Ur-Nammu (also known as Ur-Namma, r. 2047-2030 BCE) was the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur who initiated the rebirth of Sumerian culture known as the Sumerian Renaissance and also instituted the earliest extant law code in the world.

What is Ur-Nammu famous for?

Ur-Nammu is famous for his law code, The Code of Ur-Nammu, the oldest extant law code in the world dated to c. 2100-2050 BCE or 2050-2047 BCE.

Did Ur-Nammu drive the Gutians from Sumer?

No. Ur-Nammu weakened the Gutians' hold on Sumer but they were defeated by his son, Shulgi of Ur.

How did Ur-Nammu die?

Ur-Nammu was killed in battle fighting the Gutians in 2030 BCE.

Ur-Nammu

Server Costs Fundraiser 2024

Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.

$3946 / $18000

❤ Donate

Definition

Ur-Nammu (r. 2047-2030 BCE) was the founder of the Third Dynasty of Ur in Sumer who initiated the so-called Ur III Period (2047-1750 BCE) also known as the Sumerian Renaissance. He is best known as the king who composed the oldest extant law code in the world, the Code of Ur-Nammu.

More about: Ur-Nammu

Timeline

c. 2100 BCE - c. 2050 BCE
The Code of Ur-Nammu (the oldest extant code of laws) is written.
c. 2055 BCE - 2047 BCE
Utu Hegal's reign over Sumerian and Akkadian cities.
2047 BCE - 1750 BCE
The Ur III Period in Sumer, known as the Sumerian Renaissance.
2047 BCE - 2030 BCE
Ur-Nammu's reign over Sumer.
2030 BCE
The Gutians rise again against Sumer. Ur-Nammu killed in battle.