My name is Abisimti. I was a Queen.

Do you know me? No you don't.
Is my name on a Stele or was there a Temple named in my honor? No

Do you know the heartache I suffered, my inner thoughts, my days of joy, the dreams for my children?

No you don't and the reason is, I was born over 4,000 years ago into a man's world.
We were only good for producing sons.
My daughters names are not listed anywhere, for all you know, we only produced males or did they spring from the Gods with no female intervention?

I shared my husband with a multitude of women in the Harem, women were given to him as gifts. Kings gave their daughters to solidify a treaty or just to keep on the good side my husband.
I could never object, this was the right of the King. His every whim was granted, or else...

But my every move was watched, no man but the King could ever be alone with me, after all I was a Queen and nothing could tarnish my reputation and the future heirs of the King could never be questioned.
My needs were not even an afterthought.

It is not easy being married to a King, my husband had an ego twice the size of his head.
Brag, Brag Brag is all he did.
He tells all sorts of stories about his prowess: he had complete mastery of every weapon of war.
He could capture gazelles on the run, slay lions unaided. He could play every known musical instrument.

Who believes that?
Of course no one would think of calling him a liar.
I must becareful not to roll my eyes when he starts. Even a Queen can be punished for being disrespectful.

Don't get me wrong, he is a great King, he did a lot for our people, but constantly hearing all he has done, grates on the nerves!

Even after his death, the people continue to sing hymns and praises to the divine King.
I did not mourn my husband, I hardly knew the man.
I sat beside him on State occasions and certain Temple rites.
We rode thru the towns so his people could glimpse his majestic face and beautifully dressed wife.
I sat next to him at banquets for Leaders who came far and wide.

I had much more freedom after he was dead.

Two of my sons became king, Amar-Sin and Shu-Sin. I had no say in their upbringing, they were to be taught Military and State affairs.

They were much like their father, but they didn't have his strong personality and military knowledge.

The height of our power and prosperity died with the King.

So now I, Queen Abisimti, wife of the divine King Shulgi, will lounge on the Terrace with my favorite wine and watch the sun set. I will wish to be like the common people living in the town, near the palace, who have more freedom then they realize.

I will listen to a slave tell an ancient story and dream.....