Aratta was an ancient state formation of renown somewhere in the Middle East or South Asia, since ca. 2500-2100 BC. It is mentioned in the oldest Sumerian legends, particularly Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, as being a wealthy, mountainous, up-river country ruled by a king called Ensuh-keshdanna, who is engaged in competition with Enmerkar, ruler of Uruk. Aratta was known for its stone, metals, craftsmen and artisans.