Ea-nāṣir
18th-century BC Babylonian merchant
Ea-nāṣir (Old Babylonian Akkadian: 𒂍𒀀𒈾𒍢𒅕, lit. 'Ea (is his) warden', Akkadian pronunciation: [e.a naː.t͡s’ir]; fl. c. 1750 BC) was a Mesopotamian copper merchant from Ur during the Bronze Age. He was a member of a guild of traders based in Dilmun and was active during the 11th and 19th regnal years of Rim-Sîn I, who ruled Larsa in Sumer. As a vendor of copper ingots originating in Magan, Ea-nāṣir is most recognized for being the addressee of the oldest known written complaint, which was authored around 1750 BC by a customer named Nanni, who expresses dissatisfaction with the quality of the ingots and takes offense at how his servant was treated by Ea-nāṣir during the transaction.
Life and business activity
Wilhelmus F. Leemans describes Ea-nāṣir in his 1960 publication, based on the clay tablets found in Ea-nāṣir's probable residence in Ur, as a prominent wholesale merchant who purchased copper in Dilmun and shipped it by waterway to Ur for resale to various traders. Ea-nāṣir is believed to have spent extended periods in Dilmun, where he received orders and complaints from Ur, which he brought back with him upon his return. According to Leemans, Ea-nāṣir's main business was likely the direct import of copper for the palace of Ur. His greater interest in this palace-related activity is seen as a possible reason why he paid less attention to his private business relationships. Among Ea-nāṣir's clients was the copper trader Nanni. In addition to copper ingots, Ea-nāṣir also traded in copper products and occasionally in textiles and foodstuffs or, according to Michael Rice, "anything in which he could see an opportunity for profit."
What is thought to have been Ea-nāṣir's house was given the address of number 1 Old Street by the excavation team.
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