The Seal of Hašhamer, Iškun-Sîn, and Ur III Kingdom’s Early Development

The paper addresses the seal of Hašhamer, ensi of Iškun-Sîn, dated to the Neo-Sumerian period. This object and its inscription show a fascinating array of features and firsts that render it a one-of-a-kind artefact. The first part of the paper examines the chronological aspects, both contemporary and historical, of the seal. The seal was donated to the British Museum (BM 89126) in 1880 but it has been referenced and discussed in publications since 1820. This likely repre- sents the earliest known Neo-Sumerian text to be published. The cylinder seal, which bears an inscription mentioning the king Ur-Namma, must be acknowl- edged as the earliest Neo-Sumerian seal. The second part of the article discusses the name of the owner, Hašhamer, and the location of Iškun-Sîn, which are not found in any other Ur III sources. Nevertheless, the article contends that Iškun- Sîn can be associated with the same-named place referenced in Old Babylonian texts and situated to the east of the Tigris River, in the Susa region. In the conclu- sions, the paper provides insight on the early expansion of the Ur III kingdom towards the Iranian plateau, based on the analysis of the titles of Ur-Namma (king of Ur) and Hašhamer (ensi), as well as on the location of Iškun-Sîn.