace he had built. . . . He could no longer bring pleasure to his wife with his embrace; he could not bring up his sons on his knees.

   See also: Guti; Lagash; Third Dynasty of Ur