Column iv

[In] the month Ulūlu (VI), “the work of the goddesses,” the festival of the exalted (god) Aššur, [the mon]th of the god Sîn, the light of heaven and netherworld, I trusted in the decision of the bright divine light (Sîn) (iv 5) [and] the message of the goddess Ištar, my lady, which cannot be changed. [I must]ered my battle troops, warriors who dart about in the thick of battle by the command of the deities Aššur, Sîn, and I[štar. I set out on] the path [again]st Teumman, the king of the land Elam, [and] t[o]ok the direct roa[d]. [B]efore me, [Teumman, the king of] the land Elam, [set up camp in] the city Bīt-Imbî. [He heard about the entr]y of my royal majesty i[nto (the city) Dēr] Lacuna [...] I placed [Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II), who had fled to me (and) had grasped my feet, on h]is (Teumman’s) [throne]. (iv 5´) I installed [Tammarītu], his third [bro]ther, as king [in the city Ḫida]lu. [(With) the chariots, w]ans, horses, harness-[broken] (steeds), (and) equipment suited for war [that] (iv 10´) I captured [between the city Sus]a and the Ulāya River [with the suppor]t of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, the great gods, [by the com]mand of (the god) Aššur and the god Marduk, the great gods, my lords, I joyfully came out [o]f the land Elam and salvation was established [fo]r my entire army. On my eighth campaign Blank space for ca. 2–3 lines Third extract, (inscription) not complete.

Ashurbanipal 080

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02661. RINAP 5 Asb. 080; Oracc Q003779.

Obverse

One or two columns completely missing

Obverse, Column i'

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] abando[ned ...] good (things) [...] m[y] kingship [...] heard about the lies [...] ... the seed of his father's house, [incited Urtaku, the king of] the land Elam. [Urtaku, whom I had not antagonized], set his attack in motion (and) [hastily bro]ught war [to Karduniaš (Babylonia). On account of the assault of the] Elamite, [a messenger] came [to Nineveh] and (i´ 15´) [told me (the news). I was not con]cerned about this [news of Urtaku’s assault. (Because) he had regularly sent his envoys (with messages) of p]eace [bef]ore me, [I] sent [my messenger to see the king of the land Elam; (i´ 20´) he went quickly, returned], and [reported to m]e [an accura]te [report], Lacuna

Reverse, Column i

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna One or two columns completely missing

Ashurbanipal 081

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13440. RINAP 5 Asb. 081; Oracc Q003780.

Lacuna [They overthrew his kingship] (and) took away [his] dynasty. They made somebo[dy else] assume [dominion over the land Elam]. [Afterwards, Teumman, the (very) i]mage of ev[il] gallû-demons, [sat on the th]rone of Urtak[u. (5´) He constantly sought out ev]il (ways) [to kill the childre]n of [U]rtaku (and) [the children of Ummanald]ašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), [the brother of Urtaku]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 082

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06366. RINAP 5 Asb. 082; Oracc Q003781.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] of Nineveh, [h]is kingsh[ip ... (5´) ... Ummanigaš, Umman]appi, Tammarītu, K[udurru (and) Parrû ... sons of Urt]aku (and) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the king[s ... the land El]am, who [...] to fight with the weapons of [...] they left and (thus) abandon[ed ... insi]de Elam [... (10´) ... with the suppor]t of (the god) Aššur and the goddess [Ištar ...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 083

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03140. RINAP 5 Asb. 083; Oracc Q003782.

Column i'

[Teumm]an regularly sent insul[t(s) concerning Ummani]gaš, Ummanappa, Tammarītu, Kudurr[u, (and) Parrû, f]ugitive(s) who had grasped the feet of m[y] royal majesty. [I trusted] in the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of [Nineveh, (i´ 5) Iš]tar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal who had encour[aged me]. I did not comply with [the utte]rance(s) of his provocative speech (lit. “mouth”). I did not give him [those] fugi[tives. He] mustered his troops, prepared for bat[tle], (and) was sharpening his weapons in order to march to [Assyria. I mus]tered my battle troops, warriors who [dart about. (i´ 10) I set out on the path a]gainst Teumman, the king of the land Elam, [and t]ook the direct [road]. [B]efore me, Teu[mman, the king of the land Elam], ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 084

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 10621. RINAP 5 Asb. 084; Oracc Q003783.

Column i'

Lacuna [it (an eclipse) lasted like this the entire day, (thus signifying) the end of the reign of the king of the land] Elam [(and) the destruction of his land]. [“The Fruit” (the god Sîn) revealed to me his decision], which cannot be chang[e]d. [At that time, a mishap befell him]: His lip became paralyzed and his eye became small. (i´ 5´) [He was not ashamed by thes]e [measures] that the deities Aššur and Sîn, [Šamaš, Bêl (Marduk)], Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, [Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta], Nusku (and) Nergal had taken against him, [(and) he mu]stered his troops. [During the month Abu (V) — the month of the heliacal] rising of the Bow Star, [the festival of the hono]red [queen], the daughter of the god Enlil (the goddess Ištar) — [to revere her great divinity, I resided in the city Arbe]la, the city that he[r] heart loves, Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 085

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02665. RINAP 5 Asb. 085; Oracc Q003784.

Obverse, Column i

Lacuna (No translation possible) Um[manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) ...] who had fl[ed ...] inside the city S[usa ...] I made h[im] enter [... I placed him] on the throne of Teu[mman ...] (With) the chariots, wagon[s, ...] One or two columns completely missing

Reverse

One or two columns completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

[... of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my)] hostile brother, [...] took [the] direc[t road ...] until they ... [...] his command [...] (that) Elamite [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 086

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 00030 (+) K 04459 + K 13750 (+) K 11289 (+) K 11389 (+)? 1881-07-27, 0240. RINAP 5 Asb. 086; Oracc Q003785.

Column i

Lacuna [I installed] Tamma[rītu, his third brother, as king] in the city Ḫida[lu]. (With) the chariots, wag[ons, horses, mules], harness-broken (steeds), (and) [equipment suited for war] (i 5´) that [I] captured between the city Susa and the [Ulāya] Riv[er] with the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess [Išt]ar, [the great gods, my lords], I joyfully [came out] of the land Elam [and] salvation [was established] for my entire army. I ma[rched] against Dunānu, son of Bē[l-iqīša], to the land Gambulu, which had put its tr[ust] in the king of the land Elam (and) had not bowed down to [my] yoke. With my migh[ty] battle array, (i 15´) I covered Gambulu in [its] entirety like a fog. I conquered the city Ša-pī-Bēl, his fortified city, whose location is situated between rivers. I brought Dunānu (and) his brothers out of that city alive. I brought out his wife, his sons, his daughters, his (palace) women, male singers, (and) female singers and I counted (them) as booty. [I br]ought out silver, gold, property, (and) the treasures of his palace and I counted (them) as booty. (i 25´) I brought out [eunuch]s, his attendants, engineers, (and) [his food preparers] and I counted (them) as booty. [I brought out all of (his) artisans, a]s many as there were, [the bond of city and steppe, and] I counted (them) as [b]ooty. (i 30´) [I brought out oxen, sheep and goats, horses, (and) mul]es, [which were without number, and I counted (them) as booty]. I did [not] leave [a single person of his land — ma]le and fe[male, young and old] — (and) I brought (them) out and [counted (them) as booty]. I [captured ali]ve [Massi]râ, the chi[ef archer of Te]umman, the king of the lan[d Elam, who was station]ed inside the city Ša-p[ī-Bēl to] provide support to the land Gambulu (and) to guar[d Dunānu. I cut off his head (and) beat (it) against the face of D]unān[u, the ally who could not save him]. (As for) that [cit]y, I destroyed, [demolished, (and) dissolved (it) with water; I annih]ilated (it). [I laid waste] that district (and) cut o[ff] the clamor of humans [from it]. With the support of the great gods, [I killed my] e[nemies (and)] returned safely t[o Nineveh]. [I hung] the head of Teumman, the king of the la[nd Elam], around the neck of Dunānu. [I hung] the head of <Ištar-nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi)> around the neck of Samgunu, the se[cond] brother of Dunānu. [W]ith the spoils of the la[nd Elam (and) (i 50´) the b]ooty of the land [Gambulu], which [I] captured by the command of (the god) Aššur, with singers performing [music], I en[t]ered Nineveh in (the midst of) ce[lebration]. [(As for) Umb]ad[a]râ (and) Nabû-dam[iq, the en]voys of Teumman — the king of the land El[am] — by [who]se hands Teumman sent [insolent message(s), who]m [I had detained] before me [by making (them) wait for the issuing of my decision, they saw the decapitated head of Teumman, their lord, in Nineveh and (i 60´) mad]nes[s took hold of them. Umbadar]â pull[ed out his (own) beard (and) Nabû-dami]q [stabbed himself] in the stoma[ch] with [his] iro[n belt]-dagger. [(As for) the decapitated head of Teu]mman, I displayed (it) opposite the [Citadel] Gate [of Nineveh as] a spec[tacle in order] to s[how] the people [the might of (the god) Aššur and] the goddess Ištar, my lords — [the decapitated head of T]eumman, the king of the land Elam. [(As for) Aplāya, son of Na]bû-salim, grandson of Marduk-apla-[iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), who]s[e] father (i 70´) [had fled t]o the land Elam [before the fat]her of the father who had engendered me — [after I had installed Ummaniga]š (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [a]s king in the land Elam, [he (Ummanigaš) seized Aplāya, s]on of Nabû-sa[lim, (and) sent (him)] before [me]. Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna [(As for) Dunānu], th[ey] lai[d him] o[n a slaughtering block insi]de [Nineveh and] sla[ughtered him like] a la[mb]. (As for) the r[e]st [of the brothers] of Dunā[nu] and A[plā]ya, I kil[led (them)], chop[ped up] their flesh, (and) se[n]t (them) out to be a spectacle in all of the lan[ds]. (As for) Nabû-naʾid (and) Bēl-ēṭir, sons [of Na]bû-šuma-ēreš, the šan[dabakku (governor of Nippur)], (ii 10´) wh[ose father, the one who had engende]red them, [had stirred up] Urtaku [to fig]ht with the l[and Akkad — the bone]s of Nabû-šuma-ē[reš, which] th[ey] had take[n out o]f the land Gambulu [to Assyria, I made them (lit. “his sons”) crush] tho[se bone]s [opposite the Citadel Gate of Nineveh]. Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [he (Indabibi) sent (them)] befo[re me by the hands of his messenger (with messages) of goodwill and peace]. Iautaʾ, son of Hazael, the king of the land Qe[da]r who does obeisance to me, approached me about his gods, whom the father who had engendered me (iii 5´) had carried off, and implored my royal majesty. I made him swear an oath by the great gods and (then) I gave the god Atar-samayin back to him. Afterwards, he sinned against my treaty, did not respect my kindness, (and) cast off the yoke of m[y] lordship. (iii 10´) He refrain[ed] from inquiring about my well-being (and) withheld audience gift(s) from me. He incited the people of the land of the Arabs to rebel with him and they were repeatedly plund[er]ing the land Amurru. I sent troops of mine who were stationed on the border of his land against him (and) they brought about their defeat. They struck down with the sword the people of the land of the Arabs, as many as had risen up against me, (and) set fire to pavilion(s and) tents, their abodes, (and thus) consigned (them) to the god Gīr[a]. They carried off with[out number] oxen, sheep and goats, donkeys, cam[els], (and) people. They filled (with them) the whole extent of the land, in [its entirety], t[o all of its border(s). I] ap[portioned] camels [like sheep and goats ...] Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna [I concluded a treaty with him to do obeisa]n[ce to me. I insta]lled him as king [in place of Iautaʾ]. I imposed upon him [gold, eyestones, pappardilû-stone, koh]l, camels, (and) [prime quality donkeys] as [annu]al [payment]. [(As for) Ammi-ladīn — the king of the land Qeda]r, who had turned hostile towards Assyria (and) [repeatedly plundered the l]and Amurru — K[amās-ḫal]tâ, the ki[ng of the land Moab], (iv 10´) a servant who belon[ged to me who] had broug[ht about his defeat] in a pitched battle by invoking [my] na[me — which the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk)], Nabû, Iš[tar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, (and) Nergal had made great] — captured Ammi-ladī(n and) the re[st of his people] who [had escaped] the sl[aughter. (iv 15´) He placed] (their) hands and feet in [iron] fetters [and sent (them)] to Nineveh, before m[e]. [Na]tnu, the king of [the land of the Nabayateans ...] Lacuna [... I mixed (their) ka]lakku-mortar [with beer and wine. Bask]et [carriers ma]de bricks [while playing]. (iv 5´´) While there was jo[yous] celebration, I built (and) completed (them) from their foundation(s) to their crenellations to be my royal residence. I strengthened their foundation(s) more than previously. Blank space for approximately 11 lines [I wrote out] an inscribed object bearing my name (and) the praise of my heroism — with which through the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, (and) Nergal, I constantly marched [through] the lands (and) established mighty victorie[s — a]nd I dep[osited (it)] for future d[ay]s. [When] this palace [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 087

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 10746. RINAP 5 Asb. 087; Oracc Q003786.

