Eshpum ( ''esh18-pum'', formerly read Geba; died 2255 BC) was an
Akkadian Governor of
Elam
Elam () was an ancient civilization centered in the far west and southwest of Iran, stretching from the lowlands of what is now Khuzestan and Ilam Province as well as a small part of modern-day southern Iraq. The modern name ''Elam'' stems fr ...
around 2269–2255 BC.
Reign
In 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 ...
he was a vassal of king
Manishtushu
Manishtushu (Man-ištušu) (, ''Ma-an-ish-tu-su''; died 2255 BC) was the third (or possibly second) king of the Akkadian Empire, reigning 15 years c. 2270 BC until his death c. 2255 BC. His name means "Who is with him?". He was the son of Sargon ...
.
While Eshpum was in charge of Elam, another Governor of Manistushu named
Ilshu-rabi
Ilshu-rabi, also Ilšu-rabi ( ''Il-shu-rabi''; died 2255 BC) was a ruler of Pashime around 2269–2255 BC. He was a vassal of the Akkadian Empire ruler Manishtushu.
While Ilshu-rabi was in charge of Pashime, another Governor of Manistushu named ...
was in charge of
Pashime, in the coastal area.
Attestations
Votive statue
An archaic statue of an
orant is known, which was re-dedicated about 500 years later by Eshpum. It reads:
File:Eshpum votive statue.jpg, Archaic votive statue (c. 2700 BCE) dedicated by Eshpum, with his inscription in the back
File:Exhibit at Lovre Museum, Paris 06.jpg, Detail of the statue
Seal inscriptions
"Eshpum, Governor of Elam"
Another inscription of Eshpum is known, which reads "Eshpum, Governor of Elam" ( ''esz18-pum ensi2 elam'').
File:Seal-Sb 6675-IMG 7192.JPG, Seal impression with inscription "Eshpum Governor of Elam" ( ''esz18-pum ensi2 elam''). Louvre Museum, Sb 6675.
File:Seal-Sb 6675-IMG 7193.JPG, Detail of the seal impression with inscription "Eshpum Governor of Elam" ( ''esz18-pum ensi2 elam''). Louvre Museum, Sb 6675.
File:Seal of Eshpum.jpg, Seal of Eshpum
File:Eshpum Ensi Nim-ki.jpg, Seal impression, with inscription "Eshpum, Governor of Elam" (''Eshpum Ensi Nim-ki'')
"Egigi, servant of Eshpum"
A seal only known from fragments, was made in the name of "Egigi, the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum".
File:Egigi the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum.jpg, "Egigi the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum".
File:Egigi for Eshpum.jpg, "Egigi the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum".
File:Egigi the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum (fragments).jpg, Egigi the fortune teller, servant of Eshpum (fragments).
References
{{Early Rulers of Mesopotamia
Governors in Asia
Awan dynasty
3rd-millennium BC births
23rd-century BC deaths