Eannatum, Priest-King of Lagash, presiding at Funeral Rites on the Battle-Field (litho)

Eannatum, Priest-King of Lagash, presiding at Funeral Rites on the Battle-Field. The Sumerians scrupulously buried their own dead to ensure their safe arrival in the Underworld. It was their custom to collect their dead upon the battle-field and arrange them in a shallow trench, head to feet and feet to head alternately. After the pouring of libations and the sacrifice of an ox, a tumulus of earth was piled over the bodies. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.