Ilu-shuma facts for kids

Ilu-shuma was an ancient king of Assyria. He lived around 2000 BCE. His father was King Shalim-ahum. We don't know exactly how long Ilu-shuma ruled. Ancient records, called the Assyrian King List, mention him. But they don't say how many years he was king. This is because the way they dated years back then (using "eponyms" or names of officials) isn't fully known for his time.

After Ilu-shuma, his son Erishum I became king. Erishum I ruled for many years. Another son, Ikunum, also became king later. Ilu-shuma called himself "vice-regent of Assur". This meant he was like a special representative of the city's main god, Ashur. He also said he was loved by the gods Ashur and Ishtar.

Life and Rule

Trade and Agreements

Ilu-shuma was known for his efforts in trade. He wanted to make it easier for people to trade in Assyria. A special message from him talks about his deals with people from the south.

He said:

"The freedom of the Akkadians and their children I established. I purified their copper. I established their freedom from the border of the marshes and Ur and Nippur, Awal, and Kismar, Der of the god Ishtaran, as far as Assur."

Historians think this means Ilu-shuma offered special tax breaks. He wanted to attract traders from southern cities to Assyria. This would help Assyria control the trade of copper and tin. The cities mentioned were important stops on trade routes.

Building Projects

Ilu-shuma also worked on many building projects. He built the old temple of the goddess Ishtar. He also built a strong city wall to protect Assur. He divided the city into smaller areas for houses. He even changed the flow of two springs to bring water to the city gates. These gates were called Aushum and Wertum.

Later, another king named Tukulti-Ninurta I mentioned Ilu-shuma. Tukulti-Ninurta I built a new temple next to Ilu-shuma's Ishtar temple. He said Ilu-shuma ruled 720 years before him. This suggests that people still remembered Ilu-shuma's reign length.

See also

• Timeline of the Assyrian Empire
• Early Period of Assyria
• List of Assyrian kings
• Assyrian continuity
• Assyrian people
• Assyria