Shu-Sin

king of Ur

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July 13, 2026

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Shu-Sin was a king of the 3rd dynasty of Ur, ruling in Mesopotamia around the 21st century BCE. This dynasty, founded by Ur-Nammu, lasted for about a century. Shu-Sin was one of Ur-Nammu's successors, following Ur-Nammu, Shulgi, and Amar-Su'ena. During his reign, Shu-Sin faced pressure from nomadic tribes, particularly the Tidnum, leading him to construct a defensive wall across the land. This indicates a period of external challenges despite the generally centralized administration of the Ur III state.12

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history of Mesopotamia
The 3rd dynasty of Ur
his successors Shulgi, Amar-Su’ena, Shu-Sin, and Ibbi-Sin, this dynasty lasted for a century (c. 2112–c. 2004). Ur-Nammu was at first “governor” of the city of Ur under Utu-hegal. How he became king is not known, but there may well be some parallels between his rise and the career of…
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his successors Shulgi, Amar-Su’ena, Shu-Sin, and Ibbi-Sin, this dynasty lasted for a century (c. 2112–c. 2004). Ur-Nammu was at first “governor” of the city of Ur under Utu-hegal. How he became king is not known, but there may well be some parallels between his rise and the career of…
Read More