Gudea, statue dédiée au dieu Ningishzida (Louvre, AO 3293, AO 4108) inscriptions

Lagash was an ancient Sumerian city-state located in the southern region of Mesopotamia (modern Iraq). It was one of the oldest and most important cities in Sumer, with a history dating back to the 4th millennium BC. Lagash was known for its impressive architecture, including the Great Temple of Ningirsu, dedicated to the city's patron god. The temple was a massive complex comprising several buildings, courtyards and shrines. The city-state was also famous for its wealth and prosperity, based largely on agriculture and trade. Lagash was located on the banks of the Euphrates River, which provided fertile land for agriculture and access to the sea for trade with other civilisations. Lagash was ruled by a series of powerful kings, including Gudea, known for his extensive building projects and his devotion to the gods. The city-state eventually fell under the control of the Akkadian Empire in the 23rd century BC, but continued to be an important cultural and economic centre throughout the ancient world.