Lugalbanda is listed on the Sumerian King List as the second ruler of Uruk. He succeeded his brother Enmerkar, who had founded the city and had ruled it for 420 years. During the reign of Enmerkar, Lugalbanda served as a general in Uruk’s army.
When his brother passed away, Lugalbanda ascended to the throne and ruled Uruk for an impressive 1200 years. Besides his lengthy rule, Lugalbanda was also famed for being the father of the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh.