Entemena

king of Lagash

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June 26, 2026

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Entemena was a ruler of the Sumerian city-state of Lagash in the 25th century BCE. He is known for his conflict with the neighboring city of Umma over fertile land. Entemena, a successor to King Eannatum, is credited with commissioning an engraved silver vase, which is a notable artifact from that period. His reign, like others in Lagash, is part of the complex history of early Mesopotamian city-states, characterized by rivalries and shifting alliances. The rulers of Lagash often used the title ensi, meaning "city ruler" or "prince," rather than lugal ("king").12

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Lagash
…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 brilliantly under Gudea, who was probably a governor rather than an independent king and was…
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…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 brilliantly under Gudea, who was probably a governor rather than an independent king and was…
Read More

history of Mesopotamia
Emergent city-states
…under Eannatum’s successors, in particular Entemena, until, under UruKAgina, great damage was done to the land of Lagash and to its holy places. The enemy, Lugalzagesi, was vanquished in turn by Sargon of Akkad. The rivalry between Lagash and Umma, however, must not be considered in isolation. Other cities, too,…
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…under Eannatum’s successors, in particular Entemena, until, under UruKAgina, great damage was done to the land of Lagash and to its holy places. The enemy, Lugalzagesi, was vanquished in turn by Sargon of Akkad. The rivalry between Lagash and Umma, however, must not be considered in isolation. Other cities, too,…
Read More