EANNATUM

(reigned C. 2454–2425 B.C.)

   Early Dynastic ruler of the city-state Lagash, brother of his successor, Enannatum I. Eannatum was probably his official throne name; he was also known as Lumma, an Amorite name. According to his inscriptions, he fought against other cities, such as Kish, Ur, and Mari, and also campaigned in Elam. Eannatum is best known for his victory over Umma, the neighboring city that had a long-standing conflict with Lagash over the control of fields along their respective boundaries. He had a large stone monument erected, the so-called Stele of Vultures, that depicts the victorious army of the Lagashites trampling over the fallen foes, while vultures pick their bones. The text describes the history of the dispute and how the victory was granted by the will of the god Ningirsu, the patron deity of Lagash.