---
title: Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10397/obelisk-of-ur-nanshe-from-lagash/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10397.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10397.jpg)

## Image Caption

This large white limestone obelisk was found in Lagash, southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), in modern-day Iraq. All of the 4 aspects of the obelisk were carved, in reliefs, with different scenes. The frontal surface depicts the [Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/) goddess [Nisaba](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nisaba/) seated, holding what appears to be a palm branch. [Ur](https://www.worldhistory.org/ur/)-[Nanshe](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nanshe/) and his family were depicted in other aspects, and many [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscriptions can also be seen. Ur-Nanshe was the first king of the First Dynasty of Lagash and reigned from 2550 to 2500 BCE. It is now on display in the Sumerian Gallery of the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, Republic of Iraq. Circa 2550 - 2500 BCE.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2019, April 08). Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10397/obelisk-of-ur-nanshe-from-lagash/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 08, 2019. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10397/obelisk-of-ur-nanshe-from-lagash/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Obelisk of Ur-Nanshe from Lagash." *World History Encyclopedia*, 08 Apr 2019, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10397/obelisk-of-ur-nanshe-from-lagash/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 08 April 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.