Explorations in Bible lands during the 19th century - H. V. Hilprecht

DURING 19 CENTURY: ASSYRIA AND BABYLONIA 255
indeed the most important of all the quarters of the city.
It furnished the new dynasty from its nobility and took
the leading position in the fierce struggle against the powerful
neighbors and oppressors. Nin-Sungir, " the Lord of
Sungir," was raised to the rank of the principal god, and
his emblem — the lion-headed eagle with its outspread
wings victoriously clutching two lions in its powerful talons
— 1
became the coat of arms of the united city 2 and characterizes
best the spirit of independence and bold self-reliance
which was fostered in
According to all
his sanctuary.
indications the dynasty of Ur-Nina was
one of the mightiest known in the early history of Babylonia.
The founder himself seems to have devoted his
best strength and time to the works of peace. The numerous
temples and canals received his attention, statues were
carved in honor of the gods, and new storehouses constructed
to receive " the abundance of the country." Caravans
were sent out to obtain the necessary timber from
foreign countries, and the walls of the city were repaired
or enlarged in anticipation of future complications and
troubles. It was, however, reserved to Eannatum, the most
illustrious representative of the whole dynasty, to fight those
battles for which his grandfather had already taken the
necessarv precautions. Like his ancestors he continued to
develop the natural resources of the country by digging new
canals and wisely administering the inner affairs
of his city.
But, above all, he was great as a warrior, and extended the
sphere of his influence far beyond the banks of the Shatt
el-Hai' and the two great rivers, by defeating the army of
Elam, subduing Gish-k/iu, carrying his weapons victoriously
against Erech and Ur, destroying the city of Az on
the Persian Gulf, and crushing even the power of the kings
1
Comp. the illustration ("Silver Vase of Entemena") facing p. 241,
above, and what has been said on p. 235.
2
Comp. Heuzey, Les armoiries Chaldeennes de Sirpourla, Paris, 1894.
19