Obverse, Column i

Completely missing

Obverse, Column ii

Tammarītu, who [was] (even) more [insolent than Ummanigaš, sat on the throne of the land Elam]. Just like him (Ummanigaš), he (Tammarītu) accepted bribes fro[m the hands of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, did not enquire about the well-being of my royal majesty, (and) went] to the aid of Šamaš-šu[ma-ukīn, (my) unfaithful brother, (ii 5) to figh]t [with my] troops. [As a result of the supplications that I had addressed to (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar], (No translation possible) Lacuna One column possibly completely missing

Reverse

One column possibly completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna Blank

Reverse, Column ii'

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 088

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03073. RINAP 5 Asb. 088; Oracc Q003787.

Column i'

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna (No translation possible) [A]fter [Indabibi (...) sat] on the throne of [Tammarītu] (and) exercised dom[inion over the land Elam], (ii´ 5´) (as for) the [Assyria]ns whom Nabû-bēl-šum[āti, (grand)son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), had seized] by guil[e during the night] (and) taken [(to Elam) with him], Indabib[i, the king of the land Elam], (ii´ 10´) in order to prevent (me) from doing har[m to the territory of his land, sent (them) before me] by the hands of hi[s] messenger. With regard to Nabû-bēl-šumāti, (grand)­s[on of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan)], who had fled (and) g[one to the land Elam], and (with regard to) the rest of the [Assyria]ns (ii´ 15´) whom Nabû-bēl-šumāti [had seized (and) taken (to Elam) with him], I sen[t (a message)] to [Indabibi] by the hands of his messenger, (saying) [a]s follows: “[Si]nce you have not [sent me] those people, I will come and [tear down your] citie[s. (ii´ 20´) I will carry off the people of] the cities [S]usa, Mada[ktu, (and) Ḫidalu. I will remove you from your royal] throne [and] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 089

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03110 + K 05832 (+) Rm 2, 096; known as K 03110 + K 05832 (+) Rm 2,096 / Borger BIWA CTaf 1. RINAP 5 Asb. 089; Oracc Q003788.

Column i

[On my eighth campaign], I marched [agai]nst Dunānu, [son of Bēl-iqīša, to the land Gambulu, which h]ad put its trust [in the king of the land Elam (and) had not bowed down to my yoke]. With my mighty [bat]tle array, (i 5) I covered [the land Gambulu in its entirety] like a fog. I conquered [the city Ša-pī-Bēl], his fortified [cit]y, [who]se location is [s]ituated [between rivers]. I brought [Dunānu (and) his brothers] out of that city [alive. I brought out his wife, his sons], his [daughter]s, [his (palace) women, male singers, (and) female sing]ers [and] I [count]ed (them) [as booty]. Lacuna [With the spoils of the land Elam (and) the booty of the land Gambulu, which] I [captu]red [by the command of (the god) Aššur, with singers perfo]rming mus[i]c, [I ent]ered [Nineveh] in (the midst of) celebr[at]ion. [(As for) Umb]adarâ (and) [Nabû-d]amiq, the envoys [of] Teumman — the king of the land Elam — by [wh]ose hands Teumman sent insolent message(s), whom I had detained before me (i 10´) by making (them) wait for the issuing of my decision, they saw the decapitated head of Teumman, their lord, in Nineveh (and) madness took hold of them. Umbadarâ pulled out his (own) beard (and) (ii 1) Nabû-damiq stabbed [himself in the stomach] wi[th his iron belt-dagger].

Column ii

(As for) the decapitated head of [Teumman], I displayed (it) opposite the Citadel Gate [of Nineveh as] a spe[ctacle] in order to s[how] the people the might of (the god) <Aš>šur and the goddess Iš[tar, my lords] — the decapitated head of Teumm[an, the king of the land Elam]. (As for) Aplāya, son of Na[bû-salim], grandson of Marduk-[apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-Baladan)], whose father had fled to the land Elam before the father of the father who had engendered m[e] — after [I had installed] Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [a]s king in the land Ela[m], Lacuna I brought (Dunānu and Aplāya’s bodies) out t[o be a spectacle in all of the lands]. (As for) Nabû-[naʾid (and) Bēl-ēṭir], sons of [Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šandabakku (governor of Nippur)], whose fat[her, the one who had engendered them, (ii 5´) had stirred up] Urt[aku] to fi[ght with the land Akkad] — the bon[es of Nabû-šuma-ēreš], which th[ey] had take[n] o[ut of the land Gambulu to Assyria], (ii 10´) I made [them (lit. “his sons”) crush those] bon[es] opposi[te the Citadel Gate of Nineveh]. (As for) Um[manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), ...]

Column iii

Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna (As for) the r[est, ...] th[ey] (the gods) [put (them) to shame]. [(As for) Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, ...], and [the people of the land Akkad, as many as ...], who [had abandoned me ...] wi[th Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) ...] Lacuna

Column v

Lacuna [They ate] g[rass. (As for) the snake(s and) scorpion(s), as many] creatu[res that there are on earth], (and) rodents th[ey brought them to an end. They gnawed] on animal hides, (leather) stra[ps, shoes and sandals]. (v 5´) To (fight) [their] hunger, [they slaughtered (their) sons, daughters], brothers, [sisters, ...] Lacuna [their watercourses, which had (once) gushed with an] abundance of [water, were (now) filled with si]lt. [(As for) Ša]maš-šuma-ukīn, (my) hostile brother [w]ho had planned murder against Assyria (v 5´´) and uttered grievous blasphemies against (the god) Aššur, the god who created me, [he (the god Aššur) determined for hi]m a crue[l] death; [he consigned him] to a conflagration [and] destroyed [his] l[ife]. (As for) the soldiers who had perpetrated sedition (and) [rebellion], as many as [had made common cause] with him, not a single one (of them) e[scaped]; not one es[caped my grasp]. With the rest [...] (v 15´´) as many who had been spared [... (As for) clo]thing (and) precious jewelry, every royal appurtenance, (his) [p]alace women, his eunuchs, and (other) people [ass]ociated with his palace, silver, gold, possessions, property, [the nece]ssities of the palaces, as much as there was, (v 15´´E) [chario]ts, a processional carriage, the vehicle of his lordly majesty, [hor]ses, his harness-broken (steeds), (and) people — [mal]e and female, young and old — I took (them) to Assyria. (As for) the people who were guilty, [I imposed] a ha[rsh] punishment [upon them]. I destroyed the faces, [flayed them, (and)] c[hopped up their flesh]. Indabibi, who [sa]t on the throne of the land Elam a[fter Tammarītu], saw the might of my weapons that had p[rev]iously prevailed over the land Ela[m] and (as for) the Assyrians whom I had sent (vi 5) to aid Nabû-bēl-šumāti, (grand)son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), with whom they used to march about ecting his land like a friend (and) ally (and) [wh]om Nabû-bēl-šumāti (vi 10) had seized by gu[i]le [during the n]ig[h]t (and) c[onfined in pr]ison, [Indabibi], the ki[ng of the land Ela]m, [released t]hem [from prison. So that (they) would intercede (with me), say goo]d [thing(s) about] him, [(and) in order to prevent (me) from doing harm to the territory of] his [land],

Column vi

Lacuna

(7 further line-positions in this passage are too broken for RINAP to publish a translation, with the line count itself uncertain.)

Ashurbanipal 090

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-02-04, 0253. RINAP 5 Asb. 090; Oracc Q003789.

Column i

Lacuna I sent [troops of mine who were stationed on the border of his land against him (Iautaʾ)] (and) they brought about their defeat. They struck down with the [sword] the pe[ople of the land of the Arabs], as many as had risen up against me, (and) set fire to pavilion(s and) tents, their abodes, (and thus) consigned (them) to the god Gīra. They carri off without number oxen, sheep and goats, donkeys, camels, (and) people. They filled (with them) the whole extent of his land, in its entirety, (i 10´) [to] all of its [bord]er(s). [I apportioned camels] like sheep and goats (and) divided (them) [among the people of Assyria] Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna [He (Kamās-ḫaltâ) placed (Ammu-ladīn and his people’s)] hands [and feet in iron fetters and sent (them)] t[o Nineveh, before me]. Na[tnu, the king of the land of the Nabayateans] — who[se location is remote — heard about the might of the gods Aššur and Marduk], (ii 5´) who [had encouraged me]. The one w[ho had never sent his messenger to the kings, my ancestors, (and) had] nev[er inquired about the well-being of my royal majesty] — a[fter Iautaʾ, the king of the land of the Arabs], Lacuna

Column iii

Completely missing

Column iv

Lacuna Blank Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 091

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03404 + K 07589 + K 07590 + K 07591 + 1879-07-08, 0207. RINAP 5 Asb. 091; Oracc Q003790.

Column i

Lacuna [I constricted (and)] cut sho[rt their lives. I made] them (the people of Tyre) [b]ow down [to my yoke]. He (Baʾalu) brought before me [(his) daughter], his [own offspring], and the daughters of his brothers [to serve as housekeepers. (i 5´) He sent at the same time his son, who] had n[ever] crossed the sea, to do obeisance to me. [I received from him his daughter and the daughters of his brothers, tog]ether with a large marriage gift. [I had mercy on him and (then)] I gave (his) son, his offspring, back to him. [(As for) Yakīn-Lû, the king of the city Arw]ad, who resides in the middle of the sea, [Mugallu, the king of] the land Tabal, (and) [Sanda-šarme of the land Ḫi]lakku (Cilicia), [who had not bowed down to the kings, my ancestors], they [b]owed down to my yoke. They brought [(their) daughters, their own offspring, to Nineveh to serve as housekeepers, together with a] substantial [dow]ry, and (i 15´) [they kissed] my f[ee]t. [I imposed upon Mugallu an annual payment of lar]ge [horses]. Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna [I dispatched my messenger] wi[th (a message of) goodwill to him (Uallî). He sent me] (his) dau[ghter, his own offspring], t[o serve as a housekeeper. (As for) his former] paym[ent], (ii 5´) which [they had discontinued] i[n the time of the kings, my ancestors], th[ey] carri[ed (it) before me]. I [added] thirty [horses to his former payment and imposed (it) upon him]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Column iii

Completely missing

Column iv

The people of the cities Ḫil[mu (and) Pillatu] h[eard about] the assault of my mighty battle array [as I was marching to the land Elam]. The awe-inspiring radiance of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [my] lo[rds], (and) fear of my royal majesty over[whelmed them]. (iv 5) They, their people, their oxen, (and) [their] sh[eep and goats], arrived in As[syria] to do obeisance to me and they grasped the f[eet of my royal majesty]. In the course of my campaign, [I conquered] the city Bīt-I[mbî, a royal city (and)] residence upon which the land Elam relied. (iv 10) (As for) the people living inside it, who had not [come out and] inquired about the well-being of [my] royal majest[y, I killed (them)]. I cut off their [h]eads, [sliced off their] lips, [(and) took (them) to Assyria t]o be a spectacle for the people of [my] lan[d]. [(As for) Im]bappi, the chief [archer of the land Elam, who was stationed as a guard in the ci]ty [Bīt-Imbî], Lacuna I brought o[ut and I counted (them) as booty]. (As for) Ummana[ldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam, he heard about the entry of my troops], who [had entered] inside the land Elam; [he abandoned] the city Madaktu, a ro[yal] city [of his, and] (then) fled and [took to] the mo[untains] (lit. “[ascended his] mo[untain]”). (As for) Umba-LAGABua, who [sat on] the throne of the land Ela[m] in opp[osition to Ummanaldašu, like him (Ummanaldašu) ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Column v

(As for) the entire (area) between the (Ulāya and Idide) river(s), I conquered the city Madak[tu, a royal city, along with i]ts [district. I con]quered the city Ḫaltemaš, a royal city [of his. I conqu]ered the city Susa, a royal city [of his. I conquer]ed the cities Dinšarri (and) Sumunt[unaš, royal cit(ies) of his. (v 5) I conquered] the city Pidilma, a royal city [of his]. I conquered the city Bubilu, a royal city of his. [I conquered] the city [Kabinak, a royal city of his]. With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I advanced and marc[hed against Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-haltaš III)], who had not bowed down to my yoke. In the cou[rse of my campaign, I conquered] the city Dūr-Undāsi, a royal city of [his]. I did not wait one day (or) two days, [nor did I wait for] the rea[r guard]. I crossed the river on the (very) day (I reached it). I conquered, destroyed, de[molished], (and) burned with fire fourteen [ci]ties, [his royal] reside[nce(s)], together with small(er) settlements, which were without number, and [twelve districts] that were in the land Elam, all of it. I [turned (them)] into mounds of ruins (lit. “mound(s) and ruin(s)”). (v 15) I slew his warriors without number. [I struck down] his elite [fi]ghting men with the sword. Ummanald[ašu (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the king of the land Ela]m, fld naked and t[ook to the mountain(s)]. [I conquered the cities Bašimu (and) Banu]nu together with the dist[rict o]f the city Tasa[rra, all (of it). (v 20) I conquered] twenty villages in the distri[ct of the city Ḫunnir], (which is) on the border of the city [Ḫidalu]. (Over) an area of [si]xty leagues, by the command th[at] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar [had given to me], I marched about tr[iumphantly in]side the land Elam. [On] my return march, (during) which (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar made [me] sta[nd over] my [fo]es, I conquered the city Susa, a great cult center, the residence of [their] gods, [a place of] their [se]cret lore. By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I entered its [palace]s (and) stayed (inside them) during celebrations. [I opened up] their [tre]asuries, inside which silver, gold, [possessions, (and) property had been s]tored — (v 30) [which the] former [kings of the land] Elam [...] ... Lacuna

Column vi

[my battle troops en]tered [inside them, saw their secrets, (and) bu]rned (them) with fire. [I destroyed (and) de]molished [the tombs of their earlie]r and later [kings, (men) who had not re]ver[ed the goddess Ištar], my lady, (and) who [had distur]bed the kings, [my ancestors]; I exposed (them) to the sun (lit. “the god Šamaš”). I t[ook] their [bon]es [to] Assyria. I prevented [their ghosts] from sleeping (and) deprived them of funerar[y libat]ions. [On a march of one mont]h (and) twenty-five days, I devastated the districts of the land [Ela]m (and) scat[te]red [salt] (and) cress over them (lit. “it”). I cut of[f the clamor of] humans, (the sound of) the treading of [ox]en, sheep and goats, (and) [the cr(ie]s) of pleasant work song(s) (and so) ruined his harvest. [(As for) the goddess Nanāya], who 1,530 ye[ar]s (ago) became angry (and) went [to live i]n the land Elam, [a plac]e not befitting her, [then, at that time (when) she nominated me for ruling over the lands, (vi 15) she entrusted me with the r]eturn of her lordly majesty, [saying: “Ashurbani]pal [will bring me out] of the [evil] land Elam [and make me enter E]anna (again).” The word(s) of [her divine] command [...] ... Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 092

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02697 + K 03077 + K 06356 + K 06361. RINAP 5 Asb. 092; Oracc Q003791.

Column i

Completely missing

Column ii

Lacuna [(and) placed gold bracelets (around their wrists). I made the]m [stand before me]. [(As for) Gyges, the king of the land Lydia — a region on the opposite shore of the se]a, [a remote place, the mention of who]se [n]ame [none of the kings, my ancestors, had (ever) heard — (the god) Aššur, the g]od who created me, [made him see in a dream my royal name. (ii 5´) On the (very) day he saw this dream], he sent his [mounted messen]ger [to inquire about my well-being]. [(As for) the C]immerians, a dangerous enemy [who had never feared] my ancestors, [and, with regard to me, had not grasped the fee]t of my royal majesty,

Column iii

Lacuna [I added thirty horses to] his f[ormer paymen]t [and imposed (it) upon him]. [On my fourth campaign], I took the direct [road] to the land Elam. [By the command of the deities Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Iš[tar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nergal], (and) Nusku, (iii 5´) [in the month Ulūlu (VI) — “the work of] the goddesses,” the month of the king of the gods, (the god) Aššur, the father of the go[ds, the god Nunnamnir — like the assault of a] fierce [stor]m, I covered the land Elam i[n its entirety. I cut off the head of] Teumman, their presumptuous king who had plo[tted evil (deeds). I slew] his [w]arriors [without number]. I captur[ed his fighting men] alive. I filled [the plain of the city Susa] with [their bodies] like baltu-plant(s and) ašāg[u]-plant(s). I made the Ulāya [River] flow [with their blood]; I dy[ed] its water [red like a red-dyed wool]. [I took Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), a son of U]rtaku — a (former) king of the land Elam — [who h]ad fled [from Teumman to Assyria] (and) ha[d grasped my feet, with me] to the land El[am (and) I placed him on Teumman’s throne]. I instal[led Tammarītu], his third [br]other [who had fled to me with him, as king in the city Ḫid]alu. [After I had made the weapon(s) of] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar [prevail over the land Elam (and) had continually esta]blished might[y victories, on] my [retu]rn march, [I set out towards] Dunā[nu, a Gambulian who] had put his trust [i]n the land Elam. (iii 20´) [I conquered the city Ša-p]ī-Bēl, a city upon which the land Gambul[u] relied. [I entered that city (and)] slaughtered [i]ts [people] like lambs. (As for) D[unānu (and) Samgunu, the ones who had distu]rbed my exercising the kingship, I c[lamped (their) hands and feet] i[n iron manacles (and) handcuffs (and)] iron [fett]ers. (iii 25´) [I carried off people, ox]en, sheep and goats, d[onkeys, horses, (and) mules ou]t of the land G[ambulu to Assyria. (As for) Ša-p]ī-Bēl, the city upon which he (Dunānu) relied, I d[estroyed, demolished, (and) dissolved (it) with water]. (As for) U[m]manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), for who[m] I ha[d performed] many act(s) of kindness (and) whom I had installed as king [in the land Elam], w[ho did not honor my treaty (and) sided] with Šamaš-šuma-ukīn — (my) [hostile] br[other] — (iii 30´) Tamm[ar]ītu rebel[led] against him [and s]truck him, [together with his family], down [with the sword]. (As for) Tamm[ar]ītu, who [sat on the throne of the land Elam] after Ummani[gaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) (and)] who ca[m]e t[o the a]id of Šam[aš-šuma-ukīn — (my) unfaithful brother — he hastily sent his weapons] to fight with [my] troops. (iii 35´) As a result of the supplications [th]at I had address[ed to] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [they listened to my prayers]. Indab[ib]i, a servant of his, [rebelled] against [him and] brought about his [defe]at in a pitched battle. [He sat on his throne]. Tammarī[tu], his [br]others, hi[s] family, [(and) the seed of his father’s house, together with eighty-five nobles] who marc[h at his side, (fled) f]ro[m Indabibi — his (Tammarītu’s) servant — (iv 1) crawled] nak[e]d on [their] belli[es and (then)] fle[d to Assyria] and grasped [my] feet.

Column iv

[Tammarītu handed] himself [ov]er [to do obeisance to me] and, [by] the com[mand of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, he made an appeal to my lordly majesty] to dec[ide his case (and) to come to his aid. He stood before me and] Lacuna

Column v

[I gave the best (of them) to my gods. I added th]e arch[e]rs, [shield bearers, artisans, (and) engineers whom I had carr]ied off from [the land Elam to my royal contingent. I divided up th]e res[t like sheep and goats among my governors, my nobles, my cult centers, (and)] my [entire ca]mp. [At that time, the replacement House of Succession, the palace th]at is in[side Nineveh — the exalted city loved by the goddess Mullissu — which Sennach]e[rib, king of Assyria, the father of the father who had engendered me], Lacuna

Column vi

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 093

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03402. RINAP 5 Asb. 093; Oracc Q003792.

Lacuna ... [...] two tall obelisks [cast with shiny zaḫalû-metal, whose weight was 2,500 talents (and which) stood at a temple gate, I ripped (them)] from where th[ey] were erected [and took (them) to Assyria]. On my second campaign, [I marched] ag[ainst Baʾalu, the king of the land Tyre who resides in the middle of the sea]. Because he did not honor my royal command(s and) did not obe[y the pronouncement(s) from my lips], I set up outposts against him. By sea (and) dry land, [I took control of (all of) his] r[outes]. I constricted (and) cut short their lives. I made [them (the people of Tyre)] bo[w down] to my yoke. He brought bef[ore me] (his) daughter, his own offspring, and the daughters of [his] broth[ers to] serve as housekeepers. (10´) [He sent] at the same ti[me his son, who] had n[ever] crossed [the s]ea, [to do obeisance to me. I received from him his daughter and the daughters of] his [brother]s, together wi[th] a [large] m[arriage gift. ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 094

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03062 + 1882-03-23, 0020. RINAP 5 Asb. 094; Oracc Q003793.

Column i

Lacuna [...] his [...] Babylo[n ... (i 5´) ... I tore] out and [... qui]ckly [... hi]s [... my temper] turned ho[t ...] who dwells in [...] he sent [...] (and) quickly [... (i 10´) ...] ... [...] his ... [...] Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna [(As for) the entire (area) between the (Ulāya and Idide) river(s), I conquere]d [the city Madaktu, a royal city, along with its district. I conque]red [the city Ḫaltemaš, a royal city of his. I co]nquered [the city Susa, a royal city of his. I conqu]ered [the city Dinšarri, a royal city of his. (ii 5´) I con]qu[e]red [the city Sumuntunaš, a royal city of his]. I conquered [the city Pidilma, a royal city of] his. I conquered [the city Bubilu, a royal city of his]. I conquered [the city Kabinak, a ro]yal [city] of his. [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I advanced and m]arched [against Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the king of the land Ela]m [who had not bowed down to] my [yoke]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna Thirty-t[wo statues of kings fashioned from silver, gold, copper, (and) alabaster] from i[nside the cities Susa, Madaktu, (and) Ḫurādi], along with a sta[tue of Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš I), son of Umbadarâ], a sta[t]ue of I[štar-Nanḫūndi (Šutur-Naḫūndi II), a statue of Ḫallušu (Ḫallušu-Inšušinak I)], (iii 5´) who in the ti[me of the kings, my ancestors], had done [...], and a sta[tue of the la]te[r Tammarītu], who by the c[ommand of (the god) A]šš[ur and] the goddess Ištar fled to me from i[nside] the land Elam and (then) (iii 10´) [grasp]ed my feet (and) did obeisance to me — I took (them) ou[t] of the land Elam to Assyria. (As for) this [statue of] Ḫallušu (Ḫallušu-Inšušinak I), king of the land Elam — [who] had plotted evil (deeds) [agains]t Assyria (and) (iii 15´) init[ia]ted sedition [against] Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the father of the father who had engendered me — I cut out [its] tong[ue] that had scoffed, sliced off its lips that had spoken insolent word(s), and cut off its hands that had seized the bow to fight with Assyria. (iii 20´) To sing the praise(s) of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, the gods who support me, [I ... (it)] in the gateway of [Egalza]gdinutuku (“Palace Without a Rival”), which is ins[ide Nineveh]. Blank space for 2 lines Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna Blank Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 095

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02640 + Sm 2121. RINAP 5 Asb. 095; Oracc Q003794.

