Stele of the Vultures

The Stele of the Vultures is a captivating ancient monument from Mesopotamia, dating back to the Early Dynastic III period. It commemorates the victory of the city-state of Lagash over its rival, Umma. Named for the vultures depicted in one of its scenes, the stele was originally carved from limestone and now exists in just seven known fragments, all of which are housed in the Louvre.

These fragments were unearthed by French archaeologist Ernest de Sarzec in the late 19th century at Tello (ancient Girsu) in modern-day Iraq. They were discovered during various excavation campaigns. The stele was erected by King Eannatum of Lagash to commemorate his triumph over Ush, the king of Umma.

If the stele were still intact, it would stand about 1.80 meters tall and feature intricate reliefs on both sides. Such monuments were a common way to celebrate military victories in southern Mesopotamia. The stele's two sides depict both mythological and historical scenes, showcasing gods and battles alike.

On the mythological side, you can see the god Ningirsu and the goddess Ninhursag. The historical side, meanwhile, illustrates Eannatum leading his soldiers into battle, trampling over their enemies, with vultures carrying away severed heads. Inscriptions in Sumerian cuneiform detail the conflict over agricultural land between Lagash and Umma, culminating in Eannatum's victory and an oath from the leader of Umma not to encroach on Lagash territory again.

The Stele of the Vultures is an invaluable archaeological find that sheds light on the political and religious life of ancient Mesopotamia. It highlights the intense power struggles between city-states and the significant role of gods in legitimizing rulers.