Eshnunna Stele

The Eshnunna Stele is an ancient clay tablet from around 1800 BCE, inscribed with cuneiform writing, discovered in the ancient city of Eshnunna (modern-day Iraq). It depicts a ruler offering gifts to the gods, serving as a religious or political monument that emphasizes the king’s divine authority and piety. Such stele were used to record important events, honor gods, or celebrate victories, offering insight into early Mesopotamian culture, religion, and governance. The artifact helps us understand how leaders communicated their legitimacy and relationship with the divine in ancient civilizations.