Obverse, Column i

Afterwards, [... Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II)], who forgot my kindness [and ...]. Tamma[r]ītu, who [sat] on the throne of the land Elam aft[er Ummanigaš], cut down [...] and ... [...]. Tammarītu, who [sat on the throne of] the land Elam after [Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II)] (and) who did not inq[uire about the well-being of my royal majesty], came to the aid of Ša[maš-šuma-ukīn — (my) hostile brother] — and [hastily sent his weapons] to fig[ht with my troops]. (i 10) As a result of the supplications that [I had addressed to] the deities Aš[šur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû], Ištar of Nineveh, I[štar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nergal, (and) Nusku] Lacuna One or two columns completely missing

Reverse

One or two columns completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna (the contents of Susa’s treasuries) which the [former] kings of [the land Elam] down to the kin[g]s [of this time] had coll[e]cted (and) [deposited] — (and) where[in (the treasuries)] no [oth]er [enemy] apart from me [had laid] his hands, (and) I [brought] (all of this) out and [counted (it)] as booty. Silver, [gold], possessions, (and) prop[erty (...)].

Ashurbanipal 096

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 274. RINAP 5 Asb. 096; Oracc Q003795.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna [I carried off to Assyria those gods (and) goddesses] together with [their] j[ewelry, their property, (and) their equipment], along with šang[û-priests (and) buḫlalû-priests]. Thirty-two statues [of kings fashioned from gold, silver, copper, (and) alabaster] from inside [the cities Susa, Madaktu, (and) Ḫurādi], (rev. i´ 5´) along with a statue of U[mmanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš I), son of Umbadarâ], a statue of Ištar-N[anḫūndi (Šutur-Naḫūndi II), a statue of Hallušu (Ḫallušu-Inšušinak I)], and a statue of the [later] T[ammarītu], who [did obeisance to me] by the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess [Ištar — I took (them) to Assyria]. I removed šēdu(s and) lam[assus, as many protectors of the temple as there were]. I ripped out the [raging] wild bull[s that adorned gateways. I had] the sanctuaries of the land El[am utterly destroyed (and) I counted] its gods (and) [its] goddesses [as ghosts]. (As for) their s[ecret grove]s,

Reverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [In the future, may one of the kings, my descendants, who]m [(the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar nominate for ruling over the land and people, renovate its dilapidated section(s) when this House of Succession becomes old and dil]apidated. [May] he find [an inscribed object bearing m]y [name], (the name of) my father, [(and the name of) my grandfather — the eternal seed of kingship] — and (then) (rev. ii´ 5´) [anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, (and) place (it) wit]h an inscribed [object bearing his name. May the great gods, as many as are recorded on this] inscribed object, [gra]nt him [mighty victories, just like me]. [(As for) the one who destroys an inscribed object bearing] my [name], Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 097

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 490. RINAP 5 Asb. 097; Oracc Q003796.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

One column likely completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna ... [...] dra[nk ...] wag[ons ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [On the site of its (original) structure, I fashioned its brickwork fifty courses of brick (high)]. I fi[lled in (its) t]errace. [In a favorable month, (on) an auspicious day, I laid its foundation(s) o]n tha[t] terrace (and thereby) [secured] its [bri]ckwork. [I mix]ed [its kalakku-mortar with beer (and) wine]; I blended its šallaru-plaster. (rev. ii´ 5´) [Its brick maker(s and)] hod [carrie]r(s) [spent their days in rejoicing (and) singing. While there were] joyous celebrations, Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 098

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 17901. RINAP 5 Asb. 098; Oracc Q003797.

Obverse, Column i

Lacuna [...] I [brought the deities Bēl (Marduk), Bēltīy]a (Zarpanitu), the Lad[y of] B[abylon, E]a, (and) [Mandānu ou]t of Ešarra [(and) made (them) e]nter into Šuan[na (Babylon)]. [(As for) the throne-da]is, the seat of [his (Marduk’s) exalted] divi[nity], Lacuna Two columns likely completely missing

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 099

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 322; known as Rm 2,322 / Borger BIWA TTaf 5. RINAP 5 Asb. 099; Oracc Q003798.

Obverse, Column i

Lacuna [(As for) the throne-dais, the seat of his (Marduk’s) exa]lted [divinity, I cast fifty talents of shiny zaḫ]alû-silver [into] bricks and (thereby) [enlarge]d it. [I had a canopy, which rival]s the heavens, [ma]de from musukkannu-wood, [a dur]able [wood. (i 10´) I] clad [its perimeter with thirty-four talents (and) twenty min]as of reddish gold Lacuna

Obverse, Column ii

Lacuna I [added (temple appurtenances)] to [those of the kings, my ancestors]. I made the [great] gods who sup[port me reside] in [their exalted] inner sanctum[s. I offered sumptuous] offerings before [them (and) presented (them) with my gifts. I made] re[gular offerings (and) contributions more plentiful than those of distant days]. Lacuna One column likely completely missing

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 100

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04520; known as K 04520 / Borger BIWA TTaf 3. RINAP 5 Asb. 100; Oracc Q003799.

Obverse, Column i'

Lacuna [granted m]e [power, virility, (and) outstanding strength]. They [place]d [lands that had not bowed down to] me [into my hands (and) allowed] me [to achieve] (i´ 5´) my [he]art’s [desire]. I marched [from the] Upper [Se]a [to the] Lower [S]ea, [where the k]ings, my ancestors, had regularly [tr]aveled. Lacuna

Obverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [I conquered ...] in the di[strict of the city Ḫunnir], (which is) on [the border] of the city Ḫid[alu]. (ii´ 5´) I destr[oyed] (and) demolished the city Bašimu and [the villages] in its environs. As for the people living inside them, I annihilat[ed] them. I smashed thei[r] gods [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 101

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 11610; known as K 11610 / Borger BIWA TTaf 4. RINAP 5 Asb. 101; Oracc Q003800.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna F[rom my childhood until I became an adult], I w[as assiduous towards the sanctuaries of the great gods. They required my priestly services (and)] th[ey (now)] enj[oy my giving (them) food offerings]. The god Adad [released his] rains (and) the god Ea op[ened up his springs]. Year after year, I shepherded the s[ubjects of the god Enlil in prosperity (and) with justice]. The great gods, who[se divinity] I [constantly] r[evered], generously gra[nted me] power, [virility, (and) outstanding] strength. Lacuna

Reverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [I devastat]ed [an are]a [of sixty leagues inside the land Elam (and) scattered salt (and) cress over the]m. (No translation possible) Lacuna One column likely completely missing

Ashurbanipal 102

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03101A; known as K 03101A / Borger BIWA TTaf 2. RINAP 5 Asb. 102; Oracc Q003801.

Obverse

Two columns likely completely missing

Obverse, Column i'

Lacuna I conquered [fourteen fortified cities, his royal residence(s), and small(er) settlements, which were without number, together with twenty] village[s, in the district of t]he city Ḫunnir, [(which is) on] the border [of the city] Ḫidalu. (i´ 5´) I destroyed (and) [demolis]hed [the city B]ašimu and the villages [in] its [e]nvirons. As for the people [livi]ng inside them, I [an]nihilated them. I smashed their gods (and thus) placated [the m]ood of the lord of lords. (rev. i 1) [I] carried off to [Assyria] its [god]s, its goddesses, its [possessions, (and) its] prop[erty, (as well as) pe]ople, young and [old]. I devastated an area of [sixt]y leagues [in]side the land Elam (and) scattered [s]alt (and) cress over them.

Reverse, Column i

(As for) the goddess Nanāya, [w]ho 1,535 years (ago) [be]came angry and [wen]t to live Lacuna Two columns likely completely missing

Ashurbanipal 103

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04455 + DT 257. RINAP 5 Asb. 103; Oracc Q003802.

Obverse (?)

One column possibly completely missing

Obverse (?), Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [...] his battle array [...] with him [... I brought abo]ut his defeat [...] in the thick of battle.

Obverse (?), Column ii'

Lacuna [... I sma]shed [their] gods (and thus) [placated the m]ood of the lord of lord[s]. I carried off to Assyria [its gods], its goddesses, its possessions, (and) its property, (as well as) [people, yo]ung [and ol]d. (obv.? ii´ 5´) By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I devasta[ted] an area of [sixty leag]ues insi[d]e the land Elam (and) scattered [sal]t (and) cress over them. (As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,535 years (ago) became angry and wen[t]

Reverse (?), Column i

Completely missing

Reverse (?), Column ii

[...] ... [... (whom) Sennacherib, the king of Assyria], the father of the father who had engendered me, [... A]ssyria [...] his battle array (rev.? ii 5) [... wit]h him [...] hi[s de]feat Lacuna One column possibly completely missing

Ashurbanipal 104

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 10039. RINAP 5 Asb. 104; Oracc Q003803.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

One column likely completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [...] May [they (the gods) lengthen] my [d]ays [(so that) I may be fully satisfied with (my) good fortune. May they make the f]oundation(s) of [my] royal throne [endure (and) make my reign last for a long time]. (rev. i´ 5´) May [they kill] my enemies [(and) cut down my foes. W]ith their great support, [may I rule wherever I desire (lit. “I say”) (and) achieve] whatever (lit. “the place”) I strive for. [I]n the futu[re, may (one of) the sons, grandsons, (great grand)sons], or [(great, great grand)sons, one of the kings, my descendants], Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 105

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 15151. RINAP 5 Asb. 105; Oracc Q003804.

Obverse (?)

One or two columns completely missing

Obverse (?), Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [exal]ted [...] ... [...] I destroyed his/its [...] who had performed [an abo]mination [...] the goddess Ištar (No translation possible) [... Babyl]on [...] his [...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse (?), Column i

Lacuna (No translation possible) [... the deities ... Šar]rat-K[idmur]i, [Ištar of Arbela, Ninurt]a, Nerga[l, (and) Nusku. He (Šamaš-šuma-ukīn) plotted evil (ways) to deprive (me) of the cult centers, the dwel]ling place(s) of the [great] gods [whose sanctuaries I had renovated (and) decor]ated with gol[d (and) silver, (and) in whose midst I constantly establis]hed appropriate procedu[res]. (No translation possible) Lacuna One or two columns completely missing

Ashurbanipal 106

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 2119. RINAP 5 Asb. 106; Oracc Q003805.

Lacuna [(As for) Ta]mmarīt[u, the king of the land Elam who had spoken insolent word(s) on account of the cutting off of the head of Teumman — which a low-ranking soldier of my army had cut off] — saying: “Will they cu[t off the head of the king of the land Elam in his (own) land, in the assembly of his troops?” He spoke a second time]: “Moreover, [how could] Um[manigaš kiss the ground before the messengers of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the creation of] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mul[lissu?” On account of these words that he had slanderously uttered, (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu attacked him and (then) Tammarītu, his brothers, his family, (and) the seed of his father’s house], (5´) together with eighty-[five nobles who march at his side, ... fled to me f]rom Indab[ibi, and (then) crawled naked on their bellies and came to Nineveh]. (As for) the Assyrians [... I]ndadb[ibi ... in the ha]nds of [his] mes[senger ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 107

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 2040. RINAP 5 Asb. 107; Oracc Q003806.

Column i'

Lacuna (No translation possible) [... I] conquered [...] I burned Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna [On account of these] w[ords that he had slanderously uttered, (the god) A]ššur and [the goddess Ištar attacked him and (then)] Tammarīt[u, his brothers, his family, (and) the seed of his father’s house], together with eighty-f[ive nobles who march at his side, (ii´ 5´) fled to me] from [Indabibi, and (then)] crawled nake[d on their bellies and came to Nineveh]. Tammarītu [kissed] the feet [of my royal majesty and swept] the ground [with his beard. (ii´ 10´) He took hold of] the platform of [my chariot and (then) handed himself over] to d[o obeisance to me]. B[y the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, he then made an appeal to my lordly majesty] to [decide his case (and) to come to his aid]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 108

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02659 + K 02677. RINAP 5 Asb. 108; Oracc Q003807.

Obverse (?), Column i

Lacuna the deities Aššur, [...], Ninurta, Ner[gal, ...] ... [...] Lacuna One or two columns likely completely missing

Reverse (?)

