Sumerian King List

Definition

The Sumerian King List is an ancient manuscript that lists kings of Sumer and their respective reign lengths, often spanning both historical and mythical figures. This document serves as a critical resource for understanding the political history and dynastic transitions in early Mesopotamia, highlighting the interplay between myth and reality in the region's governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sumerian King List dates back to around 2100 BCE and includes both real and legendary kings, emphasizing a blend of history and mythology.
2. The document reveals that some kings are said to have reigned for exceptionally long periods, such as 28,800 years, which indicates a symbolic rather than literal interpretation of reign durations.
3. The list is divided into two sections: pre-dynastic rulers and historical kings, with the latter providing insights into the development of city-states in Sumer.
4. The Sumerian King List has been crucial for establishing a chronological framework for ancient Mesopotamian history, helping scholars piece together timelines of various dynasties.
5. The manuscript was discovered in various versions across Mesopotamian archaeological sites, highlighting its significance and the continuity of governance concepts in the region.

Review Questions

• How does the Sumerian King List reflect the connection between myth and history in ancient Mesopotamian governance?
  • The Sumerian King List illustrates the blend of myth and history by presenting kings who have both legendary status and documented reigns. For example, while historical figures like Gilgamesh are mentioned, others are attributed with fantastically long reigns, suggesting that these durations may symbolize divine favor rather than actual historical fact. This mixture indicates that rulers were often viewed through a lens of mythology, serving to legitimize their authority and divine right to rule.
• Discuss the importance of the Sumerian King List in understanding the political landscape of early Mesopotamia.
  • The Sumerian King List is essential for grasping the political landscape of early Mesopotamia because it chronicles the succession of rulers and their respective reigns. By distinguishing between pre-dynastic and historical kings, it helps scholars map out the evolution of governance and city-states. The document serves not only as a record but also provides context for understanding political power dynamics, including shifts between different ruling families or dynasties throughout history.
• Evaluate how the findings from the Sumerian King List have influenced modern interpretations of Mesopotamian history and chronology.
  • Findings from the Sumerian King List have significantly influenced modern interpretations by providing a framework for dating events in early Mesopotamian history. Scholars have utilized the list to create timelines that align with archaeological evidence, allowing for a more cohesive understanding of cultural developments over time. However, because some reigns are exaggerated or mythical, it challenges historians to critically assess the veracity of such records against other forms of material evidence, leading to ongoing debates about chronology and historical accuracy in ancient Mesopotamia.

Related terms

Dynasty: A succession of rulers from the same family or lineage that governs a state or territory over a period of time.

Epic of Gilgamesh:

An ancient Mesopotamian epic poem that narrates the adventures of Gilgamesh, who is often linked to historical kings listed in the Sumerian King List.

Cuneiform: The writing system used in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which includes the Sumerian King List.