Enmetena

Enmetena (also Entemena) was a Sumerian king of Lagaš .

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Relief of the priest Dudu, reign of Enmetena ( lion eagle , type A).

From Enmetena's reign, so-called royal inscriptions have come down to us, which the ruler had added on special occasions such as buildings or victories. These royal inscriptions were placed on objects such as steles, statues and seals, but also on buildings.

Compared to the inscriptions of its predecessors, a higher level can be recognized. This growth process has been noticeable for several generations. Enmetena's inscriptions also serve as a source for his uncle Eanatum .

Domination

Enmetena was the nephew of King Enanatum I of Lagaš. His reign falls in the second half of the 25th century BC. Edzard, who calculates the reigns of individual rulers in generations from 20-30 years, gives Enmetena the time around 2430 BC. Chr.

Enmetena's uncle E-ana-tum had subjugated the city of Umma and obliged to pay taxes. Relations between Umma and Lagaš continued to be hostile. Ur-Lumma , the ruler of Umma, had already been an opponent of Enanatum I. Umma now refused to pay taxes on land leased from Lagaš. Ur-lumma invaded Enmetena's area, destroying various border markings.

Despite the support of a Semitic ruler from northern Mesopotamia, Ur-Lumma was defeated near the border area between Lagaš and Umma and part of his army was taken prisoner. A conquest of Umma did not take place, however, because there Il, the ruler of Zabalam , had risen to become the new king and refused to submit. The previously unknown helpers of Ur-Lummas from northern Mesopotamia seem to have held hegemony over Sumer and to have created peace between Ummah and Lagaš.

literature

• Dietz-Otto Edzard : History of Mesopotamia. CH Beck, Munich 2004, pp. 52 f., 55, 75, ISBN 3-406-51664-5
• Helmut Uhlig: The Sumerians . Lübbe, Bergisch Gladbach 1992, p. 172 ff., 208 f., ISBN 3-404-64117-5 .

Web links

Commons : Entemena  - collection of images, videos and audio files