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Lugal-zage-si facts for kids

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Lugal-Zage-Si
𒈗𒍠𒄀𒋛
  • Governor of Umma
  • King of Uruk
  • King of the Land
Prisoner exiting a cage, on an Akkadian Empire victory stele circa 2300 BCE, Louvre Museum.jpg
Prisoner in a cage, probably king Lugalzagesi of Uruk due to his oversize figure, being hit on the head with a mace by Sargon of Akkad. Akkadian Empire victory stele circa 2300 BCE. Louvre Museum.
King of Sumer
Reign c. 2358 - 2334 BCE MC
Predecessor
Successor Sargon of Akkad (Akkadian Empire)
Dynasty 3rd Dynasty of Uruk

Lugal-Zage-Si (also spelled Lugalzaggesi or Lugalzagesi) was an important ancient ruler. He was the last Sumerian king before a new empire took over. He ruled around 2358 to 2334 BCE.

Lugal-Zage-Si started as the governor of a city called Umma. Later, he became known as the only king of the Third Dynasty of Uruk.

Rise to Power: From Umma to King of Sumer

Lugal-Zage-Si first gained fame as the leader of Umma. His city had been fighting for a very long time against another city-state called Lagash. This fight was over a rich, fertile area known as Gu-Edin.

Lugal-Zage-Si led Umma to a big victory against Lagash. This win made him very powerful. After this success, he managed to unite many Sumerian cities. For a short time, he ruled over all of Sumer as one kingdom.

The End of His Reign

Lugal-Zage-Si's rule marked the end of an era for Sumer. He was eventually defeated by Sargon of Akkad. Sargon was a powerful new leader who created the Akkadian Empire. This empire would soon take control of all of Sumer.

Images for kids

  • Sumer (map)

    This map shows the approximate territory of Sumer under King Lugal-Zage-Si. The orange area was his kingdom around 2350 BCE, just before the Akkadian Empire rose to power.

  • Battle between the Sumerians and Semites

    This picture from the 20th century shows a battle. On the left are Sumerians, and on the right are Semites, who are armed with bows and arrows.

  • Lamentation about the ruin of Lagash, Uru-Ka-gina period, circa 2350 BCE Tello, ancient Girsu

    This ancient text is a lament, or sad poem, about the fall of Lagash. It describes how Lugalzagesi's forces defeated Lagash around 2350 BCE.

  • Lugalzagesi ensi Ummaki (with transcription)

    This is an ancient inscription that reads "Lugalzagesi, Governor of Umma" in cuneiform writing. It comes from the "Lamentation about the ruin of Lagash."

  • Prisoners on the victory stele of an Akkadian king circa 2300 BCE Louvre Museum Sb 3

    This image shows prisoners being led by a soldier on a victory stone (stele) from Sargon of Akkad, around 2300 BCE. The prisoners' hair (curly on top, short on sides) was a common style for Sumerians, as seen in other ancient art like the Standard of Ur.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lugalzagesi para niños

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