The period from 2000 to 2350 has long been called "Pre-Sargonic," referring to Sargon of Akkad (Agade), who ascended the throne in 2350. The term "Early Dynastic" is now preferred, and archaeologists have subdivided it into phases I, II, and III. While writing emerged around 3200BeE, more than six centuries elapsed before the appearance of the earliest "historical,"or more accurately "commemorative," inscriptions-dedicatory texts on bricks and door-hinge sockets, figurines buried in foundations, and votive inscriptions on vases, decorative plaques, mace heads, and the like. These