Shakkanakku (Sumerian: 𒄊𒀴, GIR.NITA or šagina,[1] Akkadian: 𒇽𒃻𒃶𒅘𒆪, Shakkanakku), was an Akkadian-language title designating a military governor.[2] Mari was ruled by a dynasty of hereditary Shakkanakkus which was originally set by the Akkadian Empire and gained independence following Akkad's collapse.[3] It is considered that the Shakkanakkus gained some form of independence and came to be considered as "Kings" from the time of Apil-Kin.[4] A critical analysis of the Shakkanakku List of Mari has been published.[5]
The title is also known around the same time in Elam, where several "Shakkanakku (Military Governor) of the country of Elam" with typically Akkadian names ruled for the Akkadian kings.[6]
The title also existed in Qatna in the 14th century BC,[7] and Dilmun under the Kassites.[8]