One or two columns likely completely missing

Reverse (?), Column i'

Lacuna [... I advanced and marched] against [Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the king of the land Elam who had n]ot bowe[d down to my yoke]. [In the c]ours[e of m]y [campaign], I conquered the city Dūr-Undās[i], a royal city of his. My troops saw the Idide River, a raging torrent (and) were afraid to cross (it). [During the n]ight, the goddess Ištar who resides in Arbela showed a dream to my troops [and] said [the f]ollowing [to them], saying: “I myself will go before Ashur[banipal], (rev.? i´ 10´) the king that my (own) two hands created.” My troops trusted [this dream (and) they safely crossed] the Idide River. [I conquered], dest[royed], demolished, (and) burne[d] with fire fourteen cities, his royal residence(s), together with s[mall(er)] settlements, [which were without number], and twelve districts that were i[n the land Elam, all of it. I turned (them) into mounds of ruins (lit. “mound(s) and ruin(s)”). I slew] his [w]arriors [without number. I struck down his elite fighting men] with the [sword]. [Umma]naldaš[u (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the king of the land Elam, fled n]ake[d and took to the mountain(s)]. [I conquered the city B]anun[u, together with the district of the city Tasarra, a]ll [(of it). ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 109

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13650. RINAP 5 Asb. 109; Oracc Q003808.

Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [...] royal [..., I imposed a harsh punishment] upon them, and I destroyed their [face]s, [flayed them], (and) chopped up their flesh. [(As for) Uaiteʾ, the king of the land S]umuʾil, who [had sided] with him [(and) had cast o]ff the yoke of my lordship, [... h]e was placed [in a dog collar] and (then) [I made him guard th]e gate [...]. [...] Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 110

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). DT 237. RINAP 5 Asb. 110; Oracc Q003809.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] the goddess Mulli[ssu ... s]ubstantial [...] and [... he brough]t to me and kis[sed my feet]. [(As for) Ištar-dūrī (Sarduri III), the king of the land Urarṭu, whose kings, his ancestors], used to regularly send [(messages of) brotherly relations to] my [an]cestors, [...] ... who heard [...]. Moreover, he, accord[ing to this wording, ...] was (now) always sendi[ng his sub]stantial [audience gift(s) before me]. [...] the land Bīt-Ḫumbê, which ... [...] that [...] him alive [...] I carried off [to Assyria ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 111

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 15428. RINAP 5 Asb. 111; Oracc Q003810.

Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [the deities ..., Š]arrat-Kidmuri, [Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nergal], (and) Nusku (i´ 5´) [...] celebrations [...] their [...]s Lacuna

Column ii'

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 112

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03043 + K 13670. RINAP 5 Asb. 112; Oracc Q003811.

Column i

Completely missing

Column ii

[and (with regard to) the rest of the Assyria]ns [whom] Nabû-bēl-šumāti had seized [by guile] (and) taken (to Elam) w[ith] him, [I sent (a message) t]o Indabibi [by the hands of his messenger], (saying) as follows: “[Since] you have not sent me [those people], I [will come and (ii 5) tear down your cities. I will carry off the peopl]e of the cities Susa, Madaktu, (and) [Ḫidalu]. I will remo[ve you from] your [r]oyal [throne and make someone else sit on] your [th]rone. [The (same) actions that] I used to thwart [Teumman], I will make ha[ppen to you].” [Before his messenger] had arr[ived in] his [p]resence (and before) [he could report] the issuing of [my] decisi[on] to him, [with the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, [Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal], who march at my side (and) [kill my foes, in]side the land Elam, [they (the Elamites) heard about the progress of] the messenger of mine [whom I had sent to the city Dēr. (ii 15) Fear of my royal majesty — with which] the great gods [had endowed] me — [overwhelmed the land Elam and (then) the people of the land Elam rebelled] against Indabi[bi (and) killed him with the sword. They placed Ummana]ldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), son of Atta-m[etu, ...] ... [...]. Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [I captured them with the support of the deities ..., Ištar of Arbela], Ninurta, [Nusku, (and) Nergal, ..., I brou]ght (them) to Assyria (and) flaye[d them]. [(As for) the people of Uruk, Nippur, Larak], Bīt-Dakkūri, (and) Bīt-[Amukkāni, who had broken] away [from the ... of Assyria] (and) gone (and) attach[ed (themselves) to the land Elam, I car]ried (them) off t[o Assyria, together with booty of the land Elam. With regard to tho]se [people], I questio[ned (and) inte]rrogated (them). I kille[d them] with the sword [because of thei]r [crime(s)]. [By the command of the deities ...], Sîn, N[ingal], Šamaš, [...], Nabû, Išt[ar of Ni]neveh, [Šarrat-Kid]muri, Ištar of Arbela, [Ninurta, Nergal], (and) Nusku, I mustered my troops (and) [took the direc]t [r]oad [against Ummana]ldašu (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the ki[ng] of the land Elam. (iii 15´) [(Like) the city Bīt-Imb]î, [which] I had conquere[d during a previo]us [campaign of mine],

Column iv

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 113

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 243 + 1881-02-04, 0251. RINAP 5 Asb. 113; Oracc Q003812.

Obverse

When (the god) Aššur, the father of the gods [...]; the god Anu, the supreme one ... [...]; the god Enlil, the exalted lord [...]; the goddess Mullissu, the mother of the great gods [...]; (5) the god Ea, who fashions the people [...]; the god Sîn, who bears signs [...]; the goddess Ištar, the daughter of the god Sîn, the female warrior [...]; the god Šamaš, who renders decision(s) through his fir[m] “yes” [...]; the god Adad, the king of abundance (and) rain [...]; (10) the god Marduk, the sage of the gods, the fat[e of ...]; the god Nabû, the scribe of everything, the precep[ts of ...]; the goddess Dilbat (the planet Venus), the brightest of the stars, the bo[w ...]; the god Nergal, mightiest of the gods [...]; the Sebet[ti, war]rior(s) without equal [...], the g[reat] gods [...] ... [...]: I, [Ashurbanipal, ...]; son of Esarhaddo[n ...]; grandson of [Sennacherib ...]; who fro[m ...] (20) ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] together with ... [...] (25) I had written upon steles. I e[ntered ...] in (the midst of) joyous celebration, [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna Blank

Ashurbanipal 114

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04514. RINAP 5 Asb. 114; Oracc Q003813.

Obverse

[I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of] Assyria, king of the fo[ur] quarters (of the world); [offspring of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, governor of Babylo]n, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; [descendant of Sennacherib, king of the world], king of Assyria — [...] of fruit orchards the great gods determined [my] lot [...] they entrusted me with the carrying off of their [plunder ...] they attired my head with awe-inspiring radiance [...] had no rival (lit. “there was no one to rival (me)”). I marched [from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea, where the kings, my ancestors, had reg]ularly [tr]aveled. [At a distance of one month (and) twenty days (journey) into the midst of the sea and on dry land], I added [territory to that of the king]s, my ancestors, and ruled (it). (10) [I made the people living in those lands bow down to my yoke (and)] imposed upon th[e]m annual [tribute payme]nt. [By the command of the deities ..., the kings who sit upon (royal) daises kiss my feet (and) great rulers from (both) eas]t and west are anxious for me to be their ally. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna Blank

Ashurbanipal 115

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 134557 (1932-12-12, 0552); Rm 2, 329; known as BM 134557 / Rm 2, 329. RINAP 5 Asb. 115; Oracc Q003814.

Obverse

[I, Ashurbanipal, gre]at [king], stro[ng] king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the f[o]u[r] quarters (of the world); [offspring of Esarhaddon, king of A]ssyria; descendant of Sennacherib, king of Assyria — [The great gods in their assembly] determined a favorable destiny as my lot [when] I [was a ch]ild (and) granted [...] as a gift to me, [(...)] the one who is assiduous towards their places (of worship). [...] I completed [Eḫursaggalkur]kurra, the temple of (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, my lord. I clad [its walls with reddish gold] (and) made (them) shine like daylight. I made [(the god) Aššur, (the great lord,)] enter [into Eḫursaggula (“House, Big Mountain”)] (and) made (him) dwell on (his) eternal dais. [... the sple]ndid (and) exalted one, the lord of everything, [...] everything that was hidden, the emblem of her (Šarrat-Kidmuri’s) lordly majesty. (10) She constantly kept sending me (instructions) [through dream(s and) message(s) from ecstatic]s, [... egirrû-oracl]e(s) concerning the renovation of (the image of) her great divinity. [I asked the gods Šamaš and Adad and] they [answered] me with a firm “yes.” [I re]furbished [the emblem of her great divinity] (and thus) fulfilled her command. [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna Blank

Ashurbanipal 116

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 01834. RINAP 5 Asb. 116; Oracc Q003815.

Obverse, Column i

Lacuna [I made (the god) Aššur, (the great lord,) e]nter [into Eḫursaggula (“House, Big Mountain”)] (and) made (him) dwell (on his) eterna[l] dais. [(At that time), the god Marduk, ..., the king of] the gods, required my priestly services (and) [..., I] strove to restore every type of divine object of his. (i 5´) [I skillfully made a bed of musukkannu-wood, a] durable [woo]d, (as) a pleasure bed. [(As for) the canopy, ...], which is stretched out (and) which is resplendent (as) the sun, [I ... (As for) the chariot, (...), which a king of] the past (who had come) before me had made, [it(s) ... had col]lapsed and its (precious) stones had fallen out, [I ...] its decoration in its entirety. [(...), by] the command of (the god) Aššur, [...] my mind [...] ... at (its) side [... I a]dded to it [... the] entire [templ]e, [... I] built [(and) completed (it) ... I ...] Lacuna

Obverse, Column ii

Lacuna Traces of the beginning of several lines Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 117

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06338. RINAP 5 Asb. 117; Oracc Q003816.

Obverse

On my first campaign, [(I marched to Makan (Egypt) and Meluḫḫa (Ethiopia))]. Taharqa, the king of Egypt and Kush, who[se defeat] Esarhaddon — the father who engendered [me — had brought about (and) whose land he ruled over], forgot [the m]ight of (the god) Aššur, the goddess Ištar, and the great gods, my lords, an[d trusted in his own counsel]. (5) He mar[ched agai]nst the kings (and) officials, whom [the father who had engendered me had appointed] inside Egypt, to kill (and) rob (them) and to take away Egypt (from them). He entered and resided in the city Memphis, a city that the father who had engendere[d me had conquered (and) made part of the territory of his land]. A fast messenger came to Nineveh [and reported (this) to me]. My heart became enraged about these deeds [and my temper turned hot]. I summon[ed] my elite forces that (the god) Aššur and the goddess [Ištar had placed in my hands]. I [qu]i[c]kly gave [the o]rder to them to support (and) aid the kings (and) official[s who were in Egypt, servants who belonged to me, (and) I made them take] the road to [Egypt. ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 118

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1882-05-22, 0010. RINAP 5 Asb. 118; Oracc Q003817.

Lacuna [... the ci]ty Thebes [... fo]rmer [...] which is/are i[n ...] who assembled in Egypt to [...]. [Afterwards, Ne]cho, Šarru-lū-dāri, (and) Pa-qruru, ki[ngs whom the father who had engendered me had installed in Egypt, ...] set out on the path to where my troops (were stationed) and were marchi[ng ... Pi-šan-Ḫ]uru, whom Esarhaddon, the father who had enge[ndered me, had appointed as king] in the city Natho, [...] the evil (deeds) of Necho, Šarru-lū-dāri, (and) Pa-[qruru ...] he spoke [to] a eunuch (of mine) who marches before my troops and ... [...] ... they said thus: “During the night, we [will ... (10´) sayin]g: “[If] th[ey remove] Taharqa, the king of Kush, from Egypt, [how then can we (ourselves) stay?]” To establish treaties and [peace, they dispatched their mounted messenger(s) t]o Taharqa, the king of Kush, [saying]: “Let [p]eace be established between us so that [we can come to a mutual agreement. (Let) us div]ide [the land among ourselves] so that no [other lord] com[es between us.” With regard to the nume]rous [troops of Assyria], the m[ight of my lordly majesty, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 119

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02626. RINAP 5 Asb. 119; Oracc Q003818.

Obverse

Lacuna [... the kings, governors, (and) officials whom the father w]ho had engendered [me had appointed in Egypt, who had ab]andoned [their post(s) in the face of Taharqa’s tactical advance], (and) had gone to (lit. “filled”) the countryside, [where their post(s) were] I permitted them to serve [in t]heir [(former) positions again]. [... who had ab]andoned [me ...] I plunde[red ...].

