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Ur-Baba
Sumerian: 𒌨𒀭𒁀𒌑
Ruler of Lagash
Diorite Statue of Ur-Ba'u, Prince of Lagash, c. 2130 BC.jpg
Diorite Statue of Ur-Ba'u (Ur-Baba), Prince of Lagash. Louvre Museum, AO 9.
Reign c. 2100 BC
Predecessor Kaku or Kakug
Successor Gudea
Dynasty Ruler of Lagash
Location in Near East

Ur-Baba (also spelled Ur-Bau) was an important ruler of an ancient city called Lagash. He was known as an ensi, which means a governor or ruler. He lived a very long time ago, around 2100 BC.

Ur-Baba's name means "servant of the goddess Bau." Bau was a special goddess in ancient Sumer. In some old writings, Ur-Baba even said he was a child of the god Ninagal.

Who Was Ur-Baba?

Ur-Baba ruled the city of Lagash in ancient Mesopotamia. This was a powerful city-state in what is now modern-day Iraq. He was in charge for about 13 years.

Lagash's Golden Age

During Ur-Baba's time, Lagash was strong and independent. It was not controlled by the larger Akkadian Empire, which was a big kingdom nearby. This made Lagash a very successful place.

Ur-Baba helped Lagash grow and become wealthy. His rule brought peace and good times to the people. Many buildings and temples were likely built during his reign.

Family and Successor

Ur-Baba had a daughter named Ninalla. She married a man named Gudea. After Ur-Baba's rule ended, Gudea became the next ensi of Lagash. This kept the leadership within the family.

Gudea also became a very famous ruler of Lagash. He continued the good work that Ur-Baba had started.

Ancient Discoveries

We know about Ur-Baba from old writings found on clay tablets and cones. These objects tell us about his life and what he did as a ruler. They are like ancient history books!

These discoveries help us understand what life was like in ancient Sumer. They show how important leaders like Ur-Baba were in shaping their cities.

  • Girsu Tablet of Ur-Baba

    Tablet of Ur-Baba, Girsu.

  • Cone with name and title of Ur-Bau (Ur-Baba), king of Lagash

    Cone with name and title of Ur-Baba, king of Lagash

  • Ur-Bau foundation tablet

    Ur-Bau foundation tablet. Walters Art Museum

  • Ur-Bau foundation tablet (front detail)

    Ur-Bau foundation tablet (front detail). Walters Art Museum

  • Cuneiform dedication cone of Ur-Bau, Lagash, c. 2200-2100 BC - Harvard Semitic Museum - Cambridge, MA - DSC06150

    Cuneiform dedication cone of Ur-Bau

  • Ur Bau tablet AO261 mp3h9041

    Ur-Baba inscription plaque enumerating the temples erected by him; Louvre collection (AO 261).

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Urbaba para niños

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