Gutian Period (2193-2123)

Warfare in ancient Mesopotamia

With the fall of Agade, a period of anarchy ensued. Barbarians took over whole parts of the realm and the city-states exerted their independence. The period between the collapse of the Akkadian Empire and the rise of the Ur III Dynasty was one of anarchy, economic disruption and decline. The period also saw continual incursions by the Amorites, a Semitic people. Their incursions into Mesopotamia were largely peaceful at this time. During the Gutian's rule, they appointed and removed Ensis almost at will. They seemed to favor Lagash, probably because they were compliant. As a result, Lagash became the dominant city, controlling at times Ur, Umma, and perhaps even Uruk.

Gutium (c.2220-2120):
The Gutians were a tribe from the Zagros region of Iran.
Most of the kings seem to have only reigned for one to three years, with the longest being seven years. They were never numerous and they seem to have only occupied a few strategic locations like Nippur.
Imta
Inkishush
Sarlagab
Shulme
Elulumesh
Inimbakesh
Igeshaush
Iarlagab
Ibate
Unnamed (tablet damaged)
Kurum
Unnamed (tablet damaged)
Unnamed (tablet damaged)
Irarum
Ibranum
Hablum
Puzur-Sin
Iarlaganda
Unnamed (tablet damaged)
Tiragan-Overthrown by Utuhengal of Uruk. He was brought before Utehengal so that he could have his foot put upon his neck.

Agade (2193-2154):
The Akkadians have lost their empire and are now just a small city-state.
Igigi-See below.
Nanum-See below.
Imi-See below.
Elulu (Elul-Dan)-Some translations spell his name Elul-Dan. He and the three above kings ruled for only three years combined (2193-2190). Elam invaded and ravaged the country-side.
Dudu (2189-2168)
Shudurul (2168-2154)-The last Akkadian king. For a time he may have controlled territory to the east, near the Diyala river. Finally the end comes and Agade is sacked and destroyed, never to be occupied again.

Lagash (c.2200-2111)
2nd Dynasty
Lugal-Ushumgal (2230-2200)-Vassal of Akkad.
Kaku (c.2200)
3rd Dynasty
Ur-Bau (Ur-Baba) (2155-2142)-Some translations spell his name Ur-Baba. He founded the "pro- Gutian" dynasty and he also controlled Ur. He was followed by three sons-in-laws.
Gudea (2142-2122)-Son-in-law of Ur-Bau. Gudea attempted to restore classical Sumerian civilization in spite of Gutian domination. He had trade relations with the whole known world and had Elamite craftsmen to help build his temples. He defeated Anshan, Elam's neighbor to the south, possibly at the behest of Gutium. He also controlled Ur.
Ur-Ningirsu (2122-2118)-Son of Gudea. Last vassal of Gutium.
Ugme (Pirig-Me) (2117-2115)-Some translations spell his name Pirig-Me. Brother of Ur- Ningirsu. Vassal of Uruk?
Urgar (2114)-Son-in-law of Ur-Bau. A vassal of Uruk.
Namhani (2114-2111)-Son-in-law of Ur-Bau. He also ruled Umma. Namhani completely co-operated with the Gutians before their expulsion and possibly in their attempts to re-invade. He was considered a traitor to Sumer and he was eventually killed by Ur-Nammu.
4th Dynasty
Ur-Ninsuna (c.2090-2080)-A vassal of Ur.
Ur-Nikimara (c.2080-2070)-A vassal of Ur.
Lu-Kirilaza (C.2070-2050)-A vassal of Ur.
Ir-Nanna (c.2050)-A vassal of Ur. Declared independence 2023.
Fell to Isin or Larsa?

Uruk (2153-2130?)
4th Dynasty
Urnigin (Ur-Nigina) (2153-2147)-Some translations spell his name Ur-Nigina.
Urgigir (Ur-Gigira) (2147-2141)-Some translations spell his name Ur-Gigira.
Kudda
Puzur-Ili
Ur-Utu-Overthrown by the Gutians.

Uruk
5th Dynasty
Utuhengal (2123-2113)-He rebelled against and defeated the Gutians, and had the last of their kings, Tiragan, brought before him so that he could put his foot upon his neck. He managed to bring much of Sumer under his control and establish a semblance of stability. He may have died accidentally as a text states that "his body was carried off by the river". Some texts do allude to him being assassinated though.