Reverse

[... I constantly marc]hed and [...]. [... he (Urtaku)] started a battle with me [...] my [...]s had traveled, he set out (and) came to [...]. [... the deities ..., Ištar of Arbel]a, Ninurta, Nergal, and Nusku, [...] he was struck with an incurable wound. [...] ... me [...] him the covering of death [...] ... he returned to his land. [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 120

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0792. RINAP 5 Asb. 120; Oracc Q003819.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] ... me [...] he became disheartened (5´) [... the cov]ering of death [... on the inst]ruction(s) of the goddess Ištar [... I] made his troops tremble [...] I poured out [and ...] his [...] bed [...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 121

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06049. RINAP 5 Asb. 121; Oracc Q003820.

Lacuna [... Ummana]ppa, (and) Tammar[ītu ... Parr]û — the son of Ummana[ldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II) ...] countless arc[hers ... T]eumman, the king of the land Elam, the brother of the[ir] father [...]. [... Tanutamo]n, the son of the sister of Taharqa, the king of E[gypt, ...]. [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 122

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13726. RINAP 5 Asb. 122; Oracc Q003821.

Lacuna [Moreover, I installed Nabû-šēzibanni, his son, as king in the city Athribis, whose name is (now) Limm]er-iš[šâk-Aššur]. [(As for) Taharq]a, the king of Ku[sh, terror (and) fear of my lordly majesty o]verwhelmed him a[nd he passed away. Tanutam]on, the son of hi[s] sister, [sat upon his throne and governed the land. (5´) He made the city Thebes] his fortres[s and assembled his forces. To wage wa]r and bat[tle against my troops, he mobi]lized [his weapons (and) took the road. With the support of (the god) A]ššur and the [great] g[ods, my lords, they (my troops) brought about his] d[efeat in a] widespread [pitch]ed [battle (and) scattered his forces]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 123

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 19651. RINAP 5 Asb. 123; Oracc Q003822.

Lacuna [...] ... [... With the support of ..., Išta]r of Ar[bela, ...], they (my troops) [brought ab]out [his defeat in a widespread pitched battle] (and) scatt[ered his forces. Tanutamon fled alone] and entered [the city Thebes, his royal city. They went after him on a march of (one) month (and) ten days, (on) narrow roads, (5´) as far a]s the city Thebes, [his] fo[rtified] city. [... he f]led to [...]. They [c]onquered [that city in its entirety] (and) fl[attened (it) like the Deluge. They brought out of it (Thebes), without number (and) in abundance, silver, gold, ore from its mountain, precious stones, any precious object, the treasure]s of [his] palace, [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 124

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13661. RINAP 5 Asb. 124; Oracc Q003823.

Lacuna [...] he saw and ... [...] and in order to destroy ... [...] his boat(s), which from bef[ore ...] of the city Tyre, their ... [... (5´) ... fo]r their food (and) water for [their] dri[nk ...] I made (them) scarc[e] for their mouths [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 125

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1882-03-23, 0085. RINAP 5 Asb. 125; Oracc Q003824.

Lacuna

Fragment A (a separate, non-adjoining fragment of the same tablet): [...] ... [... saying: “Grasp the feet of Ashur]ba­ni­pal, king of [Assyria, and conquer your enemies through the mention of his name.” On the (very) day] he saw [thi]s [dream, he sent his mounted messenger to inquire about my well-being. (As for) this dream that he had seen, he sent (a message about it) by the hands of a messenger of his and he reported (it) to me. From the da]y that he grasp[ed the feet of my royal majesty, he conquered the Cimmerians, who were disturbing the people of his land, (A 5´) had never fea]red [my] ancestors, [and, with regard to me, had not grasped the feet of my royal majesty. With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess M]ullissu, [he (Gyges) clamped two city rulers] from among the [city rulers of the Cimmerians that he had conquered in manacles, iron handcuffs, (and) fetters and sent (them) before me, together with] his s[ubstantial aud]ience gift(s). [... Ša-pī-B]ēl, a city upon which the land [Gambulu] relied [... the son]s of Bēl-iqīša [...]

Fragment B (a separate, non-adjoining fragment of the same tablet): (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 126

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02644. RINAP 5 Asb. 126; Oracc Q003825.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

I slew his (Teumman’s) warriors [without number. I captured his fighting men] al[ive]. I [filled the plain of the city Susa with] their [bodies] like baltu-plant(s) (and) ašāgu-plant(s). [I placed Um]manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), who had fled to me (and) had grasp[ed my feet, on his throne. I installed Tamm]arītu, the thi[rd] brother of Ummanigaš, [as king in the city Ḫidalu]. [... concerni]ng the journey of the goddess Nanāya to Uruk [...] he scorned [my kindness, as] much as I had done for him, and [...] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, the king of B[abylon, ...]. [Tammar]ītu, the son of [another] Ummanigaš, [the brother of his father, rebelled against him and struck hi]m, together with [his] famil[y, down with the sword. Tamma]rītu, who [was (even) more insolent] than U[mmanigaš, sat on the throne of the land Elam]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 127

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04500. RINAP 5 Asb. 127; Oracc Q003826.

Obverse

That/those of the gate of Nippur ... [...] Nabû-šuma-ēreš ... [...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna ... [...] to fight wit[h the troops of Assyria ...], saying: “Go, and [exact] revenge [...].” Undasu, a son of Teu[mman ...] (rev. 5´) Atta-metu, the chief [archer, ...] which the messengers of Šama[š-šuma-ukīn ...] in battle with each other [...] until they spoke [I/he] did not [...]. The Elamite ... [...] (rev. 10´) saw and my battle troops [...] ... him and ... [...] the messengers of Šamaš-šu[ma-ukīn ...] ... [...] my ... [...] belonging to Undasu, Zaza[z, ...]

Ashurbanipal 128

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 295. RINAP 5 Asb. 128; Oracc Q003827.

Lacuna [... insid]e the land Elam [... s]aying: “Send me [...” ... (the city Bīt-Imbî)] like a great wall within the ter[ritory of ...] (5´) because [no]body [...] the territory of the land El[am ...] Undasu, who does not have sen[se or insight, ...] did not conceive with [his] mind [...] I brought a[bout] the defeat of Teumman, the king of the land Elam [...] who, for a second time, to the land Elam ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 129

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04687. RINAP 5 Asb. 129; Oracc Q003828.

Obverse

Lacuna [... he (Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ)) abando]ned me and [sided with Šamaš-šuma-ukīn ... I dispatched my troops, wh]o were statio[ned] on the border of his land, [...], my lord, I brought about his defeat (and) [I inflicted] a [heavy] l[oss on him ...] I carried off [without nu]mber. (As for) Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ), har[dship befell him ...]. [Abī-Yateʾ], son of Tēʾri, [came] to Nineveh [... I installed him as king in place of U]aite[ʾ (Iautaʾ) ...].

Reverse

[... the deities ..., Šama]š, Adad, [Bēl (Marduk), ...] in a [widespread] pitched battle [... I captured Ammi-ladīn (and)] the rest of his people wh[o ...] I placed [his hands and feet in] iron [fetters] and brought (him) to [Assyria]. [...] I captured her (Adiya) [a]live (and) with [the plunder of her land ...]. [Natnu, the king of land of the Nabaya­t]eans — whose location is remo[te — ... who had never sent his messenger to the kings], my [ancestor]s, [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 130

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0252. RINAP 5 Asb. 130; Oracc Q003829.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] to kill [...]. [...] ... gold which ... [...]. [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] powe[r], virility, (and) king[ship ...].

Reverse

Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) hostile brother, who had plan[ned murder] against Assyria [...], saying: “I will come and destr[oy] those cities [...]. I will carry off Assyrians from (their) midst and [...].” (As for) Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, who had spoken (these) insolent word(s), [(the god) Aššur determined for him a cruel death; he consigned him] to a conflagration ... [(and) destroyed his life]. (As for) the people, instigators for him who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion, (and) who [had made common cause] wi[th him ...], not a single one of them esc[aped; ...] their [...], which by the command of [...] Lacuna

Left Edge

[A]ll of the rulers (and) all of the black-headed (people) [...] presented [bef]ore him ... [...] Assyria [...] him and [...]

Ashurbanipal 131

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13708. RINAP 5 Asb. 131; Oracc Q007539.

Lacuna [...] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar [...] favorable [...] brothers [... (5´) ... eight]y-five nobles [...] fled to me an[d ...] (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess [Ištar ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 132

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06358. RINAP 5 Asb. 132; Oracc Q007540.

Lacuna [Afterwards, Tammarītu, who sat on the throne of the land Elam after Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II)] (and) who did not inquire about the well-being of [my] royal majes[ty], came [to the aid of Šamaš-šu]ma-ukīn — (my) unfaithful brother — and to fight with [my] tro[ops. As a result of the supplications that] I had addres[sed to (the god) Aš]šur and the goddess Ištar, my gods, [Indabibi, a servant] of his, rebelled against him and sat o[n his throne]. [Tammarītu], his [broth]ers, his family, the seed of his father’s house, (and) the nobles who marc[h at his side], fled to me [from I]ndabibi, and (then) crawled na[ked on] their [bellie]s and came t[o Nineveh]. [Tammarītu], (who was) before that (i.e. my royal) chariot, [kissed] the feet of m[y] royal majesty [and] swept [the ground] with his beard. [He took hold of] the platform of [my] chari[ot and (then) handed] himself over [to do obeisan]ce to me. By the com[mand of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, he made an appeal to my lordly majesty to decide his case (and) to come to hi]s [aid]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 133

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1879-07-08, 0177. RINAP 5 Asb. 133; Oracc Q007541.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Inside the land Elam, they (the Elamites) heard about [the progress of the messenger of mine whom I had sent to (the city) Dēr. With the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû], Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, [Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal (...), fear of] my [royal majes]ty overwhelmed the land Elam and (then) [the people of the land Elam] rebelled [against Indab]ibi (and) killed him with the sword. They placed [Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), son of Atta-metu], on the throne of the land Elam. By the command of (the god) Aššur, [Tammarītu] made an appeal to my lordly majesty [to decide his case and to come to] his [a]id. [I, Ashurbanipal, the magnanimous (and) forbea]ring one, with the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the gods who supported me, [mustered my troops for a second time (and)] gave the command to march [against Ummanald]ašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam. [I drove away Ummanaldašu, the king of the land Elam, (and)] he fled [f]rom my weapons and took to the mountains (lit. “ascended his mountain”). [(As for) Umba-LAGABua, who] sat on the throne of the land Elam [in opposition to Ummanald]ašu, [he ab]andoned [the city Bubilu, a city that was a lordly residence of his], and took to the depths of far away waters. [(As for) Tammarītu, who had fled to me (and) grasped m]y [feet], I installed him as king inside the city Susa. He forgot [the kindness that I had done for him, in having sent aid to h]im, and constantly sought out evil (ways) to conquer my troops. [(The god) Aššur, king of the gods, who marc]hes [before me] (and) allowed me to stand over my foes, (rev. 15) saw [the dangerous (and) rebelli]ous [thought(s) of Tammarītu] and delivered him into my hand: [They removed him from his royal throne and (then) made] him [r]eturn and bow down at my feet. [For a third time, (the god) Aššur, the exalted lord, encour]aged me (and) commanded me to march to the land Elam. [(Like) the city Bīt-Imbî, which] I had conquered [during a p]revious [campaign of mine], I [now] conquered [(the rest of) the land Rāši (and) the city Ḫamānu, along with] its district. [Moreover he, Ummanaldašu, the king of the land Elam], heard about [the conquest of the land Rāši and the ci]ty Ḫamānu a[nd] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 134

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0559 + Sm 1892 + Sm 2003. RINAP 5 Asb. 134; Oracc Q007542.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] my [lordly maj]esty [... (Šamaš-šuma-ukīn) who]m [I had installed] as king of Babylo [...] who altered [the peace (between us) ...] did battle [wi]th me [...] they consigned him [to a conflagrat]ion and destroyed his life. [(As for) the soldiers who had perpetrated sedition and rebelli]on, as many as had made common cause with him, [not a single one (of them)] escaped; (anyone) who tried to get away did not escape my grasp. I carr[ied] off to Assyria [a chariot], the vehicle of his lordly majesty, the scepter held in his hand[s], (and) a seal — the insignia (worn around) his neck — [along w]ith equipment from his palace. I sat his nobles on camel(s) as a spectacle for the people and they dragged the rest of them to and fro across the ground before me. Afterwards, (as for) the people who were guilty, I imposed a harsh punishment upon them. I destroyed their faces, flayed them, (and) chopped up their flesh. By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu, I entered the land Ela[m], brought about their (the Elamites’) defe[a]t [count]less (times), (and) marched about triumphantly. [Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III)] became frightened by [the assault of] my mighty [battle a]rray, [fled naked, an]d took to the mountain(s). I conquered [fourteen fortified cities], his royal [reside]nce(s), [and small(er) settlements, which] were without [nu]mber, [together with twenty villages, in the district o]f the city Ḫunnir, [(which is) on the border of the city Ḫid]alu. [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Left Edge

[...] ... inside the land [...]

