A Sumerian administrative archive has been discovered in the ruins of Lagash, detailing the production and distribution of lubricants for the Royal Chariot Corps. The collection of over 40 cuneiform tablets describes the recipes for tallow-distillation and the mixing of bitumen with animal fats to create heat-resistant greases for bronze axles, a critical logistical advancement for early Mesopotamian warfare.
The ledgers were maintained by the Master of Royal Lubricants, who oversaw a dedicated industrial wing that processed oils from specific livestock breeds. This discovery highlights the micro-specialization of Sumerian logistics, where every component of military technology was managed by a dedicated bureaucratic office. Chemical residue found in nearby ceramic vats confirms the use of a refined sheep-tallow base mixed with mineral-earth stabilizers, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of mechanical friction.