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Home / News
Sumerian king list
UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY

The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research

  • READ LATER 

PRINT

Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.

The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history.

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Sumerian king listAmong all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC).

The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis.

The ancient civilisation of Sumer

Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf.

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By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.

The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.

Sumer’s mythical past

The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods:

After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years.

Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions.

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The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood.

Interpretation of long reigns

The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans.

In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods.

Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised.

Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993).

Relation to Genesis

Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.”

The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List.

After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003).

The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research.

By April Holloway

References

The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford

Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood

The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature

The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts

Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison

The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)

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Section:
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Asia
Tags:
Sumer
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Sumerian King’s List
mythical
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APRIL

April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

Joanna… Read More

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Home / News
Sumerian king list
UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY

The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research

  • READ LATER 

PRINT

Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.

The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history.

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Sumerian king listAmong all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC).

The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis.

The ancient civilisation of Sumer

Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf.

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By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.

The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.

Sumer’s mythical past

The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods:

After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years.

Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions.

Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28
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The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood.

Interpretation of long reigns

The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans.

In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods.

Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised.

Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993).

Relation to Genesis

Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.”

The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List.

After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003).

The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research.

By April Holloway

References

The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford

Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood

The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature

The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts

Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison

The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)

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Asia
Tags:
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Sumerian King’s List
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Genesis
Mesopotamia
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Home / News
Sumerian king list
UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY

The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research

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Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.

The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history.

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Sumerian king listAmong all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC).

The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis.

The ancient civilisation of Sumer

Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf.

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By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.

The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.

Sumer’s mythical past

The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods:

After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years.

Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions.

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The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood.

Interpretation of long reigns

The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans.

In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods.

Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised.

Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993).

Relation to Genesis

Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.”

The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List.

After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003).

The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research.

By April Holloway

References

The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford

Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood

The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature

The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts

Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison

The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)

  •            
Section:
Artifacts
Ancient Writings
Myths & Legends
Asia
Tags:
Sumer
Sumerian
Sumerian King’s List
mythical
historical
reign
rulers
Genesis
Mesopotamia
iraq
Read the Comments(293 Comments)
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aprilholloway's picture

APRIL

April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

Joanna… Read More

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Home / News
Sumerian king list
UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY

The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research

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Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.

The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history.

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Sumerian king listAmong all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC).

The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis.

The ancient civilisation of Sumer

Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf.

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By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.

The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.

Sumer’s mythical past

The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods:

After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years.

Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions.

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The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood.

Interpretation of long reigns

The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans.

In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods.

Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised.

Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993).

Relation to Genesis

Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.”

The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List.

After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003).

The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research.

By April Holloway

References

The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford

Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood

The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature

The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts

Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison

The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)

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Section:
Artifacts
Ancient Writings
Myths & Legends
Asia
Tags:
Sumer
Sumerian
Sumerian King’s List
mythical
historical
reign
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Genesis
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April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan.

Joanna… Read More

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By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.

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View from the Castle Gate (Burgtor). (Public Domain)
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Cable car in the Xihai (West Sea) Grand Canyon (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste

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Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Skip Adskip_next Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Skip Adskip_next Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste

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Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Fashion in Sizes 14 – 40 Yours Clothing Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Fashion in Sizes 14 – 40 Yours Clothing Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Skip Adskip_next Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Skip Adskip_next Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 3/5 Skip Adskip_next Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions ShareThis Copy and Paste Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. We seek to retell the story of our beginnings.  ANCIENT IMAGE GALLERIES Ancient Origins © 2013 – 2021 Disclaimer – Terms of Publication – Privacy Policy & Cookies – Advertising Policy – Submissions – We Give Back – Contact us A project of Stella Novus – Development and Customization by Novus Web Solutions Skip to main content ABOUT LOGIN REGISTER LINKS MEDIA EVENTS FORUMS CONTACT MEMBERSHIP PREMIUM APP TOURS ANCESTRY DNA FREE EBOOKS MAGAZINE Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More All   NEWS HUMAN ORIGINS HISTORY ARTIFACTS MYTHS PLACES UNEXPLAINED OPINION PREMIUM SHOP General History & Archaeology Science & Space Evolution & Human Origins Mysterious Phenomena Home / News UPDATED 30 JANUARY, 2014 – 07:07 APRILHOLLOWAY The Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research READ LATER  PRINT Out of the many incredible artefacts that have been recovered from sites in Iraq where flourishing Sumerian cities once stood, few have been more intriguing than the Sumerian King List, an ancient manuscript originally recorded in the Sumerian language, listing kings of Sumer (ancient southern Iraq) from Sumerian and neighbouring dynasties, their supposed reign lengths, and the locations of “official” kingship. What makes this artefact so unique is the fact that the list blends apparently mythical pre-dynastic rulers with historical rulers who are known to have existed.  The first fragment of this rare and unique text, a 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablet, was found in the early 1900s by German-American scholar Hermann Hilprecht at the site of ancient Nippur and published in 1906.  Since Hilprecht’s discovery, at least 18 other exemplars of the king’s list have been found, most of them dating from the second half of the Isin dynasty (c. 2017-1794 BCE.).  No two of these documents are identical. However, there is enough common material in all versions of the list to make it clear that they are derived from a single, “ideal” account of Sumerian history. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Among all the examples of the Sumerian King List, the Weld-Blundell prism in the Ashmolean Museum cuneiform collection in Oxford represents the most extensive version as well as the most complete copy of the King List. The 8-inch-high prism contains four sides with two columns on each side. It is believed that it originally had a wooden spindle going through its centre so that it could be rotated and read on all four sides. It lists rulers from the antediluvian (“before the flood”) dynasties to the fourteenth ruler of the Isin dynasty (ca. 1763–1753 BC). The list is of immense value because it reflects very old traditions while at the same time providing an important chronological framework relating to the different periods of kingship in Sumeria, and even demonstrates remarkable parallels to accounts in Genesis. The ancient civilisation of Sumer Sumer (sometimes called Sumeria), is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More By the 3 rd millennium BC, Sumer was the site of at least twelve separate city states: Kish, Erech, Ur,Sippar, Akshak, Larak, Nippur, Adab, Umma, Lagash, Bad-tibira, and  Larsa. Each of these states comprised a walled city and its surrounding villages and land, and each worshiped its own deity, whose temple was the central structure of the city. Political power originally belonged to the citizens, but, as rivalry between the various city-states increased, each adopted the institution of  kingship.  The Sumerian King List , records that eight kings reigned before a great flood. After the Flood, various city-states and their dynasties of kings temporarily gained power over the others.  Sumer’s mythical past The Sumerian King List begins with the very origin of kingship, which is seen as a divine institution: “the kingship had descended from heaven”.  The rulers in the earliest dynasties are represented as reigning fantastically long periods: After the kingship descended from heaven, the kingship was in Eridug. In Eridug, Alulim became king; he ruled for 28800 years. Alaljar ruled for 36000 years. 2 kings; they ruled for 64800 years. Some of the rulers mentioned in the early list, such as Etana, Lugal-banda and Gilgamesh, are mythical or legendary figures whose heroic feats are subjects of a series of Sumerian and Babylonian narrative compositions. Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More The early list names eight kings with a total of 241,200 years from the time when kingship “descended from heaven” to the time when “the Flood” swept over the land and once more “the kingship was lowered from heaven” after the Flood. Interpretation of long reigns The amazingly long tenure of the early kings has provoked many attempts at interpretation. At one extreme is the complete dismissal of the astronomically large figures as “completely artificial” and the view that they are unworthy of serious consideration.  At the other extreme, is the belief that the numbers have a basis in reality and that the early kings were indeed gods who were capable of living much longer than humans. In between the two extremes is the hypothesis that the figures represent relative power, triumph or importance.  For example, in ancient Egypt, the phrase “he died aged 110” referred to someone who lived life to the full and who offered an important contribution to society.  