Gudea

Common card · No. 317516

Gudea (, goo-DAY-ə; Sumerian: 𒅗𒌤𒀀, Gu3-de2-a) was a ruler of the city-state of Lagash, in southern Mesopotamia, in the land of Sumer. He reigned around 2150/2130-2120/2110 BC. Gudea's reign took place during the period known as the Second Dynasty of Lagash, when the city regained its independence after the fall of the Akkadian Empire and before being incorporated into the Third Dynasty of Ur, probably at the end of his reign or shortly thereafter. Little is known about the political and military situation under Gudea: in his inscriptions, the king mentions only one military campaign and remains silent about relations with other kings. Among Mesopotamian rulers, Gudea stands out because he was not a king whose warrior qualities were emphasized. His known activities primarily concern his pious deeds, notably the restoration of the great temples of his kingdom. He is best known for the numerous statues representing him, which he dedicated to the gods of his country as a sign of his great reverence...

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