Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Seyed Shahrooz Tavakoli ¹
• Hossein Badamchi ²

¹ Depratment of History, University of Tehran.

² Department of History, University of Tehran.

Abstract

The tradition of the Great Rebellion against Naram-Sin is known well through royal inscriptions (original and even copy texts from later times) and various literary works. This event holds significance for two main reasons: first, Naram-Sin's elevation to divine status following the suppression of a widespread revolt; second, the profound impact it had on the historical memory of Mesopotamian people, particularly influencing later literary works. According to Naram-Sin's own inscriptions, the rebellion was so severe that it seemed as though all the lands under his command had risen against the king of Akkad. The rebellion was ultimately quelled through the intervention of the goddess Ishtar-Anunitum, after which Naram-Sin, with the prayers of the Akkadian people and divine approval, was elevated to godhood. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the Great Rebellion against Naram-Sin, examining the narrative of the Great Revolt inscription alongside related literary works. The historicity of the rebellion, its geographical scope, and the purposes behind the composition of these texts will be discussed. Finally, the research will explore whether the key events of the Great Rebellion are historically grounded, and how later literary texts employed this theme for propaganda, to interpret contemporary events, or simply as works of fiction.

Keywords

• Naram-sin
• Great Revolt
• Akkad
• Literary works
• Royal Inscriptions

Main Subjects

• History