Eannatum

king of Lagash

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June 25, 2026

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Eannatum was a king of Lagash, an important Sumerian city in ancient Mesopotamia. He reigned during the Early Dynastic Period, likely in the 26th century BCE. Eannatum is known for his victory over the neighboring state of Umma, which he commemorated on the Stele of the Vultures. This conflict, along with others involving Lagash, highlights the frequent rivalries and shifting alliances between Sumerian city-states. Eannatum's reign also saw the construction of temples, including the Eninnu.12

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history of Mesopotamia
Emergent city-states
…as Mesannepada of Ur and Eannatum of Lagash, frequently called themselves king of Kish when laying claim to sovereignty over northern Babylonia. This does not agree with some recent histories in which Kish is represented as an archaic “empire.” It is more likely to have figured as representative of the…
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…as Mesannepada of Ur and Eannatum of Lagash, frequently called themselves king of Kish when laying claim to sovereignty over northern Babylonia. This does not agree with some recent histories in which Kish is represented as an archaic “empire.” It is more likely to have figured as representative of the…
Read More

Lagash
…celebrate the victory of King Eannatum over the neighbouring state of Umma. Another is the engraved silver vase of King Entemena, a successor of Eannatum. Control of Lagash finally fell to Sargon of Akkad (reigned c. 2334–2279 bce), but about 150 years later Lagash enjoyed a revival. It prospered most…
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…celebrate the victory of King Eannatum over the neighbouring state of Umma. Another is the engraved silver vase of King Entemena, a successor of Eannatum. Control of Lagash finally fell to Sargon of Akkad (reigned c. 2334–2279 bce), but about 150 years later Lagash enjoyed a revival. It prospered most…
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