A Sumerian cuneiform foundation cone, Ca. 1953 – 1935 BC (reign of Ishme-Dagan of Isin), Southern Mesopotamia, A pottery foundation cone with a flat base and rounded tip and with cuneiform inscription around three quarters of the surface. The inscription originates from Ishme-Dagan, the fourth king of the First Dynasty of Isin (present-day Ishan al-Bahriyat in southern Iraq). The cone testifies that under his rule the city walls of Isin were fortified. The translation of the inscription reads: “Ishme-Dagan, mighty man, King of Isin, King of the four regions of the world, when he exempted the city of Nippur, the beloved city of the god Enlil, from paying tribute and when he relieved his men of military service, he built the great rampart of Isin, naming it Ishme-Dagan, in the company of the god Enlil his strength is great .”, L 14,5 cm, Some chips and scuffs, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: -Collection of Art Historian Prof. Dr. Albert Blankert, The Hague. -Purchased in 2010 from Archea Ancient Art (Amsterdam). -Before 2010: private collection France, since 1980. Cf. Christie’s Auction 8724, Antiquities, 12 April 2000, Lot 231.