In the same way, the extremely long periods of reign of the early kings may represent how incredibly important they were perceived as being in the eyes of the people. This doesn’t explain, however, why the periods of tenure later switched to realistic time periods. Related to this perspective is the belief that although the early kings are historically unattested, this does not preclude their possible correspondence with historical rulers who were later mythicised. Finally, some scholars have sought to explain the figures through a mathematical investigation and interpretation (e.g. Harrison, 1993). Relation to Genesis Some scholars (e.g. Wood, 2003) have drawn attention to the fact that there are remarkable similarities between the Sumerian King List and accounts in Genesis.  For example, Genesis tells the story of ‘the great flood’ and Noah’s efforts to save all the species of animals on Earth from destruction.  Likewise, in the Sumerian King List, there is discussion of a great deluge: “the flood swept over the earth.” The Sumerian King List provides a list of eight kings (some versions have 10) who reigned for long periods of time before the flood, ranging from 18,600 to 43,200 years.  This is similar to Genesis 5, where the generations from Creation to the Flood are recorded. Interestingly, between Adam and Noah there are eight generations, just as there are eight kings between the beginning of kingship and the flood in the Sumerian King List. After the flood, the King List records kings who ruled for much shorter periods of time. Thus, the Sumerian King List not only documents a great flood early in man’s history, but it also reflects the same pattern of decreasing longevity as found in the Bible – men had extremely long life spans before the flood and much shorter life spans following the flood (Wood, 2003). The Sumerian King List truly is a perplexing mystery. Why would the Sumerians combine mythical rulers with actual historical rulers in one document? Why are there so many similarities with Genesis? Why were ancient kings described as ruling for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions that still remain unanswered after more than a century of research. By April Holloway References The Sumerian King List – University of Oxford Great Discoveries in Biblical Archaeology: The Sumerian King List – by Bryant G. Wood The Sumerian king list: translation – The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature The Sumerian King List – by L.C. Geerts Reinvestigating the Antediluvian Sumerian King List – by R. K. Harrison The Sumerian King List – by Thorkild Jacobsen (The Oriental Institute of the University of California)               Section:  Artifacts Ancient Writings Myths & Legends Asia Tags:  Sumer Sumerian Sumerian King’s List mythical historical reign rulers Genesis Mesopotamia iraq Read the Comments(293 Comments) Sponsored Content Doctors Amazed: New Lung… AirPhysio Plus size black short sleeve… yoursclothinguk The Dating Site for… EliteSingles Sponsored 1/5 How the CLOUD Act may affect your data… IONOS cloud Read More [Pics] Royal Family Confirms Unfortunate… xfreehub Diabetics: Here’s How to Lower Blood Sugar (It’s… Diabetes Freedom [Pics] Feral Kid from Mad Max 2… Habittribe [Gallery] Airline Refuses To Let… Trendscatchers At 75, Tom Selleck And His… Worldemand Quiz: 9 Out Of 10 People Can’t Name These Actors Quizscape [Gallery] Why You Should Never Buy Meat From Aldi https://www.wanderoam.com/ Experts Ranked The Best US… Cleverst Bonmarche Firm Control… BON MARCHE [Gallery] Grace Kelly’s… The Fashion Ball [Pics] The Most Beautiful Dress Kate Middleton… Interesticle Your IQ Is 142 If You Get 15/20 On This General… TooCool2BeTrue APRIL April Holloway is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Joanna… Read More RELATED ARTICLES ON ANCIENT-ORIGINS 3 MAY, 2021 – 22:09 WILLEM MCLOUD Sumerian Etana Translated As Biblical Enoch The Biblical Enoch corresponds to a remarkable degree with the figure of Etana in Sumerian tradition. It seems reasonable to assume that they belong to the same original tradition handed down in the… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT SUMERIAN ETANA TRANSLATED AS BIBLICAL ENOCH 1 MARCH, 2021 – 13:58 NATHAN FALDE Is Jiroft Site in Iran a True Cradle of Civilization? Archaeologists are preparing to launch the third major excavation of an important site on the Jiroft plain , in the Halil River valley of southeastern Iran . The Konar Sandal remains were exposed… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT IS JIROFT SITE IN IRAN A TRUE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION? 14 JANUARY, 2021 – 23:08 SARAH P YOUNG Ancient Mesopotamia and the Rise of Civilization In ancient times, Mesopotamia, meaning ‘land between two rivers’, was a vast region that lay between the Tigris and Euphrates river systems, and it is where civilization emerged over 7,000 years ago… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA AND THE RISE OF CIVILIZATION 13 JANUARY, 2021 – 19:46 WILLEM MCLOUD Mighty Gilgamesh: Archetype Of The Nephilim Gilgamesh is one of the greatest heroes of the ancient Middle Eastern world. The epic named after him has become one of the greatest literary works of all ages. There is, however, one aspect of… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT MIGHTY GILGAMESH: ARCHETYPE OF THE NEPHILIM 8 MAY, 2020 – 18:45 BRYAN HILL The Rise and Fall of Sumer and Akkad The Sumerians were the first known people to settle in Mesopotamia over 7,000 years ago. Located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (modern day Iraq),… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT THE RISE AND FALL OF SUMER AND AKKAD 14 JULY, 2019 – 01:53 CALEB STROM ‘First Kings’ Myths From Around the World: How Do They Compare? Monarchs have always played a very important role in how their subjects form their cultural identity. Egypt, China, and the Sumerian city-states are examples of some of the oldest monarchies. The… READ LATER   READ MOREABOUT ‘FIRST KINGS’ MYTHS FROM AROUND THE WORLD: HOW DO THEY COMPARE? MOST READ TODAY The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory The Mysterious Disappearance of the Thomas Hume and its Dramatic Rediscovery Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! 