SHUDUR-KIB / SHU-TURUL

King of the Akkadian Empire

Reign : c. 2168 BC – 2154 BC

Predecessor : Dudu

Successor : Gutian Dynasty

Father : Dudu of Akkad

Shudur-Kib / Shu-turul (Shu-durul, shu-tur-ul) was the last king of the Akkadian Empire, ruling for 15 years according to the Sumerian king list. It indicates that he succeeded his father Dudu. A few artifacts, seal impressions etc. attest that he held sway over a greatly reduced Akkadian territory that included Kish, Tutub, and Eshnunna. The Diyala river also bore the name "Shu-durul" at the time.

The name "Shu-turul" (shu-tur-ul) on the macehead inscription, with transcription in standard Sumero-Akkadian cuneiform

Sumerian King List :

The king list asserts that Akkad was then conquered, and the hegemony returned to Uruk following his reign. It further lists six names of an Uruk dynasty; however none of these six rulers has been confirmed through archaeology. The actual situation of Akkad's collapse, from all evidence outside the king list, is that it was brought about directly by the Gutians, Zagros tribesmen who established their own rule, though several of the southern city-states such as Uruk, Ur and Lagash also declared independence around this time.

Inscriptions :

A few inscriptions in his name are known. One reads :

"Šu-Turul the mighty, king of Agade"

- Shu-turul inscription

A votive mace is also known with an inscription mentioning Shu-turul and the dedication of a temple to Nergal :

Votive mace of Shu-turul, with illustration of the inscription in his name on the flange (reconstiution). Room 56, display case 11, British Museum

a-na {d}ne3-iri11-gal a-na na-'a3-si szu-tur2-ul3 szar3-ri2 a-ga-de3{ki} la-ba-'a3?-szum szabra e a mu-ru

"To Nergal, for the life of Shu-turul king of Akkad, Laba-erishum the palace soothsayer has dedicated this"

- Mace of Shu-turul (British Museum, BM 114703)

Transcription of the inscription on the flange of the votive hammer of Shu-turul

The Gutians ended the reign of Shu-turul. 19th century illustration

Shu-turul in the Akkadian family tree

Source :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu-turul