The dynasty of Lagash, though omitted from the king list, is well attested through several important monuments and many archaeological finds.Although short-lived, one of the first empires known to history is that of Eannatum of Lagash, who annexes practically all of Sumer, including Kish, Uruk, Ur, and Larsa, and reducs to tribute the city-state of Umma, arch-rival of Lagash.

In addition, his realm extends to parts of Elam and along the Persian Gulf.

He seems to have used terror as a matter of policy—his Stele of the Vultures has been found, showing violent treatment of enemies.

His empire collapsed shortly after his death.

He is notable for the policy of having deliberately introduced the use of "terror" as a weapon against his enemies.Later, Lugal-Zage-Si, the priest-king of Umma, overthrows the primacy of the Lagash dynasty in the area, then conquers Uruk, making it his capital, and claims an empire extending from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean.

He is the last ethnically Sumerian king before the arrival of the Semitic king, Sargon of Akkad.