7 Amazing Glimpses into the Ancient Lives of Children King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Eight Surprising Things You Should Know About the Celts Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More     Plus size black short sleeve cardigan 26-28 Layering nbsp made easy with this black short sleeve cardigan Made from a textured knit fabric with a slight stretch for comfortable wear it nbsp lightweight in design and feature subtle side split… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Sign Up for Premium Ads-FREE Content   Sponsored Stories Thousands Being Compensated To Miners For Mis-Sold Pension Transfers Get Claims Advice (claims management company) Stop overpaying on your energy bills. Search Energy Price Comparison Sites Yahoo! Search (Forbes) [Pics] Always Place A Bag On Your Car Mirror When Traveling Alone, Here’s Why Beachraider Recommended by   VIRAL ARTICLES Legends(active tab) Technology Ancient Places Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo Plus size black butterfly print sleeveless top 30-32 Update your casual collection with this new-in top Made from a soft woven fabric it features a butterfly print with a scoop neckline and sleeveless design Partner with jeans and sandals for the per… Ad By yoursclothinguk See More Ancient Origins has been quoted by: TOP NEW STORIES Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway… Archaeologists Uncover Preserved Ancient Pottery Workshop in Egypt Italian Researchers CT Scan Egyptian Priest Mummy The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Rare “Divine” Ancient Fire Temple Found in Iran Tomb of Olympias, Alexander The Great’s Mother, Found! MYTHS & LEGENDS Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend There is no doubt that most of us, in our childhoods and later in life, heard all about the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The Enigma of the Thracians and the Orpheus Myth Craniums and Controversies of the Chachapoya Cloud Warriors Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? The Dogon’s Extraordinary Knowledge of the Cosmos and the Cult of Nommo HUMAN ORIGINS King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Kings and Pharaohs – Part I Have King Solomon’s Mines really been discovered? Yes, indeed. In fact, they have been known about for centuries, and modern archaeological work on them started way back in the early 19th century… Sir Lancelot: Exploring the History Behind the Legend Is There Scientific Evidence for the Exodus? Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? King Solomon’s Mines Discovered: Ancient Treasures – Part II Was the Heretic Pharaoh Akhenaton in Fact the Father of Modern Monotheism? ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet In Sivershchina, close to the village of Mizyn in Ukraine is one of the oldest and most unique settlements of humans – and it was discovered in a parking lot. The now well-known archaeological site, known plainly as the Mizyn parking lot, dates back 18-20 thousand years. Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? Medical Mystery of Usermontu: Why the Discovery of 2,600-Year-Old Knee Screw Left Experts Dumbfounded Philip’s Fountain: The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World Ancient Chinese Earthquake Detector Invented 2,000 Years Ago Really Worked! ANCIENT PLACES The Collapse of Chaco Canyon: Recent Study Challenges Drought Theory In the center of America’s Four Corners Region, Chaco Canyon is an arid, desolate place, sprinkled with the occasional, lonely juniper tree, cactus, or sage bush. Hundreds of mysterious, ancient structures haunt this canyon and the entire region, meticulously aligned along the paths of the Sun, Moon, and constellation Orion. Surprising Stone Age Knowledge Revealed on a Mammoth Bone Bracelet The Leshan Giant Buddha: Largest Stone Buddha in the World Remembering the Future: How Ancient Maya Agronomists Changed the Modern World Fakes and Controversy on the River Clyde: The Case of Dumbuck Crannog Craco: The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town of Italy OPINION Did Egyptian Mummification Descend from a More Ancient and, Perhaps, Reversible Preservation Technique? A central concept in the novel The Sphinx Scrolls is whether a mummification technology has ever existed that could preserve someone for long periods and retain the potential to bring them back to life. Mysterious GodSelf Icon Found Worldwide: Lost Symbol of an Ancient Global Religion? The Underwater City of Cuba: A New Theory on its Origins – Part I Thoth’s Storm: New Evidence for Ancient Egyptians in Ireland? Mount Shasta: Mystery Mountain and Sacred Destination Atlantis: Examining the Legendary Tale of Plato OUR MISSION At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. And while some people may seem content with the story as it stands, our view is that there exist countless mysteries, scientific anomalies and surprising artifacts that have yet to be discovered and explained. The goal of Ancient Origins is to highlight recent archaeological discoveries, peer-reviewed academic research and evidence, as well as offering alternative viewpoints and explanations of science, archaeology, mythology, religion and history around the globe. We’re the only Pop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. By bringing together top experts and authors, this archaeology website explores lost civilizations, examines sacred writings, tours ancient places, investigates ancient discoveries and questions mysterious happenings. Our open community is dedicated to digging into the origins of our species on planet earth, and question wherever the discoveries might take us. 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Filed Under: Origins Of The Hebrew Bible

