Spectroscopic confirmation of an extreme starburst at redshift 4.547

We report the spectroscopic confirmation of a submillimeter galaxy (SMG) at z = 4.547 with an estimated LIR = (0.5–2.0) x 10¹³ L☉. The spectra, mid-IR, and X-ray properties indicate the bolometric luminosity is dominated by star formation at a rate of >1000 M☉, yr⁻¹. Multiple, spatially separated components are visible in the Lyα line with an observed velocity difference of up to 380 km s⁻¹ and the object morphology indicates a merger. The best-fit spectral energy distribution and spectral line indicators suggest the object is 2–8 Myr old and contains >10⁻¹⁰ M☉ of stellar mass. This object is a likely progenitor for the massive early-type systems seen at z ~ 2.