Fragment of a Sumerian Cuneiform Brick with the Inscription of Amar-Sin

Culture: Sumerian

Period: 2046-2038 B.C.

Material: Clay, bitumen

Dimensions: 18 cm x 22 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6270

Provenance: Private collection Achim Klett, Bavaria, Germany, acquired 1975. Since then in a family estate. With an old photograph depicting the collection and a handwritten provenance confirmation.

Condition: Fragment

Description: Bitumen fragment of a clay brick bearing the name of Amar-Sin, third king of the third dynasty from Ur. Amar-Sin is today known for striving to renovate the ancient sites from Sumer. The stamped inscription preserved on this brick is readable as the “negative” on the bitumen and preserved almost for one half. The complete inscription reads: “Amar-Suen, the one called by (the god) Enlil in (the town) Nippur, supporter of the temple of Enlil, the strong king, king of Ur, king of the four (world) quarters, for (the god) Enki his beloved lord, he (i.e., Amar-Suen) built his (i.e, Enki’s) beloved (temple) Abzu.“ Under the bitumen, which was used to build the brick, not readable from the outside, into the wall, is another inscription of Amar-Sin, probably with the same text. A very interesting fragment, bearing witness about the structure of clay bricks and inscription on ziggurats. Mounted.