Shulgi
Shulgi, the son of Ur-Nammu, reigned as king during the Third Ur Dynasty from approximately 2094 to 2047 BCE. Ascending to the throne at a young age following his father's death in battle, Shulgi initially focused on domestic governance, prioritizing the construction and enhancement of temples. As his reign progressed, he took significant steps to solidify his power, including appointing his daughter as high priestess and orchestrating dynastic marriages. He is notable for establishing a standing army and for deifying himself, reflecting his desire to enhance his authority.
In the latter part of his reign, Shulgi expanded the kingdom's territory, incorporating regions from Mesopotamia to western Iran. He implemented a sophisticated tax system and built defensive walls to protect his state. Additionally, he reformed writing and measurement systems and introduced a statewide calendar. Shulgi's reign is remembered for its economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy, with many Sumerian literary works emerging during this time. His legacy significantly influenced Mesopotamian literature and political thought, establishing him as a revered figure in the region's history.
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Shulgi
Related civilizations: Iraq, Ur, Neo-Sumeria
Major role/position: King
Life
Shulgi (SHOOL-gee; r. c. 2094-c. 2047 b.c.e.), the son of Ur-Nammu, came to the throne of the Third Ur Dynasty rather young upon his father’s death in battle. He focused on domestic politics in the first part of his reign, constructing and furnishing temples. In the middle of his reign, he installed one daughter as high priestess in Ur and arranged dynastic marriages for others. He also established a standing army and deified himself.
In the latter part of his reign, Shulgi campaigned repeatedly and expanded the state to its maximum, from Mesopotamia to western Iran. He built defensive walls and devised an intricate tax system that incorporated the newly acquired peripheral areas into the state economy. He instituted a statewide calendar and reformed systems of writing and measurement.
Shulgi supervised governors with generals selected mostly from royal families. The state chancellor, the king’s right-hand man, helped to supervise vassal states.
Shulgi’s dynasty flourished economically and culturally, and many Sumerian compositions originated in his reign. Hymns praised him as a divine king and multitalented sage who mastered the scribal arts.
Influence
Shulgi brought the Third Ur Dynasty to its apex and had a long-lasting influence on Mesopotamian literature and political ideology.
Bibliography
Klein, Jacob. “Shulgi of Ur: King of Neo-Sumerian Empire.” In vol. 3 of Civilizations of the Ancient Near East, edited by Jack M. Sasson et al. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1995.
Kuhrt, Amélie. The Ancient Near East, c. 3000-330 b.c. 2 vols. London: Routledge, 1995.