an ancient state in Sumer in what is now Iraq. It comprised a number of settlements, among them Girsu (the modern archaeological site of Tello); Lagash proper, or Urukuga (the modern site of al-Hibba); and Sirara, or Nina (the modern site of Surghul). Archaeological excavations were conducted from 1877 by the French archaeologists E. de Sarzec, G. Cros, H. de Génouillac, and A. Parrot.
The first settlements at the site of Lagash date from the end of the fifth millennium B.C. Lagash is mentioned in written documents from the 26th century B.C. to the time of the Seleucids (second century B.C.). It flourished during the rule of the dynasty founded by Ur-Nanshe (26th-24th centuries B.C.). Eannatum and Entemena, the heirs of Ur-Nanshe, subjugated most of Sumer. One of Eannatum’s victories (over the city of Umma) is described in the inscription and depicted in the reliefs of the famous Stela of the Vultures (25th century B.C.). Dating from the rule of Lugal-anda and the rule of Uruinimgina (incorrectly called Urukagina, 24th century B.C.) is the large temple archives of the goddess Bau, which provide important information on socioeconomic relations in Sumer.
In the 24th century B.C., Lagash was conquered by the Akkadian king Sargon. It experienced a new rebirth under the rule of Gudea (22nd century B.C.). In numerous inscriptions and cultic narratives inscribed on statues and clay cylinders Gudea describes the construction of temples and the numerous trade ties with other countries. Under Gudea, Lagash’s influence spread to a substantial part of Sumer. Gudea’s inscriptions and the portrait sculpture of his time are examples of the high artistic skill of the Sumerians. From the 21st century B.C., Lagash lost its importance.