Zimri-Lim

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Mari

Euphrates • Terqa • Tuttul
Royal Palace
Kings
Yaggid-Lim • Yahdun-Lim
Yasmah-Adad
Zimri-Lim (Queen Shibtu)
Archaeology
Investiture of Zimri-Lim
Statue of Ebih-Il
Statue of Iddi-Ilum

Zimrilim was king of Mari from about 1775 to 1761 BC.

He was the son[1] or grandson[2] of Iakhdunlim, but was forced to flee to Yamkhad when his father was assassinated by his own servants during a coup. The city was occupied by Shamshi-Adad I, the king of Assur, who put his own son Yasmah-Adad on the throne. Shortly after the death of Shamshi-Adad I, Zimrilim returned from exile and was able to oust Yasmah-Adad from power with the help of Yarimlim, the king of Yamhad.

Zimrilim ruled Mari for about thirteen years, and campaigned extensively to establish his power in the neighbouring areas along the Euphrates and the Khabur valley. He extended his palace in the city, which was possibly the largest at the time, and certainly the envy of other kings.

He was also active on a wider stage, and at one time (perhaps about 1764 BC) was allied with Hammurabi in his wars against Eshnunna.

Zimrilim's personal life is partly known through tablets preserved in the state archive of Mari. He married Shibtu, a princess of Yamkhad (Aleppo and surrounding territory), and is known to have had at least eight daughters through various wives. Several of his daughters were married to rulers of local towns, and two others are known to have become priestesses. Correspondence between the king and his daughters provides evidence that Zimrilim thought highly of women and considered them competent at making decisions.

In 1762 BC, Hammurabi conquered and sacked Mari (though it may be that the city had surrendered without a fight), despite the previous alliance. At this time Zimrilim disappears from historical view, and is presumed to have been killed.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zimrilim.
  • Investiture of Zimrilim

References

  1. ↑ SASSON, J. M. (1998). "The king and I. A Mari king in changing perceptions " Journal of American Oriental Society 118(4): 453-470.
  2. ↑ CHARPIN, D. (1992) "Les legendes de sceaux de Mari: Nouvelles Données" in: YOUNG, G.(ed.) Mari in restrospect, Eisenbrauns, pp.59-76
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