Mesannepada Facts for Kids

Mesannepada (pronounced Meh-san-neh-PAH-dah) was a very important king in ancient Mesopotamia, a land now mostly in modern-day Iraq. He was the first king listed for the First Dynasty of Ur, a powerful kingdom around 2600 BC. The ancient Sumerian king list says he ruled for 80 years! He became king after defeating the city of Uruk. Some old seals found in the Royal Cemetery at Ur even call him the "King of Kish", which shows how powerful he was.

Quick facts for kids Mesannepada 𒈩𒀭𒉌𒅆𒊒𒁕
King of Kish, King of Ur
This is a picture of a cylinder seal from Mesannepada's time. It shows a king, a mythical bull, and lions. It also has writing that says "Mesannepada, king of Kish."
Reign	fl. c. 2600 BC
Predecessor	Akalamdug
Successor	A'annepada
Spouse	Nintur
Issue	A'annepada Meskiagnun
House	First Dynasty of Ur
Father	Meskalamdug

Family and Discoveries
Mesannepada's Rule
The Royal Cemetery of Ur
See also

Family and Discoveries

Mesannepada was the son of another important ruler, Meskalamdug. We know this because of amazing discoveries made by archaeologists.

The Mari Bead

One special discovery was a lapis-lazuli bead found in a city called Mari. This bead had writing on it that said:

"To god Lugalkalam, Mesannepada, king of Ur, son of Meskalamdug, king of Kish, has consecrated this bead."

—Mesannepada Mari bead

This bead shows that Mesannepada was the son of Meskalamdug. It also tells us that Meskalamdug was once a "King of Kish." The bead was part of a collection of items called the "Treasure of Ur," found in Mari. This suggests that Ur and Mari had some kind of connection a long, long time ago.

The lapis lazuli bead from Mari. It says "King of Ur" in ancient writing.
A drawing of the writing on the Mari bead.

A Son's Dedication

Mesannepada also had a son named A'annepada. We know about A'annepada from special stone tablets he made. These tablets say that A'annepada, "king of Ur, son of Mesannepada, king of Ur," built a temple for the goddess Ninhursag. This helps us understand the family tree of these ancient kings.

This stone tablet was made by Mesannepada's son, A'annepada. It mentions his father, Mesannepada.

The Sumerian King List

The Sumerian King List is an ancient document that lists the kings of Sumer and how long they ruled. Mesannepada is the very first king mentioned for the First Dynasty of Ur. The list says:

"... Uruk with weapons was struck down, the kingship to Ur was carried off. In Ur Mesannepada was king, 80 years he ruled..."

—Sumerian King List, 137-147.

While 80 years is a very long time for a king to rule, especially back then, it shows how important he was considered. The list also names his son, Meskiagnun, as his successor.

Mesannepada is listed as the first ruler of the First Dynasty of Ur on this ancient Sumerian King List.

The Tummal Chronicle

Another ancient text, called the Tummal Inscription, also mentions Mesannepada. This tablet talks about kings who helped maintain a very important temple in the city of Nippur. It says that Mesannepada built a part of the temple for the god Enlil. His son, Meskiagnun, also helped keep the temple strong. This shows that Mesannepada was a powerful ruler who cared about important religious sites.

Mesannepada's Rule

Mesannepada's rule marked a time when the city of Ur became very powerful and influential. He expanded Ur's reach, not just through fighting, but also through diplomacy and trade.

This is a seal impression that says "Mesannepada, King of Kish." It was found in the Royal Cemetery at Ur.

The lapis-lazuli bead found in Mari, mentioned earlier, is a great example of this. It suggests that Ur had connections with distant cities like Mari. Many seals found in the Royal Cemetery at Ur also have the names of Mesannepada and his family members, like his wife, Queen Nintur, and his parents.

Mesannepada took the title "King of Kish". This was a very important title in ancient Sumer, showing that he was the most powerful ruler in the region. It meant he had control over many other cities.

This cylinder seal says "Queen Nintur, wife of Mesannepadda." It was found in the Royal Cemetery at Ur.

Mesannepada's son, Aannepadda, who built the temple for Ninhursag, is another sign of the family's power. This temple was located near a place called el-Obed.

A seal from Mesannepada's time showing a unique "human wheel" design.

The Royal Cemetery of Ur

Archaeologists believe that Mesannepada's tomb might be in the famous Royal Cemetery at Ur. This cemetery is known for its incredibly rich burials, including many valuable treasures and even evidence of human sacrifices.

Some experts think that tomb PG 1232 or PG 1237, which is sometimes called "the Great Death-Pit," could be his. These tombs contained amazing artifacts, showing the wealth and power of the rulers of Ur.