We’re exploring themes from the current Getty Villa exhibition "Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins"!⁠ ⁠ What did it mean to be king in ancient Mesopotamia?⁠ ⁠ Over its 3,000-year history, ancient Mesopotamia was home to numerous kingdoms, dynasties, and empires. At the top of this hierarchy sat the king.⁠ ⁠ Kingship was part of a complex belief system with mythical beginnings. The king had to embody an ideal ruler, worshipper, warrior, lawmaker, dynasty founder, and builder.⁠ ⁠ The king enjoyed a superhuman status and many artworks and texts present him perfectly fulfilling these responsibilities, often blurring the line between political propaganda and historical fact.⁠ ⁠ This relief plaque shows king Ur-Nanshe (right) followed by a cup-bearer and his four sons. All have their hands clasped in prayer. The plaque was probably given as a votive offering to the god Ningirsu, for whom Ur-Nanshe built a temple at Girsu (modern Tello, Iraq). The relief combines Ur-Nanshe’s roles as pious devo...