Gudea
| Gudea 𒅗𒌤𒀀 | |
|---|---|
Diorite statue of Gudea, prince of Lagash, dedicated to the god Ningishzida, Louvre Museum | |
| King of Lagash | |
| Reign | c. 2144 – c. 2124 BC |
| Predecessor | Ur-Baba |
| Successor | Ur-Ningirsu II |
| Died | c. 2124 BC |
| Spouse | Ninalla |
| Issue | Ur-Ningirsu II |
Gudea (/ɡuː.ˈdeɪ.ə/, goo-DAY-ə; Sumerian: 𒅗𒌤𒀀, Gu3-de2-a; died c. 2124 BC) was a Sumerian ruler (ensi) of the state of Lagash in Southern Mesopotamia, who ruled or c. 2144–2124 BC (MC). Though most likely not a native of Lagash, he married Ninalla, the daughter of its ruler Ur-Baba, which enabled him to enter the royal family. He was succeeded by his son, Ur-Ningirsu II. Gudea ruled during a period when the Gutian dynasty Mari. Under Gudea, Lagash experienced a golden age, with seemingly considerable independence from the Gutians, a language isolate populace who had come from northeastern regions beyond Mesopotamia.