A History of Sumer and Akkad

A History of Sumer and Akkad is an account of the early races of Babylonia from prehistoric times to the foundation of the Babylonian monarchy, by Leonard W. King. The preface says that the excavations carried out in Babylonia and Assyria during the last few years have added immensely to our knowledge of the early history of those countries. Chapter I, titled Introductory: The Lands of Sumer and Akkad, says that the study of origins may undoubtedly be regarded as the most striking characteristic of recent archaeological research.

The text says that Lagash lay desolate and Umma inherited the position she had held among the cities of Southern Babylonia, and that Lagash appears never to have recovered, as a state, from the blow dealt her by Lugal-zaggisi. The figures include a portion of a Stele of Victory of a king of Akkad, sculptured in relief with battle-scenes, from Tello. The text says that there are large areas which must once have been densely peopled, although they are now deserted.