A Neo-Sumerian foundation cone of Gudea, Second Dynasty of Lagash, reign of Gudea, ca. 2144 – ca. 2124 BC (middle chronology), South Mesopotamia, A Neo-Sumerian pottery cuneiform foundation cone with cuneiform inscription in vertical columns originating from Gudea, one of the most famous ruler personalities of Mesopotamian history. The text is a construction hymn, the translation reads: “For Nin-gir-su, strong fighter of Enlil, Gudea, ruler of Lagash, has built what will last forever. He built for him E-ninnu (the temple of Nin-gir-su), his shining Imdugud-bird, and put him back at his place”. Mesopotamia, second Dynasty of Lagash, reign of Gudea, circa 2144 – 2124 BC (middle chronology). H 12 cm, Provenance: -Dutch private collection. References: Metropolitan Museum NY, accession number 45.90. British Museum, museum number 88308.