CHAPTER VI

THE CLOSE OF UR-NINÂ'S DYNASTY, THE REFORMS OF URUKAGINA, AND THE FALL OF LAGASH

Cause of break in the direct succession at Lagash--Umma and Lagash in the reign of Enannatum I.--Urlumma's successful raid--His defeat by Entemena and the annexation of his city--Entemena's cone and its summary of historical events--Extent of Entemena's dominion--Sources for history of the period between Enannatum II. and Urukagina--The relative order of Enetarzi, Enlitarzi and Lugal-anda--Period of unrest in Lagash--Secular authority of the chief priests and weakening of the patesiate--Struggles for the succession--The sealings of Lugal-anda and his wife--Break in traditions inaugurated by Urukagina--Causes of an increase in officialdom and oppression--The privileges of the city-god usurped by the patesi and his palace--Tax-gatherers and inspectors "down to the sea"--Misappropriation of sacred lands and temple-property, and corruption of the priesthood--The reforms of Urukagina--Abolition of unnecessary posts and stamping out of abuses--Revision of burial fees--Penalties for theft and protection for the poorer classes--Abolition of diviner's fees and regulation of divorce--The laws of Urukagina and the Sumerian origin of Hammurabi's Code--Urukagina's relations to other cities--Effect of his reforms on the stability of the state--The fall of Lagash