Ashurbanipal 135

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1879-07-08, 0176. RINAP 5 Asb. 135; Oracc Q007543.

Obverse

Lacuna ... [...] from the hands of [...]. Ummanigaš, U[mmanappa, (and) Tammarītu — the sons of Urtaku, the king of the land Elam] — Kudurru (and) Parrû — the sons of [Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the king who came before Urtaku] — together with sixty members of the royal (family), countless archers, nobles [of the land Elam, (...)] (rev. 1) the head of Teumman, the insolent (former) king of the land Elam, that/who [...].

Reverse

Tammarītu, who sa[t on the throne of the land Elam] after Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), [fled to me] from Indabibi, his servant, [crawled] nak[ed on his belly and ...]. I conquered the cities Bīt-Imbî, Sus[a, ...] (and) Aššan t[o ... (and) I ...] its gods, [its goddesses, ...]. Ummana[ldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III) ...] afterwards [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 136

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02833 + K 03085. RINAP 5 Asb. 136; Oracc Q007544.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

My heart became enraged about the[s]e deeds (and) [my temper] turned hot. [I] mustered my troops (and) set ou[t on the road] against Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam. [In] the course of my campaign, [I conquered] the city Bīt-Imbî, a city upon which the land Elam relied. [(As for) the pe]ople living inside it, who had not come out and inquired about the well-being of [my] royal majes[ty, I killed (them)]. I cut off their [he]ads, sliced off [th]eir lip[s], (and) [took (them) to Assyria] to be a spectacle for the people of m[y] land. (As for) Imbappi, the chief archer of the land [Ela]m, who was stationed [as a guard] in the city Bīt-Imbî, I bro[ught] him [out] o[f] (that) city alive. [I then plac]ed (his) hands and feet in [iron] fetters and brought (him) to Assyria. I [brought out] a palace woman (and) the sons of Teu[mman — a (former) king of the land Ela]m who[se head I had cut off] during a previous campaign — together with the rest of the people [livin]g in the city Bīt-Imbî [and I counted (them) as booty]. (As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the k[ing of the land Elam], h[e heard about] these [deed]s of mine [and] the fear of (the god) Aššur [(and) ..., w]ho [march] before m[e, overwhelmed him, and (then) he abandoned] the city [Madaktu, a roy]a[l city of his, and (then)] fl[ed a]lone [and took to the mountains (lit. “ascended his mountain”)]. By the command of the deities Aššur, Mullissu, and [... insid]e Elam [...]. (As for) the people of the land Elam who had no[t come out and i]nquir[ed about the well-being of my royal majesty, I killed (them)]. The hands among them [... (As for) the re]st, who [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 137

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04483. RINAP 5 Asb. 137; Oracc Q007545.

Lacuna [...] ... [... who did not res]pect the kingship of [... did n]ot obey the com[mand of ... the str]ong one, the exalted one, the mig[hty one, ... (5´) ...] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) u[nfaithful] brother, [...] ... he cut him down with the swo[rd. ...] and they listened to [my] plea(s). [...] they fled and grasped m[y] feet. [...] sat [...]. Their heart(s) [plotted evil (deeds) ... (10´) ..., wh]o commanded me to march [...] without [n]umber [...] Ummanald[ašu ... I] devastated [... I] laid waste (and) brought ab[out the defeat of ... (15´) ...] with [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 138

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 123403. RINAP 5 Asb. 138; Oracc Q007546.

Lacuna [...] ... [... he (Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III))] abandoned [...] and fled [...] that [riv]er as [his] defen[sive position ...] to f[ight with me ... (5´) ...] was heaped up [lik]e a mountain [...] of the lands, who does not revere [...]. [...] Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III) [...] safel[y ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 139

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03097. RINAP 5 Asb. 139; Oracc Q007547.

Lacuna (and the gods) made me stand [ov]er m[y] foes in mighty victor[ies]. [I ente]red the land Elam, [brought about] their (the Elamites’) [de]feat countless (times), (and) [ma]rched about triumphant[ly]. (5´) Ummanaldašu (Ḫum­ban-hal­taš III) became frightened by the assault of [my might]y battle array, fl[ed] naked, [and too]k to the mountain(s). [I co]nquered [fourteen] fortifie[d] cities, his [roy]al [residence(s)], and small(er) [se]ttlements, [which] were [without number, together with twenty villages, in the district of the city] Ḫunnir, [(which is) on the border of the city Ḫidalu. I destroy]ed (and) demolished [the city Bašimu and the villages in its environs]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 140

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-07-27, 0273. RINAP 5 Asb. 140; Oracc Q007548.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] and statues of the king(s) [...] wagons, horss, m[ules ...] from the city Susa [...] my [lords], who had encour[aged me, ...] ... [...]

Reverse

Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 141

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02638. RINAP 5 Asb. 141; Oracc Q007549.

Lacuna [...] my weapons over [my] f[oes ...] ... [...] the presumptuous Elamite [who did] not [...] (and) destroyed the land Akkad [...]. Moreover, she, the goddess Nanāya, the daughter of the god [Sîn, who ...] had spoken angrily (and) had dest[royed ...], her heart was [...]. Dream(s and) message(s) from [ecstati]cs th[at ...] she nominated me an[d ...]. I, Ashurbanipal, [...] who for 1,53[5 years ...] after auspicious egirrû-oracles [...]. During the night, [my] lamassu [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 142

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04524 + K 06382. RINAP 5 Asb. 142; Oracc Q007550.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [...] all of it [...] his [...]s, [his] possession[s ... Ummanal]dašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam, who [...] their ... inside his land upon/against [...]. Paʾê, the king of the land Elam, who [had exercised dominion over the land Elam] in op[position to Ummanaldašu, thought about] the awe-inspiring brilliance of the great gods [... He] fled to me [f]rom the land Elam and [grasped the feet of my royal majesty]. [The so]ns of kings (and) the brothers of kings, whose ancestors had been [in agreement] with my ancestors [...] came [wit]h their substantial audience gift(s) and [licked] this threshold with thei[r] tongue(s) [... (rev. 10´) Mes]sengers from (both) east (and) west, who were bearing good messages, [... the] great [go]ds, my lords, whom [m]y ancestors had always revered and I, from [my] c[hildhood ... m]onthly, good news about the conquest of my enemies [was brought to me there]. [... of the thres]hold ... [...]. Lacuna?

Ashurbanipal 143

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13783. RINAP 5 Asb. 143; Oracc Q007551.

Lacuna [(As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam who had seen the rage of the mighty weapons of (the god) Aššur (and the goddess Ištar), he r]eturned [from the mountain(s), his place of refuge], and th[ey (his troops)] entered [the city Madaktu, which I had destroyed, demolished, (and) plun]dered [by the command of (the god) Aššur (and the goddess Ištar). He sat down in mourning, (at a place of mourning)]. [By the command of his/their exalted divinity, which cannot] be changed, hi[s] land [rebelled against him. He (then) fled alone from the rebellion tha]t [his servants] had incited agai[nst him and he took to the mountain(s). From the mountain(s), his place of refuge whe]re he had always fled, [I caught him like a falcon and took him alive to Assyria]. [...] the kindness that I had done for him [... in a] widespread [pi]tched [battle I brought about] the def[eat of his troops ...] ... [...] the defe[at ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 144

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13755. RINAP 5 Asb. 144; Oracc Q007552.

Lacuna [... e]vil (ways) [... (The god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who mar]ched [at my side (and) allowed me to stand ...], saw [the dangerous (and) rebellio]us [thought(s) ... and ...] they made [him] return [... (5´) ... in]side the land Elam [...] cress [... people — ma]le and female — oxe[n ...]. [... against h]im. [He (then) fled] alone [... where he had always fle]d, [I caught him] like a f[alcon and ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 145

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06388. RINAP 5 Asb. 145; Oracc Q007553.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [...] great [god]s [... which the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Šar]rat-Kidmuri, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, [Nergal, and Nusku ...], who support me, to ... [...]. [(As for) Tammarītu, Paʾê, (and)] Um­m[an­al­da­šu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), who] had exercised dominion over the land Elam [after o]ne another, [(and) Uaiteʾ, the king of the land of the Arabs whose defeat I had brought abo]ut (and whom) I had taken to As[syria], together with plunder from his land — [I made the]m [take hold of the yoke of (my) processional carriage]. They pulled (it) up to the gate of the temple while I was seated above them (lit. “while (they were) below m[e]”). [(There), I humbled myself (lit. “I stroked my nose”) (and) paid careful attention to their divinity]. In a rally of m[y] troops, [I] made visible their (the god’s) strength, [(through) which the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh], Šarrat-Kidmuri, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nergal, and [Nusku ... made] me [stand] over my enemies. I had (this) inscribed upon [it]. [In the future, may one of the kings], m[y descendant]s, [whom (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar no]mina[te for ruling over the land and people, ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 146

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1284 + Sm 1697. RINAP 5 Asb. 146; Oracc Q007554.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] my [...] their [... the cit]y Ša-pī-Bēl (No translation possible) [... At]ta-metu, the chief archer, [...] his [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 147

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1885. RINAP 5 Asb. 147; Oracc Q007555.

Lacuna [... had conf]ined in priso[n ... he se]nt (them) before me [...] they killed their ... [...] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar (5´) [... fea]r of my lordly majesty [... fil]led with rage [... a servant who bel]onged to me [... kin]gs of the land Elam [...] ... Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 148

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 2039. RINAP 5 Asb. 148; Oracc Q007556.

Lacuna [... w]ho forgot [...] I brought about his [def]eat [...] ... to the temple [... (5´) ... through the cra]ft of the deities Nina[gal, Kusibanda, (and) Ninkurra, ...] ... before the goddesses Mulli[ssu, ...], Ištar of Nineveh, Š[arrat-Kidmuri, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 149

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04542. RINAP 5 Asb. 149; Oracc Q007557.

Lacuna [...]. [...] ... went [...] many [...] dwelling in [... (5´) ...] their ... [...] ... he sent, who/which ... [...] ... [...] ... the city Tīl-Tūb[a ...] a descendant/son/relative of U]rtaku, the king of the land Elam, wh[o ...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 150

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06375. RINAP 5 Asb. 150; Oracc Q007558.

Lacuna [... a]nd the goddess Iš[tar ...] whee[l(s) ... the land] Elam [... (5´) ...] Tammar[ītu ... him]self [...] ... I/he took the d[irect road ...] m[y] troops [... dust storm]s were whirling abou[t ... (10´) ...] I slaught[ered] his [warrior]s [... l]ike grain, which [... a c]ommon (soldier), who [...] ..., the city Ar[... I] flattened an[d ... (15´) ...]s, as man[y as ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 151

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-02-04, 0301. RINAP 5 Asb. 151; Oracc Q007559.

Lacuna [(the god) A]ššur [...] upon [...] rivers (and) floods [... a co]mmon (soldier) ... [...] who hostilities [...]. Tammarītu, who [...] ... like [...] his army, like an entourage of [...] his judgment changed (and) his counsel ... [...] (10´) he spoke (with) his lips (and) was ble[ssing ...] “(The god) Aššur, your ally, your support, [...] your borders ... [...] fierce [...] ... [...].” Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 152

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 21848. RINAP 5 Asb. 152; Oracc Q007560.

Lacuna [... the land] Elam [... wi]thout numb[er ... Ummanald]ašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the kin[g of the land Elam, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 153

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04505. RINAP 5 Asb. 153; Oracc Q007561.

[... in]side that city [...] he c[ame] to Nineveh [(and) ...] Nabû-bēl-šumāt[i ...] he came to me [with his] substantial [audience gift(s)] a[nd ...]. [... the city] Uzubia (Izibia) [...] of the land Man[nea ...] lords [...] daughter [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 154

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02628; K 09954; known as K 02628 / K 09954. RINAP 5 Asb. 154; Oracc Q007562.

