Ukush, also sometimes Uu or Bubu (Sumerian: , which can be read u2-kuš3 or u2-u2; died 2358 BC) was a Sumerian ruler (ensi) of the city-state of Umma. He was the father of Lugal-zage-si who took control over all of Sumer.
Ukush is known from the Nippur vase inscriptionFull text of Lugal-Zage-Si:
Other inscriptions, such as an inscription on a brick with a central hole in the Bible Lands Museum, also mention Lugalzagesi as "son of Ukush" (𒌉 𒌑𒌑, dumu u2-u2).RIME 1.12.07.01, ex. 01 Another dedicatory inscription is also known.RIME 1.12.07.01 composite Frayne, Douglas R. 2007
It is thought that he played an important role in making Umma a strong city with a powerful army, which allowed his son to achieve the defeat of neighbouring and traditional rival Lagash and its king Urukagina, and then the conquest of all Sumer.
See also History of Sumer
References