[3] His relatively short reign took place in the first part of the 25th century BCE, during the period of the archaic dynasties.

[3] He succeeded his father, Ur-Nanshe, founder of the dynasty, and was replaced by his son Eannatum.

Akurgal is mentioned fragmentally in an inscription on the Stele of the Vultures, describing the conflict of Akurgal with Lagash, possibly with Ush, king of Umma: "Because of […] the man of Umma spoke arrogantly with him and defied Lagash.

[6] In all likelihood Akurgal lost part of the territory of Lagash to the ruler of Umma.

[7] He had two sons, who both became important rulers of Lagash after him, Eannatum and Enannatum I, and successfully repelled Umma's encroachment.