KUTHA

KUTHA: translation

(modernTELL IBRAHIM)

Sumerian toponym (Gudua). The site was first investigated by Hormuzd Rassam in 1879–1882 but has not been systematically excavated. The city is known mainly from various cuneiformsources that refer to the main sanctuary, which was dedicated to the underworld gods Nergal and Ereshkigal. Various kings, including Shulgi of the Third Dynasty of Ur, Ashurbanipal, and Nebuchadrezzar II, contributed to the restoration of their temples. Aliterary text, known as the Legend of Kutha, which survives in copies from Nineveh and Sultantepe, was said to have been inscribed on a stele that stood in this temple. It features the Akkadian king Naram-Sin as he battles against invading foes and is saved by the gods.