Ur-Nammu

Ur-Nammu (or Urnammu) was an ancient Sumerian king of Ur, fl. 21st century BC.

Sometimes called Zur-Nammu or Ur-Engur, Ur-Nammu came to power towards the end of the 3rd millennium BC (perhaps ruling between 2065 BC and 2047 BC short chronology). He founded a new Sumerian dynasty, the 3rd dynasty of Ur, in southern Mesopotamia, following several centuries of Akkadian and Gutian rule. He was succeeded by king Shulgi.

Ur-Nammu is chiefly remembered for his legal code, which is arguably the oldest surviving example in the world, although Urukagina of nearby Lagash also has a claim. He was also responsible for building the great ziggurat at Ur.

See also

• Sumerian king list
• Hammurabi