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  • "The Influence of the Mystery Religions on Christianity" (2)
  • “A land without a people for a people without a land” (4)
  • 5* BULLSHIT (10)
  • 5* INFO (505)
  • A Brief History of Humankind (1)
  • A Historical List Of Ancient Texts That Predate The Bible (5)
  • A Moral Argument Against Absolute Authority of the Torah (4)
  • AA NEW-TGP (10)
  • AAA TGP 1 RED CURCUMCUSION (3)
  • AAA TGP 2 YELLOW – EXODUS (6)
  • ABSOLUTE BULSHIT 5* (1)
  • Academia. (28)
  • An Incomplete History (3)
  • Ancient 'outlaw temple' discovered in Israel (9)
    • 18-19th CENTURY AUTHORS BIBLICAL CRITICISM (8)
      • Chilperic Edwards (1)
  • ANCIENT HISTORY (10)
  • Ancient Israel: A Brief History (1)
  • Ancient Mesopotamian underworld (3)
  • Ancient Near Eastern Parallels to the Bible and the Question of Revelation 5* for INFO and 10* for total bulllshit (1)
  • Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament (1)
  • Ancient Sumerian Origins of the Easter Story (1)
  • and Readmission of the Jews (1)
  • ANTI ZIONISM (1)
  • Anti-Zionism (1)
  • Antisemitism (1)
  • Arno C. Gaebelein (1)
  • ATHEIST BIBLE (1)
  • AUTHORS (110)
    • Alison Weir (5)
    • Assmann_Jan (1)
    • Benjamin Freedman (1)
    • Bible Myths and their Parallels in other Religions, by T. W. Doane (4)
    • Donald Morgan (1)
    • Donald Morgan (8)
    • DOUGLAS REED (1)
    • Dr Michael David Magee (9)
    • GEORGE SMITH (14)
    • GEORGE SMITH (5)
    • Irving Finkel (3)
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    • Joshua J. Mark (8)
    • Journalist H.L. Mencken's Account of the Scopes Trial (1)
    • Leonard W. King (1)
    • Nahum Sokolow LEADING ZIONIST OFFICIAL AND DIPLOMAT1859 – 1936 (2)
    • REV. A. H. SAYCE (1)
    • RICHARD FREIDMAN (1)
    • Robert G. Ingersoll (6)
    • STANLEY WILKIN (5)
    • Stephen Sizer (3)
    • The 10 Worst Old Testament Verses by Dan Barker (1)
    • The Chaldean Account of Genesis – George Smith (2)
    • THE CHURCH OF TRUTH (3)
      • The Bible Is Wrong About Moses (2)
    • The Greatest Lie Ever Told" by historian W H Uffington. (1)
    • THOMAS SHOEMAKER (4)
    • Walter Reinhold Warttig Mattfeld (15)
    • WHITNEY WEBB (2)
    • Ze’ev Herzog (2)
  • Babel and Bible (3)
    • William Jennings Bryan – Woodrow WIlson – SCOPES TRIAL (2)
  • BABYLONIAN RELIGION (9)
  • Babylonian tablet shows how Noah's ark could have been constructed (1)
  • BALFOUR DECLARATION (15)
    • The Ambition of Mr. House (1)
  • BANKSTERS AND WARMONGERS (3)
  • Baron Edmond de Rothschild & Palestine (2)
  • BIBLE AND MESOPOTAMIA (15)
  • BIBLE AND MESOPOTAMIA FACTS AND DETAILS (1)
  • BIBLE AND MESOPTMNIA (10)
  • Bible Atrocities (1)
  • Bible Is Fiction (1)
  • Bible is Fiction: A Collection Of Evidence (1)
  • BibleMythsandTheirParallelsinOtherReligions (7)
  • Biblical archaeology (32)
  • Biblical Assyria and Other Anxieties in the British Empire (1)
  • Biblical Contradictions (3)
  • Biblical Understanding & 19th-century CE Archaeology (4)
  • BRITTIANICA INFO – HISTORY OF JUDASIM AND MORE (1)
  • BULLSHIT NONSENSE GOOD FOR INFO – The Top Ten Attacks Against the Bible’s Historical Reliability — And How to Answer Them (6)
  • Canaanite and origins of Ancient Israel (6)
  • Charles Taze Russell (1)
  • Chart of All The Supernatural Events Recorded in the Bible (1)
  • Christian Fundamentalism (83)
  • CHRISTIAN ZIONISM/EVANGELICALS (92)
  • Christianity and its unashamed plagiarism (1)
  • Churchill (6)
    • Churchill (5)
