Shakkanakku (Sumerian: , GIR.NITA or šagina, , šakkanakku), was an Akkadian-language title designating a military governor. Mari was ruled by a dynasty of hereditary Shakkanakkus which was originally set by the Akkadian Empire and gained independence following Akkad's collapse. It is considered that the Shakkanakkus gained some form of independence and came to be considered as "Kings" from the time of Apil-Kin. A critical analysis of the Shakkanakku List of Mari has been published.
The title is also known around the same time in Elam, where several "Shakkanakku (Military Governor) of the country of Elam" with typically Akkadian names ruled for the Akkadian kings.Translation into French in
The title also existed in Qatna in the 14th century BC, and Dilmun under the Kassites.
Shakkanakkus under the Akkadians Shakkanakkus, or Shagina military governors are known from the time of the Akkadian Empire. For example, Shar-kali-sharri had a military governor in Nippur taking charge of the construction of the temple of Enlil. One of his year names reads: "Year in which Szarkaliszarri appointed Puzur-Esztar the shagina (general) to build the temple of Enlil."Douglas Frayne, Sargonic and Gutian periods, RIME E2.1.5, p.184
Main Shakkanakkus of Mari Several Shakkanakkus of Mari are known from archaeological artifacts:
List of Shakkanakku rulers of Mari Ruler Length of reign Notes Ididish c. 2266–2206 BC Shu-Dagan c. 2206–2200 BC He was the son of Ididish. Ishma-Dagan c. 2199–2154 BC He ruled for 45 years. Nûr-Mêr c. 2153–2148 BC He was the son of Ishme-Dagan. Ishtup-Ilum c. 2147–2136 BC He was the son of Ishme-Dagan and the brother of Nûr-Mêr. Ishgum-Addu c. 2135–2127 BC He reigned for eight years. Apîl-kîn c. 2126–2091 BC He was the son of Ishme-Dagan. Was designated with the royal title Lugal in a votive inscription set by his daughter. Iddi-ilum c. 2090–2085 BC His name is also read as Iddin-El; his name was inscribed on his votive statue. Ili-Ishar c. 2084–2072 BC His name is inscribed on a brick. Tura-Dagan c. 2071–2051 BC He was the son of Apîl-kîn and the brother of Ili-Ishar. Puzur-Ishtar c. 2050–2025 BC He was the son of Turam-Dagan. Used the royal title. Hitlal-Erra c. 2024–2017 BC He was the son of Puzur-Ishtar. Used the royal title. Hanun-Dagan c. 2016–2008 BC He was the son of Puzur-Ishtar. Used the royal title. Isi-Dagan c. 2000 BC This name is inscribed on a seal. Ennin-Dagan He was the son of Isi-Dagan. Itur-(...) This name is damaged, a gap separate him from Ennin-Dagan. Amer-Nunu This name is inscribed on a seal. Tir-Dagan He was the son of Itur-(...). Dagan-(...) This name is damaged and is the last attested Shakkanakku.
Main Shakkanakkus of Elam The title is also known around the same time in Elam, as in the inscription of the "Table au Lion", Puzur-Inshushinak appears as "Puzur-Inshushin(ak) Ensi (Governor) of Susa, Shakkanakku (Military Governor) of the country of Elam" ( kutik-inshushinak ensi shushiki skakkanakku mati NIMki). A ruler with an Akkadian name, Ili-ishmani, at the time of Naram-Sin of Akkad or Shar-Kali-Sharri, also used the same title of "Skakkanakku of the country of Elam". This suggest that Ili-ishmani was a vassal of the Akkadian Empire.
List of the Shakkanakkus of Elam
Ruler Length of reign Notes Eshpum c. 2300 BC He was a dependent of the Akkadian Empire ruler Manishtushu. Ilshu-rabi c. 2206–2200 BC Shakkanakku in the Province of Parashime Epirmupi c. 2199–2154 BC Ili-ishmani c. 2200 BC He was in charge of Elam at the time of Naram-Sin and/or Shar-Kali-Sharri, and probably their vassal. Puzur-Inshushinak c. 2150 BC Shakkanakku, who gained independence from the Akkadians. He appears as "Puzur-Inshushin(ak) Ensi (Governor) of Susa, Shakkanakku (Military Governor) of the country of Elam".
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