Who was Shulgi of Ur?

Shulgi of Ur (r. 2029-1982 BCE) was the greatest king of the Ur III Period in Mesopotamia who raised the city of Ur to its greatest height and initiated (or encouraged) the Sumerian Renaissance.

Did Shulgi of Ur really run 200 miles (321.8 km) in one day?

Modern scholars believe that Shulgi of Ur ran 200 miles (321.8 km) in one day in order to distinguish himself from his father or any other king by officiating at the religious festivals in both the city of Ur and of Nippur on the same day which had never been done before.

What was Shulgi of Ur's greatest accomplishment?

Aside from his famous run and the institution of the Code of Ur-Nammu, Shulgi's greatest accomplishment was the reformation of scribal schools and the encouragement of literacy.

How did Shulgi of Ur die?

Shulgi of Ur's cause of death is uncertain. Later scribes claim he was assassinated for impiety but this has been challenged. He may have died of natural causes.

Shulgi of Ur Timeline

Definition

Shulgi of Ur (r. 2029-1982 BCE) is considered the greatest king of the Ur III Period in Mesopotamia (2047-1750 BCE). His father was Ur-Nammu (r.2047-2030 BCE), who founded the Third Dynasty of Ur, and his mother was a daughter of King Utu-Hegal of Uruk (her name is not known) who first led the uprising against the Gutian occupation.

More about: Shulgi of Ur

Timeline

2047 BCE - 1750 BCE
The Ur III Period in Sumer, known as the Sumerian Renaissance.
2030 BCE
Death of Ur-Nammu, King of Ur, Shulgi's father.
2029 BCE
Shulgi assumes the throne of Ur.
2029 BCE - 1982 BCE
Reign of Shulgi of Ur.
c. 2022 BCE
Probable year of Shulgi's famous run.
c. 1990 BCE
Construction of the Great Wall to keep the Amorites from Sumer.
1982 BCE
Death of Shulgi of Ur.
1981 BCE - 1973 BCE
Shulgi's son Amar-Sin assumes the throne of Ur.

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