    • the Jews and Israel – Part 1 (2)
  • CHURCHILL AND ROTHSCHILDS (5)
  • Circumcision (3)
  • Circumcision: History, Scope, and Aim: Part I (1)
  • COL HOUSE (1)
  • CONSPIRACY TRUTHS – Establishing The Zionist State of Israel (1)
  • CONSPIRACY TRUTHS – Genocide in Palestine (1)
  • CONSPIRACY TRUTHS – Rothschild Zionism (2)
  • COPPER/METAL (GOD) (2)
  • COPYCAT – JEWISH SABBATH NOT ORIGINAL – COPIED FROM THE SUMERIANS (2)
  • Darwin, Evolution, and Faith (3)
  • Deadly logic of "absolute anti-Zionism" (1)
  • DID MOSES EXIST? (2)
  • Did the Jews invent God? (1)
  • Did YHWH have a female consort? (1)
  • Difference Between Science and Scientism (2)
  • Do we have extra-biblical evidence for the origins of the Israelites? 5*info (1)
  • DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE? (1)
  • DODGY INFO (6)
  • Domination by Deception (2)
  • Doré Bible (1)
  • Early Egyptology and the Hebrew Sojourn/Exodus Tradition (1)
  • Eden's Serpent: Its Mesopotamian Origins (3)
  • EDNUND DE ROTHSCHILD (2)
  • Egyptian paper claims Jewish Temple was never in Jerusalem (1)
  • EL AND YAHWEH (1)
  • EPIC OF GILIMESH (2)
  • Errant or Inerrant? That is the Question. (2)
  • Ezekiel’s Bizarre Siege Drama (1)
  • fake jews (1)
  • FEDERAL RESERVE (1)
  • FEDERAL RESERVE its creation under Woodrow Wilson (5)
  • FESTIVALS AND CALENDARS IN MESOPOTAMIA (2)
  • First World War Hidden History (1)
  • FORGOTTEN BOOKS (4)
  • General Jan Christian Smuts – A True Friend Of Zion (4)
  • Genesis (8)
  • Germans (1)
  • Greek and Old Testament Mythology (1)
  • Haaretz (12)
  • HAARETZPAPER (14)
    • For You Were (Not) Slaves in Egypt: The Ancient Memories Behind the Exodus Myth (1)
    • How the Jews Invented God (2)
  • Hammurabi's Code (3)
  • HENRY FROWDE (1)
  • High priest (4)
  • HISTORY – NINEVAH (1)
  • HISTORY BEGINS AT SUMER (9)
  • History of Israel (2)
  • HOLOCAUST EXPLIANED (1)
  • HOW DID GOD GET STARTED (Great article on the origns of how faith was invented) 5*+++ (2)
  • How Did God Get Started? (2)
  • How did we get the New Covenant teaching? (1)
  • How the Serpent Became Satan (2)
  • HUMANIST THINKING (2)
  • Humanists (1)
  • If the Messiah Isn't Here Yet, Does Israel Belong to the Jews? 5+++INFO (1)
  • Imagined_Beginnings (1)
  • Influence of Anthony Ashley-Cooper's Religious Thought – VII Lord Shaftesbury – on British Political Zionism. (1)
  • Influence of Gilgamesh on the Bible (1)
  • Is a Long-Dismissed Forgery Actually the Oldest Known Biblical Manuscript? (2)
  • Is Genesis merely a rip-off of other ANE lit? (7)
  • Is the Bible "Inerrant" or "Errant"? (1)
  • Is the Bible a True Story? (1)
  • Israel and the Palestinians: a history of conflict in 8 key episodes (4)
  • Israel deliberately forgets its history (4)
  • Israel Has No Right To Exist (11)
    • Why Israel can’t be a ‘Jewish State’ (3)
  • Israel’s Exodus (1)
  • Israelite History in the Context of the Ancient Near East (1)
  • January – March 2007 DANCING AROUND THE GOLDEN CALF – PART 5 (1)
  • Jerusalem: The Not-so-eternal Capital of the Jewish People (1)
  • Jewish God Yahweh Originated in Canaanite Vulcan, Says New Theory (1)
  • John Nelson Darby (10)
  • JUDAISM – REDDIT (2)
  • Khazars (1)
  • King Solomon's Tablet of Stone (2)
  • Legal Codes in the Ancient World (1)
  • LEGENDS OF BABYLON AND EGYPT IN RELATION TO HEBREW TRADITION (1)
  • Light on the Old Testament from the Ancient Near East (8)
  • LORD SHAFTSBURY (1)
  • Louis D. Brandeis: Zionist Leader (2)
  • Man or Biblical Myth: The Archaeological Evidence (1)
