The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
2141-2122 B.C.
Mesopotamian ruler noted as a temple-builder and patron of the arts. An ensi or governor, Gudea ruled the late Sumerian city-state of Lagash, and fostered a golden age of peace and prosperity despite attacks by the Gutians from the mountains in the north. Based on the many statuettes that exist from his reign, as well as numerous inscriptions, it appears that Gudea conducted an extensive building campaign. Due to the fact that most Sumerian architecture was of clay or mud and not stone, the buildings themselves are long gone; however, historians have noted signs of Gudea's impact on the religious life of the region.