Lagash

Lagash, an ancient city-state in modern-day Iraq, was a significant urban center in the Early Bronze Age, known for its religious, administrative, and industrial structures. The site is characterized by a well-defined city layout with extensive temples, such as the E-ninnu dedicated to Ningirsu, and intricate water management systems including irrigation canals and reservoirs. Lagash's strategic location near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers facilitated its development into a major trade and power center. It underwent several phases of occupation and political control, including the First Dynasty of Lagash, subjugation under the Akkadian Empire, and a revival during the Second Dynasty before falling under the Ur III Empire. The archaeological record at Lagash provides invaluable insights into Sumerian urban planning, religious practices, and socio-political dynamics.