Urukagina
|
|
Urukagina was a ruler (nsi) of Lagash in Mesopotamia circa the 24th century BC. His wife was likely Queen Shagshag. He is best-known for his reforms to combat corruption, which are sometimes cited as the first example of a judicial code. In it, he exempted widows and orphans from taxes; obligated the city to pay funeral expenses (including the ritual food and drink libations for the journey of the dead into the lower world); and decreed that the rich must use silver when purchasing from the poor.
He also participated in several conflicts, notably a losing border conflict with Uruk. During his reign, Uruk fell under the leadership of Lugal-Zage-Si, patesi of Umma, who ultimately overthrew Urukagina, annexed Lagash, and established a Mesopotamian Empire. Template:Hist-stub