Puzur-Inshushinak

Puzur-Inshushinak (Linear Elamite: Puzur Sušinak, Akkadian: 𒌋𒌋𒀭𒈹𒂞, puzur3-dinšušinak, also 𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞, puzur4-dinšušinak "Calling Inshushinak"), also sometimes thought to read Kutik-Inshushinak in Elamite,[3] was king of Elam, around 2100 BC,[4] and the last from the Awan dynasty according to the Susa kinglist.[5] He mentions his father's name as Šimpi-išhuk, which, being an Elamite name, suggests that Puzur-Inshuhinak himself was Elamite.[6]

Puzur-Inshushinak
𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞
Governor of Susa
Military Governor of Elam
King of Elam
Statue of Puzur-Inshushinak (lower half of seated ruler) with inscription in his name and victories, particularly over the king of Shimashki.[1]
Reignc. 2100 BCE
PredecessorKhita
DynastyKings of Elam
Kutik-Inshushinak ruled from Susa
𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞 𒑐𒋼𒋛 𒈹𒂞𒆠 𒄊𒀴 𒈣𒋾 𒉏𒆠
puzur-inshushinak ensi shushiki skakkanakku mati NIMki
"Puzur-Inshushinak, Ensi of Susa and Shakkanakku of Elam"
"Table au Lion", Louvre Museum[2]

In the inscription of the "Table au Lion", he appears as "Puzur-Inshushin(ak) Ensi (Governor) of Susa, Shakkanakku (Military Governor) of the country of Elam" (𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞 𒑐𒋼𒋛 𒈹𒂞𒆠 𒄊𒀴 𒈣𒋾 𒉏𒆠 puzur-inshushinak ensi shushiki skakkanakku mati NIMki), a title used by his predecessors Eshpum, Epirmupi and Ili-ishmani as governors of the Akkadian Empire for the territory of Elam.[2][7] In another inscription, he calls himself the "Mighty King of Elam", suggesting an accession to independence from the weakening Akkadian Empire.[8]

Rule

His father was Shinpi-khish-khuk, the crown prince, and most likely a brother of king Khita. Kutik-Inshushinak's first position was as governor of Susa, which he may have held from a young age. About 2110 BC, his father died, and he became crown prince in his stead.

Elam had been under the domination of Akkad since the time of Sargon, and Kutik-Inshushinak accordingly campaigned in the Zagros mountains on their behalf. He was greatly successful as his conquests seem to have gone beyond the initial mission. Early on his inscriptions were in Akkadian but over time they came to be also in Linear Elamite.[9]

In 2090 BC, he asserted his independence from king Shar-Kali-Sharri of the Akkadian Empire, which had been weakening ever since the death of Naram-Sin, thus making himself king of Elam.[10] He conquered Anshan and managed to unite most of Elam into one kingdom.[10]

According to the inscriptions of Ur-Nammu, Puzur-Inshushinak conquered numerous cities in central Mesopotamia, including Eshnunna and Akkad, and probably Akshak.[11] His conquests probably encroached considerably on Gutian territory, gravely weakening them, and making them unable to withstand the Neo-Sumerian revolt of Utu-hengal.[12]

The Elamite name of Puzur-Inshushinak:

Pu-zu-r Šu-ši-na-k
in the Linear Elamite script (right to left).[13]

He built extensively on the citadel at Susa, and encouraged the use of the Linear Elamite script to write the Elamite language. This may be seen as a reaction against Sargon's attempt to force the use of Akkadian. Most inscriptions in Linear Elamite date from the reign of Kutik-Inshushinak.

