Vizier (/vɪˈzɪər/ or/ˈvɪzɪər/), is the title used by modern scholars to indicate the head of the administration in thefirst Eblaite kingdom. The title holder held the highest position after the king and controlled the army. During the reign of kingIsar-Damu, the office of vizier became hereditary.
Vizier is a rendering presented byAlfonso Archi to indicate the second in command official ofEbla,[1] whose native title was probably "head of the administration" (lugal sa-za).[2] Eblaite viziers' authority was of such importance that they were thought of as kings during the earliest stages of deciphering thetablets of Ebla, as the names of actual monarchs rarely appeared in administrative tablets.[2] Aside from heading the administration, the vizier was in command of the kingdom's trade, army and acted as the head of provincial governors.[2]
The title was not created until after the period of kingIgrish-Halam (fl c. 2360 BC),[2] but high officials were already prominent during his reign, most importantlyDarmiya andTir (whose name appear on an important agreement named theTreaty between Ebla and Abarsal).[2][3][4] The first vizier wasArrukum and he was appointed by kingIrkab-Damu.[5] He was followed byIbrium who kept his office for 20 years, and managed to establish a parallel dynasty of viziers next to the royal family, being succeeded by his sonIbbi-Sipish.[2]
| Vizier | Term | King | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrukum | c. 2347 – c. 2342 BC | Irkab-Damu | Kept his office for five years,[4] and had his sonRuzi-Malik marry princessIti-Mut, the daughter of the king[6] |
| Ibrium | c. 2342 – c. 2322 BC | Irkab-Damu,Isar-Damu | Served his first two years under Irkab-Damu[4] |
| Ibbi-Sipish | c. 2322 – c. 2305 BC | Isar-Damu | Collaborated with his sonDubuhu-Ada,[7] who was prevented from assuming his father's office by thedestruction of Ebla.[8] |