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Nin-kisalsi facts for kids

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Nin-kisalsi
𒎏APOLIS
Headless votive statue, from Adab, Iraq, early dynastic period. Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul.jpg
Headless votive statue, from Adab, Iraq, early dynastic period. Museum of the Ancient Orient, Istanbul
Reign 26th century BCE
Dynasty Dynasty of Adab
Religion Sumerian religion
Location in Near East

Nin-kisalsi (Sumerian: 𒎏APOLIS) was an ancient ruler from Sumer. He governed the city of Adab in Mesopotamia. He lived around 2500 BCE, which was a very long time ago!

Who Was Nin-kisalsi?

Nin-kisalsi was a leader in the ancient land of Sumer. Sumer was a powerful civilization in what is now Iraq. He ruled the city-state of Adab. This city was an important center in ancient Mesopotamia.

Ruler of Ancient Adab

Adab was one of many city-states in Sumer. Each city-state had its own ruler. Nin-kisalsi was the ensi of Adab. An ensi was like a governor or a local king. He was responsible for the city's well-being.

How Do We Know About Him?

Nin-kisalsi's name is not found on the famous Sumerian King List. This list names many early Sumerian kings. However, we know about Nin-kisalsi from a special object. His name was carved into it long ago.

The Mesilim Inscription

Historians found a piece of a stone bowl. This bowl has writing on it. This type of carving is called an inscription. The inscription mentions Nin-kisalsi. It says:

𒈨𒁲 𒈗𒆧𒆠/ 𒂍𒊬 𒁓 𒈬𒄄 / 𒎏APOLIS} 𒑐𒋼𒋛 𒌓𒉣

"Me-silim, king of Kish, to the Esar temple sent over (this) bowl (for the burgi ritual). Nin-KISALsi, (was) the governor of Adab."

—Inscription of Mesilim mentioning Nin-Kisalsi

This inscription is very important. It tells us about Nin-kisalsi's time. It also shows his connection to another powerful king.

Nin-kisalsi and King Mesilim

The inscription mentions King Mesilim of Kish. Kish was another strong city-state. It seems that Mesilim was a more powerful king. Nin-kisalsi was likely under his rule. This means Nin-kisalsi was a "vassal" of Mesilim. A vassal ruler was loyal to a more powerful "suzerain" king. They lived at the same time. Another ruler, Lugalshaengur of Lagash, was also a vassal of Mesilim. This shows how power was shared in ancient Sumer.

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