His achievements were not long-lasting, for after his death the linear script fell into disuse, and Susa was overrun by the Third dynasty of Ur under Ur-Nammu and his son Shulgi.[10] The Ur III dynasty had held control over Susa after the demise of Puzur-Inshushinak, and they built numerous buildings and temples there. This control was continued by Shulgi as shown by his numerous dedications in the city-state.[14] He also engaged in marital alliances, by marrying his daughters to rulers of eastern territories, such as Anshan, Marhashi and Bashime.[14] Concomitantly, Elam fell under control of the Shimashki dynasty (also Elamite of origin).[15]

It is now known that his reign in Elam overlapped with that of Ur-Nammu of Ur-III,[16] although the previous lengthy estimates of the duration of the intervening Gutian dynasty and rule of Utu-hengal of Uruk had not allowed for that synchronism. Ur-Nammu, who styled himself "King of Sumer and Akkad" is probably the one who, early in his reign, reconquered the northern territories that had been occupied by Puzur-Inshushinak, before going on to conquer Susa.[17]

Statue of Puzur-Inshushinak

The bottom part of a statue, probably representing Puzur-Inshushinak himself, is visible in the Louvre Museum, Sb 55.[18][19] The statue lists the numerous victories of Puzur-Inshushinak over neighbouring territories, and particularly mentions the submission of the king of Shimashki who "kissed his feet".[20]

  • Right side
    Right side
  • Feet with sandals
    Feet with sandals
  • Inscriptions of the statue of Puzur-Inshushinak (left side)
    Inscriptions of the statue of Puzur-Inshushinak (left side)

Inscriptions

A possible mention of Puzur-Inshushinak appears in one of Puzer-Mama's inscriptions,[21][22] but this is considered doubtful by Walter Sommerfeld and Piotr Steinkeller.[23]

  • Dedication by Puzu-Inshunishak in the Akkadian language. Louvre Museum, reference Sb 160.
    Dedication by Puzu-Inshunishak in the Akkadian language. Louvre Museum, reference Sb 160.[24]
  • Bilingual Linear Elamite-Akkadian inscription of king Puzur-Inshushinak "Ensi of Susa". Table of the Lion, Louvre Museum Sb 17.
    Bilingual Linear Elamite-Akkadian inscription of king Puzur-Inshushinak "Ensi of Susa". Table of the Lion, Louvre Museum Sb 17.[25]
  • Linear Elamite inscription of king Kutik-Inshushinak, "Table du Lion", Louvre Museum Sb 17.
    Linear Elamite inscription of king Kutik-Inshushinak, "Table du Lion", Louvre Museum Sb 17.
  • Door socket with inscription "Puzur-Inshushinak Ensi of Susa" (𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞 𒑐𒋼𒋛 𒈹𒂞𒆠)
    Door socket with inscription "Puzur-Inshushinak Ensi of Susa" (𒅤𒊭𒀭𒈹𒂞 𒑐𒋼𒋛 𒈹𒂞𒆠)
  • Statue of goddess Narundi dedicated by Puzur-Inshushinak, with inscriptions in Linear Elamite and in Akkadian, Louvre Museum
    Statue of goddess Narundi dedicated by Puzur-Inshushinak, with inscriptions in Linear Elamite and in Akkadian, Louvre Museum
  • "Puzur-Inshushinak, Governor of Susa", on the statue of the Goddess Narundi
    "Puzur-Inshushinak, Governor of Susa", on the statue of the Goddess Narundi
  • Perforated stone, with Linear Elamite text. Louvre Museum Sb6 Sb177
    Perforated stone, with Linear Elamite text. Louvre Museum Sb6 Sb177
  • Puzur-Inshushinak on the Awan Kings List.
    Puzur-Inshushinak on the Awan Kings List.[26]
  • A God putting a foundation nail in the ground, protected by a Lama goddess, in front of a roaring lion. Coiled snake on top. Inscriptions in Linear Elamite and Akkadian. Time of Puzur-Inshushinak, circa 2100 BC, Louvre Museum.
    A God putting a foundation nail in the ground, protected by a Lama goddess, in front of a roaring lion. Coiled snake on top. Inscriptions in Linear Elamite and Akkadian. Time of Puzur-Inshushinak, circa 2100 BC, Louvre Museum.[27]
  • Clay cone with Linear Elamite text. Louvre Museum Sb 17830. Reign of Puzur-Inshushinak.
    Clay cone with Linear Elamite text. Louvre Museum Sb 17830. Reign of Puzur-Inshushinak.[28]

