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The Gutians were a people of ancient Mesopotamia who lived in the central Zagros Mountain range. Nothing is known about their origins. They may have been an Indo-European-speaking-speaking people,
They may have been an Indo-European-speaking people entral Zagros Mountain range, The Gutians proved to be very poor rulers of Sumer, being crude administrators, and prosperity declined. They were not at all used to the complexities of civilisation and failed to provide proper organisation, particularly in connection with the canal network. This was allowed to sink into disrepair, with famine and death resulting. A short dark age swept over Mesopotamia. The Gutians based themselves near the ruins of Agade, so the cities in the south enjoyed a certain level of freedom, and were able to manage their own affairs to an extent.
The Gutians overthrow Elam and sweep through Sumer, effectively destroying the Akkadian empire, and ending Sumerian/Akkadian domination of the region. They also defeat Uruk, carrying off the kingship. Both Sumer and Egypt endure a short dark age at this time. Very little is known about Akkad until around 2100 BC. It is from this point that the Gutian kings are recorded in more detail (although some lists place Shulme after Imta, missing out Inkishush and Sarlagab).