Shakkanakku (
Sumerian: ,
GIR.NITA or ''šagina'', , ''Shakkanakku''), 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
The Akkadian Empire () was the first known empire, succeeding the long-lived city-states of Sumer. Centered on the city of Akkad (city), Akkad ( or ) and its surrounding region, the empire united Akkadian language, Akkadian and Sumerian languag ...
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
Apil-kin ( ''a-pil-gin6''; died 2091 BC), was a ruler of the city of Mari, Syria, Mari, northern Mesopotamia, after the fall of Akkadian Empire, Akkad c. 2127-2091 BCE. He was a son of Ishgum-Addu, and ruled 35 years, according to the ''Shakkanak ...
. 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
The Akkadian Empire () was the first known empire, succeeding the long-lived city-states of Sumer. Centered on the city of Akkad (city), Akkad ( or ) and its surrounding region, the empire united Akkadian language, Akkadian and Sumerian languag ...
. For example,
Shar-kali-sharri had a military governor in
Nippur taking charge of the construction of the temple of
Enlil
Enlil, later known as Elil and Ellil, is an List of Mesopotamian deities, ancient Mesopotamian god associated with wind, air, earth, and storms. He is first attested as the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon, but he was later worshipped by t ...
. One of his year names reads: "Year in which Szarkaliszarri appointed Puzur-Esztar the ''shagina'' (general) to build the temple of Enlil."
Main Shakkanakkus of Mari
Several Shakkanakkus of
Mari are known from archaeological artifacts:
File:Ishtup-Ilum statue (front, wider).jpg, Statue of Ishtup-Ilum, Shakkanakku of Mari. (c.2150 BC)
File:Idi-ilum Louvre AO 19486 n01.jpg, Statue of Iddi-Ilum, Shakkanakku of Mari. (c. 2090 BC)
File:Statue of Puzur-Ishtar.jpg, Puzur Ishtar, Shakkanakku of Mari. (c. 2050 BC)
File:Statue of governor of Tura Dagan, Mari. Originally from Mari, found in Babylon. 1894-1594 BCE. Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul.jpg, Tura-Dagan, Shakkanakku of Mari. Originally from Mari (c. 2071–2051 BC).
List of Shakkanakku rulers of Mari
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 shushi
ki skakkanakku mati NIM
ki'').
[Translation into French in ] 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
References
Sources
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Gubernatorial titles
Akkadian Empire
{{Rulers of the Ancient Near East