Shalim-ahum facts for kids

Shalim-ahum was an important early ruler of the ancient city of Assur. He lived a very long time ago, around the 20th century BC. He is one of the first kings of Assur whose name appears on his own ancient writings.

Who Was Shalim-ahum?

Shalim-ahum's name, Šallim-aḫḫe, means "keep the brothers safe." He was the son of another ruler named Puzur-Ashur I. We know this from an old inscription, which is like a carved message from his time.

The Assyrian King List mentions Shalim-ahum. This list is a record of ancient kings. It says that the length of his rule is not known. He and other early kings used special titles. They were called išši’ak Aššur, which means "vice regent of Assur." They were also called ensí, another ancient title for a ruler.

Building for the Gods

Archaeologists found a special stone block with Shalim-ahum's name on it. This stone was found during excavations in Assur. The writing on it was very old and even written backward in some parts!

This ancient message tells us something important. It says that the god Ashur asked Shalim-ahum to build a temple. Shalim-ahum also built places for "beer vats and storage" in the temple area. This shows how important religion was in ancient times.

Ancient Trade and Successors

Shalim-ahum ruled during a time when traders from Assur were becoming very active. These traders set up special trading posts called karums. They traveled to a region called Anatolia (which is in modern-day Turkey).

The traders from Assur would sell things like textiles (cloth) and tin. In return, they would buy silver. This trade helped the city of Assur become richer and more powerful.

Shalim-ahum was followed by his son, Ilu-shuma, as the next ruler. We know this from other ancient writings. Shalim-ahum's name also appears in the family tree of his grandson, Erishum I. This shows how important family connections were for rulers back then.

This map shows how traders from Assur traveled to different places like Anatolia to trade goods.