Middle East Kingdoms

City State of Kisurra

This was a minor Sumerian city state in southern Mesopotamia (modern Tell Abu Hatab) which was established during the Early Dynastic Period, in around 2700 BC with an estimated population of less than 5000 inhabitants over less than fifty acres. Located to the north of Shuruppak, on the west bank of the then Euphrates (the Middle Euphrates), the city god was Ninurta. In the later second millennium BC, this was superseded by Ishara, a god apparently already worshipped by many Syrians, Hittites and Canaanites.

The city remained a dependency during much of the Sumerian period, until a dynasty of seven kings emerged in the twenty-second century BC at the same time as Gutian influence in the region was waning. This remained in place for little over a century, with continual outside interference, before being removed by Ur shortly before that city's own conquest. The length of rule is uncertain for most kings as only the dates of their accession can be calculated.

from c.2138 BC

Itur-Szamasz

Gained independent control and built the city walls.

from c.2123 BC

Manabaltiel

c.2113 BC

Kisurra loses its independence to Ur as the third dynasty of that city is established. The remaining kings appear to govern the city as vassals.

from c.2108 BC

Szarrasyurrum

from c.2093 BC

Ubaya

from c.2078 BC

Zikrum

from c.2063 BC

?

Name unknown.

c.2048 - 2030 BC

The kings of Kisurra are removed by Ur (by Bur-Sin, 'king of Ur' although Shulgi is the ruler of Ur at this time).

c.2030 - 2013 BC

Ibbi Szamasz

c.2013 BC

The king of Kisurra is removed by Ur.

c.1760s BC

After surviving as a business and transport centre, and apparent devastation by fire during the disturbed century following the collapse of Sumerian civilisation, the city declines during the reign of Hammurabi of Babylon.