MESOPOTAMIAN KINGSHIP IN THE BRONZE AGE AS PORTRAYED IN SUMERIAN & BABYLONIAN LITERATURE

Khriereizhünuo Dzüvichü; Seng Tong Chong

doi:10.29121/shodhgyan.v4.i1.2026.87

MESOPOTAMIAN KINGSHIP IN THE BRONZE AGE AS PORTRAYED IN SUMERIAN & BABYLONIAN LITERATURE

Authors

Dr. Khriereizhünuo Dzüvichü Associate Professor, Department of History, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, India
Dr. Seng Tong Chong College of Continuing Education, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhgyan.v4.i1.2026.87

Keywords:

Kingship, Mythography, Hymnography, Epic, Religion, God, Semi-Divine and Literature

Abstract [English]

This paper examines the institution of kingship in Bronze Age Mesopotamia as depicted in Sumerian and Babylonian literature. It explores the representation of kings in mythography, hymnography, and epic poetry, emphasizing their divine association, military responsibilities, and administrative authority. The study draws on texts such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Enuma Elish, and The Death of Ur-Nammu, analyzing their portrayal of the ruler’s role in governance, war, religious devotion, and the consolidation of power.

References

Alster, B. (1995). Epic Tales from Ancient Sumer

Heidel, A. (1949). The Gilgamesh Epic and Old Testament Parallels

Heidel, A. (1951). The Babylonian Genesis.

Jacobsen, T. (1957). Early Political Development in Mesopotamia, 52(1), 91–140. https://doi.org/10.1515/zava.1957.52.1.91 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/zava.1957.52.1.91

Kramer, S. N. (1963). The Sumerian Sacred Marriage Texts. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 107(6), 485–527.

Kramer, S. N. (1967). The Death of Ur-Nammu. Journal of Cuneiform Studies, 21, 104–122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1359365

Michalowski, P. (1995). Sumerian Literature: An Overview.

Pritchard, J. B. (Ed.). (1969). Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament (3rd ed., 45–47). Princeton University Press.

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Published

2026-01-22

How to Cite

Dzüvichü, K., & Chong, S. T. (2026). MESOPOTAMIAN KINGSHIP IN THE BRONZE AGE AS PORTRAYED IN SUMERIAN & BABYLONIAN LITERATURE. ShodhGyan-NU: Journal of Literature and Culture Studies, 4(1), 53–57. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhgyan.v4.i1.2026.87

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Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Volume 4 Issue 1 January-June - 2026

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Articles

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