The First Dynasty of Lagash, which holds…

The First Dynasty of Lagash, which holds power from about 2500 BCE to about 2271 BCE, is not mentioned in the King List, though it is well known from inscriptions.

Eannatum, grandson of Ur-Nanshe, is a king of Lagash who conquers all of Sumer, including Ur, Nippur, Akshak (controlled by Zuzu), Larsa, and Uruk (controlled by Enshakushanna, who is on the King List).

He also annexes the kingdom of Kish, which is to regain its independence after his death.

He makes Umma a tributary, where every person had to pay a certain amount of grain into the treasury of the goddess Nina and the god Ingurisa.

Eannatum expands his influence beyond the boundaries of Sumer, conquering parts of Elam, including the city Az on the Persian Gulf, allegedly smites Shubur, and demands tribute as far as Mari.

However, often parts of his empire are in revolt.

During Eannatum’s reign, many temples and palaces are built, especially in Lagash.

The city of Nina, probably a precursor of Niniveh, is rebuilt, with many canals and reservoirs being excavated.