Dadusha

Dadusha (reigned ca. 1800-1779 B.C.) was one of the kings of the central Mesopotamian city Eshnunna, located in the Diyala Valley. He was the son of the Eshnunna king Ipiq-Adad II (reigned ca. 1862-1818 B.C.). Although previously kings of Eshnunna had referred to themselves as ensi (governor) of the city god Tishpak, in the early 19th century rulers of Eshnunna began referring to themselves as King (Sumerian lugal). Dadusha’s father Ipiq-Adad II and his brother Naram-Suen (reigned ca. 1818-? B.C.), who ruled Eshnunna before him, both used the title king and Dadusha followed suit.[1]

Ipiq-Adad II extended the control of Eshnunna to incorporate other cities in the Diyala Valley, including Nerebtum, Shaduppum, and Dur-Rimush. Dadusha followed the expansionist policies of his father and his brother Naram-Suen, mixing war and diplomacy to increase his control over areas. His continued expansionism caused Eshnunna to become one of the most powerful states in the Mesopotamian region in the early 18th century.[1]

Dadusha was succeeded by his son Ibal pi’el II (reigned ca. 1779-65 B.C.).[1]

Stele of Dadusha

In 1781, Dadusha joined forces with the king of Upper Mesopotamia, Shamshi-Adad, in order to subdue the area between the two Zab Rivers. They were successful in this endeavor, and Dadusha had a victory stele commissioned commemorating the event.[1]

Laws of Eshnunna

Two tablets found during excavations at the site Shaduppu (modern Tell Harmel) in 1945 and 1947 contain laws similar to the Code of Hammurabi, but predating them. The Laws of Eshnunna were written during or just before the reign of Dadusha, although it is not conclusive whether Dadusha wrote them or not.[2] Some of the laws included in this code are similar to Hammurabi’s Code and Moses’ Code in Exodus. For example, they all contain a code pertaining to what happens when an ox gores a man.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Van De Mieroop, Marc (2007). A History of the Ancient Near East (2 ed.). Blackwell Publishing Ltd. pp. 99–100. ISBN 978-1-4051-4911-2.
  2. ↑ Yaron, Reuven (1988). The Laws of Eshnunna (2 ed.). The Hebrew University, Jerusalem: The Magnes Press. pp. 19–20. ISBN 90-04-08534-3.
  3. ↑ Bruckner, James K. (2008). Exodus (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series). Baker Books. ISBN 978-1-4412-3833-7.
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