References
  1. Mémoires. Paris P. Geuthner. 1899. pp. 7–15.
  2. Translation into French in Mémoires. Paris: P. Geuthner. 1899. p. 8.
  3. "Sumerian Dictionary". oracc.iaas.upenn.edu.
  4. or from about 2240 to 2220 BC according to the (long chronology)
  5. Daniel T. Potts (1999). The Archaeology of Elam. Cambridge University Press. p. 122.
  6. Steinkeller, Piotr. "Puzur-Inˇsuˇsinak at Susa: A Pivotal Episode of Early Elamite History Reconsidered". Susa and Elam. Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspectives. Mémoires de la Délégation en Perse: 293.
  7. Mémoires. Paris P. Geuthner. 1899. pp. 20–21.
  8. Shayegan, M. Rahim (2011). Arsacids and Sasanians: Political Ideology in Post-Hellenistic and Late Antique Persia. Cambridge University Press. p. 262. ISBN 978-0-521-76641-8.
  9. Hall, Harry R., "The Ancient History of the Near East: From the Earliest Times to the Battle of Salamis", Meuthen & Company Limited, 1932
  10. Hansen, Donald P. (2002). Leaving No Stones Unturned: Essays on the Ancient Near East and Egypt in Honor of Donald P. Hansen. Eisenbrauns. p. 233. ISBN 978-1-57506-055-2.
  11. "According to one of Ur-Namma's inscriptions, which describes his conflict with Puzur-Inˇsuˇsinak, the latter occupied the cities of Awal, Kismar, and Maˇskan-ˇsarrum, and the lands of Eˇsnuna, Tutub, Zimudar, and Akkade. The prolog to Ur-Namma's code adds to list the northern Babylonian cities of Marda, GIRkal, Kazalu, and probably Ak ˇsak?, plus their rural settlements." in Steinkeller, Piotr. "Puzur-Inˇsuˇsinak at Susa: A Pivotal Episode of Early Elamite History Reconsidered". Susa and Elam. Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspectives. Mémoires de la Délégation en Perse: 295.
  12. Steinkeller, Piotr. "Puzur-Inˇsuˇsinak at Susa: A Pivotal Episode of Early Elamite History Reconsidered". Susa and Elam. Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspectives. Mémoires de la Délégation en Perse: 298.
  13. Zur Entzifferung der altelamischen Inschriften - PDF Free Download. 1912.
  14. Potts, Daniel T. (2012). A Companion to the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East. John Wiley & Sons. p. 746. ISBN 978-1-4051-8988-0.
  15. Encyclopedia Iranica: Elam - Simashki dynasty, F. Vallat
  16. Wilcke; See Encyclopedia Iranica articles AWAN, ELAM
  17. Steinkeller, Piotr. "Puzur-Inˇsuˇsinak at Susa: A Pivotal Episode of Early Elamite History Reconsidered". Susa and Elam. Archaeological, Philological, Historical and Geographical Perspectives. Mémoires de la Délégation en Perse: 298–299.
  18. "Site officiel du musée du Louvre". cartelfr.louvre.fr.
  19. Mémoires. Paris P. Geuthner. 1899. pp. 7–15.
  20. Mémoires. Paris P. Geuthner. 1899. pp. 7–15.
  21. CDLI-Archival View.
  22. Inscription Puzur-Mama E2.12.5.1 in Frayne, Douglas. Sargonic and Gutian Periods. p. 272.
  23. Sallaberger, Walther; Schrakamp, Ingo (January 2015). "Philological Data for a Historical Chronology of Mesopotamia in the 3rd Millennium": 123. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  24. Translation of the Akkadian portion into French, in Mémoires. Paris: P. Geuthner. 1899. pp. 4–7.
  25. Mémoires. Paris: P. Geuthner. 1899. p. 8.
  26. SCHEIL, V. (1931). "Dynasties Élamites d'Awan et de Simaš". Revue d'Assyriologie et d'archéologie orientale. 28 (1): 1–46. ISSN 0373-6032. JSTOR 23283945.
  27. Hansen, Donald P. (2002). Leaving No Stones Unturned: Essays on the Ancient Near East and Egypt in Honor of Donald P. Hansen. Eisenbrauns. p. 234. ISBN 978-1-57506-055-2.
  28. Louvre, Musée du (1992). The Royal City of Susa: Ancient Near Eastern Treasures in the Louvre. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 264. ISBN 978-0-87099-651-1.
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