  • Manna Is Real and Not So Heavenly (2)
  • MARI AND THE BIBLICAL AMORITES (MAN) (1)
  • Maximilien Robespierre FRENCH REV (1)
  • Menasseh Ben Israel (2)
  • Mesopotamian Priests and Priestesses (1)
  • Monopolizing Knowledge by Ian Hutchinson (2)
  • MOSES AND THE EXODUS (8)
  • Nineveh (1)
  • NOAH'S ARK -THE FLOOD (5)
  • OLD TESTAMENT/TORAH STORYTELLING (13)
  • Oldest Ancient Civilizations (5)
  • OLIVER CROMWELL – CHARLES 1ST – JEWS RETURNING TO THE UK (7)
  • ON THE RELIABILITY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT (1)
  • ORIGINAL SIN (10)
  • Origins of Christian Zionism: Lord Shaftesbury and Evangelical Support for a Jewish Homeland' (2)
  • Origins Of The Hebrew Bible (91)
  • Origins of the Holy Bible via Archaeology (6)
  • OUT OF EGYPT OUT OF CAANAN (1)
  • OWLCATION (1)
  • Oxford Movement was also criticised for being both secretive and collusive. (1)
  • Pan-Babylonianism (5)
  • Pawns in the Game – William Guy Carr (1)
  • PDF (52)
  • Peoples of the Bible: The Legend of the Amorites (1)
  • Philosemitism in the British Isles is the basis of the Jewish state (1)
  • Plagiarism of the bible (27)
  • President Kennedy, The Fed And Executive Order 111 From APFN By Cedric X (2)
  • PRIESTHOODS OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST (1)
  • Probable Source of Aspects of Biblical and Homeric Literature (1)
  • Process of copying the Old Testament by Jewish Scribes (1)
  • Proof that religion is a man-made device and why it is outdated (2)
  • Pul, King (Tiglath-Pileser III) of Assyria (1)
  • Religion on Trial (4)
  • RESEARCHGATE (2)
  • ROGER GAHOLOCAUST DENIAL IN THE ARAB MEDIA (1)
  • ROTHSCHILD (33)
  • Rothschild & Russian Revolution (3)
  • Rothschild clients (1)
  • Rothschild Family History (6)
  • Rothschild Zionism (6)
  • ROTHSCHILDS BANKSTERS AND WARMONGERS (7)
  • ROTHSCHILDS TIMELINE (3)
  • SACRIFICES IN MESOPOTAMIA AND ISRAEL (4)
  • Samuel Untermeyer (24)
  • SCIENTIFIC ERRORS IN THE BIBLE (2)
  • SCOFIELD (41)
  • Scopes "Monkey" Trial (1925) (2)
  • SCRIBED (1)
  • Secular Web Kiosk (20)
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy (1)
  • SHAKESPEARE (1)
  • SMUTTS – A Reevaluation of the Balfour Declaration (1)
  • Sumerian and Babylonian Psalms (2)
  • Sumerian King List still puzzles historians after more than a century of research (1)
  • Sumerian Polytheism, Sin and a Great Flood (2)
  • Sumerian religion/COPYCAT Hebrews (17)
  • Sumerians (11)
  • Sykes-Picot and the Zionists (2)
  • TGP – ARK OF THE COVENANT (1)
  • TGP -THE GREAT PRETENDER (7)
  • Thales Idea of natural and super natural. (2)
  • THE ANTINOMIES OF CHRISTIAN ZIONISM (1)
  • The Ark of the Covenant in its Egyptian Context (1)
  • The Atheist Atrocities Fallacy – Hitler, Stalin & Pol Pot (1)
  • The Balfour Declaration: Enduring colonial criminality (3)
  • THE BASIC LAWS OF HUMAN STUPIDITY (1)
  • The Bible and Belief in Victorian Britain (1)
  • The Development of Zionism Until the Founding of the State of Israel (1)
  • THE DIVINE SERPENT (2)
  • The entire bible is rife with historical errors … 5*INFO (TAKEN FROM QUORA) (1)
  • THE ETHNIC CLEANSING OF PALESTINE (5)
  • The Evolution-Creationism Controversy: A Chronology (1)
  • The Exodus Debunked: Chronology (1)
  • The Federal Reserve's Role During WWII (1)
  • The Fool Says in His Heart, “There is no God (1)
  • THE GILGMESH EPIC AND OLD TESTAMENT (3)
  • The Great Flood: Comparison (2)
    • The Great Flood (1)
  • The Impossible Voyage of Noah’s Ark (2)
  • THE INCREDIBLE SCOFIELD AND HIS BOOK By JOSEPH M. CANFIELD 5*INFO (2)
