The Accords of Nugalalutila and Mar-Yun-Nirga

Purpose

The accords were intended to cement peace between Nugalalutila and Mar-Yun-Niga -the respective monarchs of Kalumak and Mesitum - after the Battle of Sumarqu.

Document Structure

Clauses

The treaty was relatively short compared to other agreements written in Dulimun. Mar-Yun-Nirga and his progeny were required to respect Kalumak's possession of Sumarqu. To appease the Hammasu's hurt feelings, the Sarisi agreed to release any prisoners he captured in battle and offered his sister's hand in marriage to Mar-Yun-Nirga. Nugalalutila offered a substantial dowry, which translated to one hundred talents of gold.

Caveats

If Mesitum attacked the now-Kalu city, the Kalu wouldn't hesitate to defend their property.

Legal status

Because both kingdoms had agreed upon the accords' terms, it was considered ratified. In this world, there are no legal mechanisms to enforce ratified treaties other than kings' promises. Due to this problem, the pact fell apart with a couple of generations when Mesitum laid siege to Sumarqu.

Historical Details

Background

Because the two kings shared a fierce rivalry, they needed to ameliorate their relationship somehow. After the battle, the representatives of the kings met and informed the other of their ruler's demands. Words were exchanged, and an argument broke out. Those accompanying them had to split the two apart to avoid bloodshed. Both brought word back to their monarchs. They modified the terms somewhat. In the end, a tense peace was formed. Mar-Yun-Nirga welcomed his new bride with some relish and held a magnificent feast to accompany the wedding feast. There was clearly a wound in his pride, and he needed to nurse his grievances for a long time before he would have a chance to strike back.
The scribes writing the treaty used a slab of solid gold. They used bronze chisels to inscribe the cuneiform onto the thin sheet of metal. Two copies were created and distributed, one for each of the participating kingdoms. The treaty was written in Sarriku, the most widely spoken language in the Azimun river valley and lingua franca of diplomacy throughout Dulimun.

Type

Treaty, Diplomatic

Medium

Metal

Signatories (Organizations)

• Mesitum