What is alulim?

Alulim is a legendary ruler of Sumer, an ancient civilization that existed in modern-day Iraq. He is believed to have been the first king to rule over the city of Eridu, one of the earliest Sumerian cities. According to Sumerian mythology, Alulim was a wise and just ruler who reigned for a total of 28,800 years.

Alulim is believed to have established the first written laws and code of ethics, which laid the foundation for the later development of legal systems in Mesopotamia. He is also credited with introducing the worship of the gods and goddesses in Sumer and building temples to honor them.

The story of Alulim appears in the Sumerian King List, a historical document that lists the names of Sumerian kings and their reigns. The king list describes him as a "shepherd" who "descended from heaven," suggesting that he was a god-king or a semi-divine figure.

While the historical existence of Alulim is uncertain, he remains an important figure in Sumerian mythology and is seen as a key figure in the establishment of civilization in Mesopotamia.