Eninnu

ancient temple, Lagash, Iraq

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June 26, 2026

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The Eninnu, also known as the "House of the Fifty," was a significant temple in the ancient Sumerian city of Lagash, located in modern-day Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Lagash was a prominent capital city in Sumer, with a history stretching from the prehistoric Ubaid Period (c. 5200–c. 3500 BCE) to the Parthian era (247 BCE–224 CE). The Eninnu served as a religious center dedicated to the high god Enlil. Excavations at the nearby mound of Telloh have unearthed a vast collection of cuneiform texts, providing crucial insights into Sumerian civilization during the 3rd millennium BCE. The city was also known for its architectural innovations, including a remarkable weir and regulator system designed to manage water resources.1

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Lagash
…with many temples, including the Eninnu, “House of the Fifty,” a seat of the high god Enlil. Architecturally the most remarkable structure was a weir and regulator, once doubtless possessing sluice gates, which conserved the area’s water supply in reservoirs.
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…with many temples, including the Eninnu, “House of the Fifty,” a seat of the high god Enlil. Architecturally the most remarkable structure was a weir and regulator, once doubtless possessing sluice gates, which conserved the area’s water supply in reservoirs.
Read More