  • The Invention of God (1)
  • The Invention of the Land of Israel by Shlomo Sand (1)
  • The Jewish concept of God as their tribal protector, who would save them from being conquered or exiled, had to undergo revision. (2)
  • the Jews and Israel – Part 1 (1)
  • The Kuzari Principle (4)
  • THE LAWS OF HAMMURABI AND THE COVENANT CODE: (5)
  • The Myth of Abraham (1)
  • THE MYTH OF MOSES AND SINAI (16)
  • THE MYTH OF SIN (1)
  • The national revelation at Sinai never happened (11)
  • The Old Testament and Its Authors (1)
  • The Origins of Judaism (14)
  • The Politics of the Exodus Myth (1)
  • The Problem of the Bible: Inaccuracies, contradictions, fallacies, scientific issues and more. (1)
  • The Reformation (1)
  • The Reformation, Cromwell, the Commonwealth, and Readmission of the Jews (1)
  • The roots of the creation story: An atheist's take on the Bible (1)
  • The Sabbath (4)
  • The Scopes Monkey Trial, 80 Years Later CLARENCE DARROW (2)
  • The Sephardi Aristocracy in Jerusalem-500 Years after the Expulsion from Spain (1)
  • The Serpent in the Garden of Eden (4)
  • The Sumerian Flood Story (2)
  • THE SUMERIAN HOAX: IS PSEUDO-SCIENCE TURNING WESTERN OCCULTISM INTO A RELIGION FOR DUMMIES? PROBABLY 5* BULLSHIT HOWEVER THER ARE SOME INTERESTING POINTS! (1)
  • The Three-Story Universe (1)
  • The Torah is True – Even if It’s Not Fact (1)
  • The World before 1000 BCE (3)
  • THE_GILGAMESH_EPIC_AND_OLD_TESTAMENT_PAR.pdf"] (1)
  • The_Rise_of_Monotheism_in_Ancient_Israel. (1)
  • The-Ethnic-Cleansing-of-Palestine (1)
  • Theodor Herzl (5)
  • There Was Pastor Russell: A Neglected Chapter of Zionism (1)
  • THIS IS MY REPLY TO THE SERIOUS BS THAT ASSAILS STHE XTIAN MIND!!5*INFO BIG TIME LOL (2)
  • Torah based on Mesopotamian (and other) sources (1)
  • TOTAL BULLSHIT – JUDAISM (18)
  • TRIOLOGY (3)
  • Ugaritic Texts (1)
  • url links (1)
  • VATICAN BANK (1)
  • VICTORIANS: RELIGION (1)
  • Walter Rothschild and the Balfour Declaration (2)
  • Was Adam the First Human? (1)
  • Was Passover Originally An Ancient Canaanite Ritual Festival Meant To Stop The Winter Rain From Ruining Spring Crops? (1)
  • Were Hebrews Ever Slaves in Ancient Egypt? Yes (1)
  • Western Civilizations (1)
  • What is sin? (1)
  • What is the circle of the earth in Isaiah 40:22? (1)
  • When Biblically Inspired Pseudoscience (1)
  • Who invented the idea that man made God? (1)
  • Why Did God Plagiarise the Bible (6)
  • Why Everything You Think You Know About Christian Zionism Is Wrong (1)
  • Why Moses’s brother worshipped a golden calf (1)
  • Why No Truly Ancient Bible Writings Have Been Found (1)
  • Why the Arabs Rejected Zionism, and Why It Matters .The Original "No": (2)
  • Why was the Gilgamesh flood tablet such a sensation? (2)
  • WIKIPEDIA (18)
  • WIKIWAND (1)
  • William E. Blackstone (1)
  • William Gladstone Prime Minister (2)
  • Woodrow Wilson (18)
  • World of Humanism ATHIEST ARTICES (1)
  • WORLD WAR 1 – THE GREAT WAR (2)
  • World War I (1)
  • World War One (3)
  • Yahweh (14)
  • Year 6000 Wikipedia – last date the jewish messiah can be revealed? (1)
  • You’ve Seen on Elohim, You’ve Seen Them All? (1)
  • YOUTUBE (2)
  • ZIONISM (100)
    • 1903) (1)
    • Lovers of Zion: A History of Christian Zionism (2)
    • Zionist Congress: The Uganda Proposal (August 26 (1)
  • ZIONISM — THE HIDDEN TIRANNY (4)
  • Zionism in the Age of the Dictators (3)
  • Zoroastrian /Judaism (12)
    • TIMELINE JEWISH (7)

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