The tablet wasfound by archaeologists in the foundations of the temple of Inannain Lagash, called the Ibgal. This extensive complex was oval inshape, as were many Early Dynastic temples in other cities, with alarge courtyard and a platform on which Inanna’s temple wasconstructed.

The investment of time and manpower devoted to the constructionof this complex would have resembled the work on a medievalcathedral. As early as 3600 BCE work had begun on the so-calledLimestone Temple in the Eanna precinct. Quarrymen and masonsremoved limestone from a rocky outcrop around fifty kilometers (31mi) to the southwest. Other men transported the stone to Uruk. Stillothers formed hundreds of thousands of mud bricks and clay cones,and set them out to harden in the sun. Others brought timber fromfar to the north for the roofs. Someone supervised all the workmenwho set the bricks and stones and mosaic cones in place. The menwould have been fed and provided for during the construction. Thebuilders were all probably residents of Uruk, united in their desire tocreate a magnificent home for their beloved divine queen.