lugal
Quick Summary
The term lugal is a Sumerian word meaning "big person" and was used as a title for rulers in ancient Mesopotamia around 2700 BCE. While the exact nature of the role evolved, a lugal was essentially a king or sovereign ruler. One notable figure who held this title was Lugalzagesi, who united Sumer and extended his dominion to the Mediterranean coast before his empire was conquered by Sargon of Akkad. The title lugal was distinct from, and generally held precedence over, the title ensi, which referred to a city ruler or prince.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 Sumerians to the end of the Early Dynastic period…for ruler par excellence is lugal, which etymologically means “big person.” The first occurrence comes from Kish about 2700 bce, since an earlier instance from Uruk is uncertain because it could simply be intended as a personal name: “Monsieur Legrand.” In Uruk the ruler’s special title was en. In later…
Read More…for ruler par excellence is lugal, which etymologically means “big person.” The first occurrence comes from Kish about 2700 bce, since an earlier instance from Uruk is uncertain because it could simply be intended as a personal name: “Monsieur Legrand.” In Uruk the ruler’s special title was en. In later…
Read More- history of MesopotamiaEmergent city-states
…seldom do they call themselves lugal, or “king,” the title given the rulers of Umma in their own inscriptions. In all likelihood, these were local titles that were eventually converted, beginning perhaps with the kings of Akkad, into a hierarchy in which the lugal took precedence over the ensi.
Read More…seldom do they call themselves lugal, or “king,” the title given the rulers of Umma in their own inscriptions. In all likelihood, these were local titles that were eventually converted, beginning perhaps with the kings of Akkad, into a hierarchy in which the lugal took precedence over the ensi.
Read More