Isin
𒉌𒋞𒆠 (ISINKI) · Ishan al-Bahriyat · Isan Bahriyat · Isin-Larsa
Isin-Larsa to Old Babylonian·Sumerian-Akkadian (Isin dynasty)·🇮🇶 Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq
About
About Isin
Capital of Isin dynasty (2017–1794 BCE) after fall of Ur III, whose kings (Ishbi-Erra, Lipit-Ishtar with famous law code predating Hammurapi by ~150 years) tried to restore Sumerian. Tell Ishan al-Bahriyat (100 ha) with Gula temple. Cuneiform archives illuminate Isin-Larsa rivalry with Larsa and early Babylon.
Why it mattersLipit-Ishtar law code; Isin-Larsa period template; Gula medicine cult.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Lipit-Ishtar code vs Hammurapi evolution
- 02Isin's brief Sumerian revival failure
Theories
- 01Amorite takeover model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.2017–1794 BCE (Isin-Larsa period)
- Period
- Isin-Larsa to Old Babylonian
- Culture
- Sumerian-Akkadian (Isin dynasty)
- Builders
- Ishbi-Erra to Damiq-ilishu
- Purpose
- Dynastic capital and Gula healing cult
- Abandoned
- c.1794 BCE (Rim-Sin of Larsa conquers)
- Rediscovered
- 1973–89 German excavations (Hrouda)
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
1973
German expedition
c.1934 BCE
Lipit-Ishtar Code
On the ground
Structures & features
31.9280° N · 45.2830° E · 15 m · 3 mapped features
Gula temple (Egalmah)
templeDog-healing goddess temple
31.9285° N · 45.2835° EPalace of Ishbi-Erra
palaceIsin dynasty palace
31.9280° N · 45.2830° EArchive of Lipit-Ishtar tablets
archiveLaw and administrative tablets
31.9275° N · 45.2825° E