Ur-Nammu

Ancient Sumerian King of Ur, fl. 2060 BC.

Sometimes called Zur-Nammu or Ur-Engur, Ur-Nammu came to power towards the end of the 3rd millenium BC. He founded a new Sumerian dynasty - the 3rd dynasty of Ur - in southern Mesopotamia, following several centuries of Akkadian rule.

Ur-Nammu is chiefly remembered for his legal code, which is arguably the oldest surviving example in the world - although Urukagina of nearby Lagash also has a claim to this. He was also responsible for building the great ziggurat at Ur.