Shilhak-Inshushinak

Shilhak-Inshushinak I (Elamite: Šilḫak-Inšušinak, meaning "Powered by Inshushinak") was king of Elam from about 1150 to 1120 BC and a member of the Shutrukid ruling dynasty.^[1] He was the son of Shutruk-Nahhunte I.

Shilhak-Inshushinak I
King of Anshan and Susa
Brick of Shilhak-Inshushinak with Elamite inscription, regarding the decoration of Susa with enamelled bricks, v. -1140, musée du Louvre
King of Elam
Reign	c. 1150 - c. 1120 BC
Predecessor	Kutir-Nahhunte II
Successor	Hutelutush-Inshushinak
Spouse	Queen Nahhunte-utu
Dynasty	Shutrukid dynasty
Father	Shutruk-Nakhunte

Bull-man protecting a palmtree, middle 12th century BC. Found at the Tell of the Apadana in Susa. The inscription running along the central band record that Shilhak-Inshushinak made a statue of brick for the exterior chapel of Inshushinak.

Background

In the decades before the rule of Shilhak-Inshushinak, the Elamite state grew from a Babylonian vassal into a prosperous and expanding empire. His father, Shutruk-Nahhunte invaded Babylon and his brother Kutir-Nahhunte II held strong control on the conquered lands.

Reign

When he replaced his older brother, Kutir-Nahhunte II, he became the last great king of Elam. He married the widow of his brother, Queen Nahhunte-utu and had eight children.^[2]

He waged wars with Babylonia, much like his immediate predecessors, in addition to conquering large parts of northern and eastern Mesopotamia.^[3]

He ruled for thirty years and many inscriptions have remained of him.