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A'annepada
𒀀𒀭𒉌𒅆𒊒𒁕
King of Kish, King of Ur
Gold items PG 580.jpg
Gold dagger from tomb PG 580, thought to belong to A'annepada.
Reign fl. c. 2600 BCE
Predecessor Mesannepada
Successor Meskiagnun (brother)
House First Dynasty of Ur
Ur is located in West and Central Asia
Ur
Location in West and Central Asia

A'annepada (Sumerian: 𒀀𒀭𒉌𒅆𒊒𒁕, romanized: Aanépàdda) was an important king from ancient Mesopotamia. He ruled the city of Ur around 2600 BCE. Ur was a very powerful city-state at that time.

A'annepada was the son of another famous king, Mesannepada. Some historians believe that his tomb might be a special burial site called PG 580 in the Royal Cemetery at Ur.

Messages from the Past

Ancient kings often left messages to show their power. A'annepada did this too.

Votive Tablets

A votive tablet is a special stone or clay tablet. People dedicated these tablets to gods. They were often placed in temples.

Several tablets with A'annepada's name have been found. These tablets were dedicated to the goddess Ninhursag. They also proudly state that Mesannepada was his father.

Stone foundation inscription, from Tell al-Ubaid, Iraq, 2500 BCE. British Museum (horizontal)
A'annepada tablet inscription. British Museum.

One tablet says:

"For Nin-hursag: A'annepada, king of Ur, son of Mesannepada, king of Ur, built the temple for Ninhursag."

—Dedication tablet by King A'annepada, British Museum, BM 116982.

This shows that A'annepada built a temple for the goddess Ninhursag. It also highlights his connection to his father, King Mesannepada.

Foundation Cone

Another important object found is a foundation cone. This cone is made of a copper alloy. It was discovered in Ur.

Foundation cone of A'annepada for Inanna, British Museum BM 90951
Foundation cone of A'annepada for Inanna, British Museum BM 90951.

This cone has an inscription dedicated to the goddess Inanna. It is now kept in the British Museum.

The cone was found in 1854 by an explorer named John George Taylor. It was discovered with two other special items. These items were likely placed together as a foundation deposit. This means they were buried to bless a new building.

The cone is about 34 centimeters long. It weighs about 1.7 kilograms. For many years, the message on the cone was not understood. It was finally translated in 1928.

  • Plaque with woman face BM 122113

    A beautiful lapis lazuli portrait of a woman. It was found with the cone.

  • Carved stone with handle Ur 2500 BCE

    A carved stone with a handle. This was also found in the same spot.

  • A'annepada foundation cone BM 90951 in 1915

    The A'annepada foundation cone in 1915. This was before its message was understood.

Royal Treasures from Tomb PG 580

Historians believe that tomb PG 580 in the Royal Cemetery at Ur might be A'annepada's burial place. This tomb contained many amazing objects. These items give us clues about the wealth and art of ancient Ur.

  • British Museum - Room 56 (20566120524)

    A finely crafted dagger.

  • Copper alloy axe - Ur RT

    An axe made of copper alloy.

  • Copper Alloy Chisel, Harpoons, Lance and Spear Heads

    Tools and weapons like chisels, harpoons, and spear heads.

  • Jewellery PG 580 - Ur RT

    Beautiful jewelry found in the tomb.

  • Jewellery PG 580 2 - Ur RT

    More examples of the rich jewelry from PG 580.

  • Bead with filligree and cloisons PG 580 Royal Cemetery of Ur BM 121427

    A bead with detailed designs called filigree and cloisonné.

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