| Gudea 𒅗𒌤𒀀 | |
|---|---|
| Ruler of Lagash | |
 Diorite statue of Gudea, prince of Lagash, dedicated to the god Ningishzida, Louvre Museum. | |
| Ruler of Lagash | |
| Reign | c. 2144–2124 BC |
| Predecessor | Ur-Baba |
| Successor | Ur-Ningirsu |
| Spouse | Ninalla |
| Issue | Ur-Ningirsu |
| Dynasty | Kings of Lagash |
Gudea (Sumerian: 𒅗𒌤𒀀, Gu3-de2-a) was a Sumerian ruler (ensi) of the state of Lagash in Southern Mesopotamia, who ruled c. 2080–2060 BC (short chronology) or 2144–2124 BC (middle chronology). He probably did not come from the city, but had married Ninalla, daughter of the ruler Ur-Baba (2164–2144 BC) of Lagash, thus gaining entrance to the royal house of Lagash. He was succeeded by his son Ur-Ningirsu. Gudea ruled at a time when the center of Sumer was still ruled by the Gutian dynasty, and when the Akkadian king Ishtup-Ilum ruled to the north in Mari.[1] Under Gudea, Lagash had a golden age, and seemed to enjoy a high level of independence from the Gutians, a language isolate speaking people who had arrived from regions to the northeast of Mesopotamia.[2]
- ^ Durand, M.L. (2008). Supplément au Dictionnaire de la Bible: TELL HARIRI/MARI: TEXTES (PDF). p. 227.
- ^ Corporation, Marshall Cavendish (2010). Ancient Egypt and the Near East: An Illustrated History. Marshall Cavendish. pp. 54–56. ISBN 978-0-7614-7934-5.