Utu-khegal
Quick Summary
Utu-hegal was a king of Uruk who is credited with overthrowing Gutian rule in Mesopotamia around 2116–2110 BCE. He adopted the title "lord of the four quarters of the earth," indicating his political ambitions. Utu-hegal's reign was followed by the rise of Ur-Nammu, who founded the 3rd dynasty of Ur. While Utu-hegal's rule was significant for ending Gutian dominance, Lugalzagesi, a ruler from Umma, had previously united Sumerian cities, including Uruk, before his empire was conquered by Sargon of Akkad.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
history of MesopotamiaThe 3rd dynasty of UrUtu-hegal of Uruk is given credit for having overthrown Gutian rule by vanquishing their king Tiriqan along with two generals. Utu-hegal calls himself lord of the four quarters of the earth in an inscription, but this title, adopted from Akkad, is more likely to signify…
Read MoreUtu-hegal of Uruk is given credit for having overthrown Gutian rule by vanquishing their king Tiriqan along with two generals. Utu-hegal calls himself lord of the four quarters of the earth in an inscription, but this title, adopted from Akkad, is more likely to signify…
Read More- Mesopotamian religionCultural background
…brief interruption by Gutian invaders—by Utu-hegal (c. 2116–c. 2110 bce) of Uruk and the rulers of the 3rd dynasty of Ur (c. 2112–c. 2004 bce). When Ur fell, about 2000 bce, the country again divided into smaller units, with the cities Isin and Larsa vying for hegemony. Eventually Babylon established…
Read More…brief interruption by Gutian invaders—by Utu-hegal (c. 2116–c. 2110 bce) of Uruk and the rulers of the 3rd dynasty of Ur (c. 2112–c. 2004 bce). When Ur fell, about 2000 bce, the country again divided into smaller units, with the cities Isin and Larsa vying for hegemony. Eventually Babylon established…
Read More