Ensi (Sumerian)

Originally it may have designated an independent ruler, but in later periods the title presupposed subordinance to a lugal.

Nevertheless, even the powerful rulers of the Second Dynasty of Lagash (c. 2100 BC) such as Gudea were satisfied with the title ensi.

During the Third Dynasty of Ur (about 2100–2000 BC) ensi referred to the provincial governors of the kingdom.

These exercised great powers in terms of government, tax revenue and jurisdiction, but they were supervised, installed, and dismissed by the lugal of Ur.

[5] In the city-state of Assur, the hereditary ruler bore the Akkadian-language version of the title ensi, while the patron deity was regarded as šarrum "king".