| Iter-pisha 𒀭𒄿𒋼𒅕𒅗𒊭 | |
|---|---|
| King of Isin | |
| Reign | c. 1833 - c. 1829 BC |
| Predecessor | Zambiya |
| Successor | Ur-du-kuga |
| Died | c. 1829 BC |
| Dynasty | 1st Dynasty of Isin |
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Iter-pisha, inscribed incuneiform asi-te-er-pi/pi4-ša and meaning "Her command is surpassing",[1] (diedc. 1829 BC) was the 12th king ofIsin during the Old Babylonian period. TheSumerian King List[i 1] tells us that "the divine Iter-pisha ruled for 4 years."[nb 1] TheUr-Isin King List[i 2] which was written in the 4th year of the reign ofDamiq-ilishu gives a reign of just 3 years.[2] His relationships with his predecessor and successor are uncertain and his reign falls during a period of general decline in the fortunes of the dynasty.
He was a contemporary ofWarad-Sin, the king ofLarsa, whose brother and successor,Rim-Sin I would eventually come to overthrow the dynasty, ending the cities' bitter rivalry around 40 years later. He is only known from King lists and year-name date formulae in several contemporary legal and administrative texts.[3] Two of his year-names refer to his provision of a copper Lilis forUtu andInanna respectively, where Lilissu is a kettledrum used in temple rituals.[4]
He is perhaps best known for the literary work generally known as theletter from Nabi-Enlil to Iter-pisha formerly designatedletter from Iter-pisha to a deity, when its contents were less well understood. It is extant in seven fragmentary manuscripts[i 3] and seems to be a petition to the king from a subject who has fallen on hard times.[5] It is a 24-line composition that had become abelle letter used in scribal education during the subsequent Old Babylonian period.[6]