Obverse

Lacuna [I conquered ... together with twenty villages, in the distr]ict of the city Ḫ[unnir, (which is) on the border of the city Ḫidalu]. [I placated the mood of the lord of lo]rds. [I carried off to Assyria] its gods, its goddesses, [its possessions, (and) its property]. I devastate[d] an area of sixty [leagues] inside the land Elam [(and) scattered salt (and) cress over them]. (As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,535 year[s (ago) became angry and went] to live in the land Ela[m, a place not befitting her], then, at that time (when) she nominated me for ruling over the lands, [she entrusted me with] the r[eturn of her lordly majesty], saying: “Ashurbanipal [will bring me out] of the land Elam [and make me enter Eanna (again)].” The word(s) of her divine command that she had spok[en] in distant days, [she now disclosed to the people of a later generation]. I grasped the hands of her great divinity. [She took] the direct path, whi[ch pleases the heart, to Eanna]. I made her enter into Uruk and [made (her) dwell on (her) eternal dais] in Eḫiliana, which sh[e loves]. At that time, I refurbished the emblem of the god Nusku, who burns up my enemies, [...]. I grasped the hands of his great divinity; I (then) made (him) enter (and) made him dwell in [his] te[mple ...]. Before Sîn, the lord of oracular decisions, the one who makes sign[s] favorable [for me ...]. I offered sumptuous, pure offerings before him (and) [presented (him) with my gifts ...].

Reverse

May Sîn, Ningal, Šamaš, Aya, and Nusku [continually look] with pleasure [upon (me) ...]. At the appearance of the new moon, (during) the day or at night, whenever Sîn always [renews ...] when he truly is sighted with Šamaš [...] to make the foundation(s) of my royal throne firm (and) to make [my] reign endure [...]. May th[ey] gran[t me] auspicious omens for a long life [...] a just scepter, which expands the lands and people [...]. (rev. 10) May they determine for me years of abundance and plenty, and [...]. May [t]hey be my support and may they kill my enemies (and) [cut down my foes]. [In the future], may [one of the ki]ngs, my descendants, whom the gods Sîn, Ningal, Šamaš, Aya, and [Nusku nominate for ruling over the land and people, wh]en my handiwork, as much as ..., becom[es old and dilapidated], restore its [dilapi]dated section(s) (and) ... [...]. [(As for) the one who erases my in]scribed [name] (or) the name of my father (or) [my] grand[father (and) writes his (own) name, ... at (sun)r]ise and [(sun)set, wherever ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 155

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 01364; 1882-05-22, 0531; known as K 01364 / 1882-05-22, 0531. RINAP 5 Asb. 155; Oracc Q007563.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... he ga]ve me (and) taught me [...] he entrusted [me] with the making of their exalted emblems; [offspring of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria]; descendant of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, I — [...] the god Nabû [...] I captured my enemies [ali]ve (and thus) achieved m[y] heart’s desire. [... (the god Nabu), the sc]ribe of everything, [I ...] the land Elam. I cut off the head of Teumman, their king, in the assembly of his troops. [I placed] Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), a son of Urt[ak]u — a (former) king of the land Elam — who had fled to me (and) had grasped my feet, on his (Teumman’s) throne. I installed [Tamm]arītu, the third brother of Ummanigaš, as king in the city Ḫidalu. (As for) Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), the servant installed by me (lit. “my hand”), [he ...] the kindness [...], took [br]ibe(s) [fr]om Šamaš-šuma-ukīn [...], (and) sent [his forces with them]. My [battl]e [troops] who were ma[rching] about in Karduniaš (Babylonia) (and) subduing Chaldea came up [against] them and brought [about their defeat]. [Tammarīt]u — (the one who is) not the brother of Ummanigaš — [rebelled] against U[mmani­gaš and struck him], together with his family, [down with the sword].

Reverse

[(As for) Tamm]arītu, who sat on the [throne of the land Elam] after Ummanigaš (and) did [not] inquire about the well-being of [my royal majesty (...), as a result of the su]pplications that I had addressed to the god Bēl (Marduk) and the god Nabû, th[ey] l[istened to my prayers]. Indabibi, a servant of his, rebelled against him and brought abo[ut] his defeat [in a pitched battle]. Tammarītu, his brothers, his family, the seed of his father’s house, and the nobles who ma[rch at his side], fled from Indabibi — his (Tammarītu’s) servant — and he grasped the feet of [my] royal [majesty]. I sent (a messenger) to Ummanaldašu, the king of the land Elam, in ord[er to ...] concerning the journey of the goddess Nanāya from Susa to Uruk, but he did not [...]. For a third time, by the command of the god Nabû, the honored son of the king of the gods (Marduk), who is clothed in awe-inspiring radiance, [I went] to E[lam]. (rev. 10) I conquered, destroyed, d[emolished, (and) burned with fire] fourteen fortified cities, their royal residence(s), together with small(er) settlements, which [were] wit[hout] number, and twelve districts that were in the land Elam, all of it. I [carried off to Assyria] their gods, their goddesses, possessions, property, people — male (and) female — horses, mu[les, ...], donkeys, oxen, and sheep and goats, which were more numerous than locusts. [I grasped] the hands of the goddess Nanāya, the pre-eminent one of Eanna, the spouse of the god Nabû, ... [...]. At that time, [I had] a knife [made] of reddish gold who[se] wei[ght] is five minas [...]. May [...] the praise of [his] hero[ism, as muc]h as I had spoken, [...] to preserve my life, to make [the foundation(s) of] my royal throne [firm, to make my reign endure ... May ...] the rest of the land of my enemies ... the la[nd El]am, as much as [...]. (As for) [the o]ne who er[ases] my inscribed name (or) the name of my father (or) my grandfather (and) [writes his (own) name, ma]y [the god Na]bu, the triumphant heir, an[grily] curs[e him and make his name (and) seed disappear from the land]. Subscript completely missing

Ashurbanipal 156

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03405; K 03087; Rm 2, 558; known as K 03405 / K 03087 / Rm 2, 558. RINAP 5 Asb. 156; Oracc Q007564.

Obverse

For the goddess Dilba[t (the planet Venus) ... the l]ight of [...], who had become angry with Haza[el, the kin]g of the land of the Arabs, [...] ... [...], (who) had placed hi[m] in the hands of Sennacherib, the father of the father who had engendered me, [and had b]rought about [his] def[eat], (and who) had said she did not (want) to reside (any longer) with the people of the land of the Arabs (and) had ta[ken the road] to Assyria — (As for) Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, the father who had engendered me, the favorite of the [great] gods, who had achieved [his] de[sires] through the reverence of gods and goddesses, [...], (who)[m] the gods Aššur and Šamaš had p[laced] on the throne of the father who had engendered him [...], (and who) had returned (the statues of) the plundered gods of the lands [to their] plac[e(s) ...] — Hazael, the king of the land of the Arabs, with hi[s] audience gift [...] (10) came before him and kissed [his] f[eet ...]. He appealed to him to give (back) his goddess, and he (Esarhaddon) had mercy on him and agr[eed ... He ...] Teʾelḫunu, her former priestess, to [...]. Regarding Tabūʾa, he inquired of Šamaš, saying, “[Should] she [...]?” He returned (her/them) with his goddess and [...]. He had a star of reddish gold made that was adorned with precious stones o[f ...]. To preserve his life, lengthen his days, ensure the well-being of his descendants, [...], make his kingship endure, overthrow his enemies, [...], those gods of the lands whose sanctuaries he had trodden down, good things [...], may they constantly pronounce a blessing of long days for his posterity (and) over the black-headed (people) [...]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [...] the great gods, wh[o ...], (who) marched at my [side] and let (me) achieve [my] de[sires, ...], (who) killed my enemies, made [me] stand [over my foes, ...]. Uaiteʾ, the king of the land of the Arabs, who agai[nst ...], who had not respected the kindness that I had done for him [...], changed and he abandoned me (and) [sided] with Šama[š-šuma-ukīn ...].

Reverse

Ištar, the sublime lady, [...] by the words of her exalted command: I, Ashurbanip[al ...] by the command of the deities Aššur, Mullissu, ... [...] I c[aptured] him alive. (rev. 10) I pierced his jaw [with the ... of the ... that my (own) hands hold. I put a lead-rope] through [his] gu[ms, placed him in a dog collar, and (then) made him guard the door of] the eastern gate of the cit[adel of Nineveh, whose] name is [the “Entrance to the Place Where the World Is Controlled” ...]. At that time, that star [...] concerning her grea[t] divinity [...] (rev. 15) my entreaties [...]. Wherever I [call out to you, ... my] days [... my] years [...] ... [...] ... [...]. [... of] the goddess Dilb[at ...].

Ashurbanipal 157

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02630 + K 04436; K 08053; known as K 02630 + K 04436 / K 08053. RINAP 5 Asb. 157; Oracc Q007565.

Obverse

[... the daughter of the god] Sîn, the female warrior, [...] her favorite [broth]er, [...] the king who reveres her, [...] king of Assyria, [... Sennach]erib, king of Assyria — [...] I conquered their kings [a]bove and below. [...] I fought [with] his numerous troops (and) [brought about] his defeat. [...] I overthrew his throne (and) scattered his forces. [...] three kings who had exercised dominion over the land Elam after one another, (10) [...] they fled [from my m]ighty [...] and grasped the feet of h[is] royal majesty. [...] of his kingship was not pleasing to your exa[lted] divinity, [...] he did not remember [the oath of A]ssyria that I had made [hi]m swear and th[ey] plotte[d evil ...] I scattered his army (and) reaped the land Amurru like [... w]as placed and (then) I made him equip the hoe and imposed on hi[m ...]. [...] which was bright and made to shi[ne] like daylight [...] I decora[ted] (it) with [(...)] red and purple wool [...] I had [a ...] made and presented (it). May she accept (it) a[nd ...]. (rev. 1) Look upon that [...] with pleasure and [...], make [...] stretch out over me, [lengthen] my days [...] to stand and let it be s[et] upon your lips. [...] may [...] be taken before you [...] establish [...]

Reverse

Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 158

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 15296. RINAP 5 Asb. 158; Oracc Q007566.

Lacuna [... whose] h[ead] I had cut off [...] the defeat of Umm[analdašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III) ...]. (As for) Tammarītu, Paʾ[ê, (and) Ummanaldašu, ... with] your gr[eat] support [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 159

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03136 (+) 1882-03-23, 0060; known as K 03136 (+) 1882-03-23, 0060 Text A. RINAP 5 Asb. 159; Oracc Q007567.

Obverse

[For the goddess Bēlet-parṣē who resides in the House of Succession that is insi]de Nineveh, the great lady, my lady — [I, Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of] Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), [... Šarra]t-Kidmuri, Ištar of Arbela, [... t]o be king of the four quarters (of the world): [...] an excellent throne [... the se]at of the goddess Bēlet-parṣē, his lady, [...] ... of Bēlet-parṣē [... th]at excellent [throne ...] I decorated it and (10) [... cast with] shiny [zaḫa]lû-metal [...]. I established [the ... of] her great [divinit]y [... may] her heart rejoice [...] her divinity [...] my enemies (15) [...] all of the people, all of the settlements [...] the goddess Bēlet-parṣē [... Whenever th]at [...] becomes old [...]. (As for) the one who [erases] my inscribed name (or) [the name of my father (or) my grandfather] (and) writes [his (own) name], may [the goddess Bēlet-parṣē, the great lady], make [his name (and)] seed disappear from the land.

Reverse

Reverse edited as text no. 160

Ashurbanipal 160

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03136 (+) 1882-03-23, 0060; known as K 03136 (+) 1882-03-23, 0060 Text B. RINAP 5 Asb. 160; Oracc Q007568.

Obverse

Obverse edited as text no. 159

Reverse

[For the goddess Bēlet-parṣē] who resides in the House of Succession [that is inside Nineveh, the great lady, my lady] — I, Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria [...] made his kin[gship] great [... grand]son of Sennacherib, ki[ng of Assyria, (rev. 5) ...] to preserve [m]y l[ife, ..., to make] the foundation(s) of [m]y royal throne [firm, ...] I restored. (As for) the one who [erase]s my [inscribed] name (or) [the name of] my [fathe]r (or) my grandfather (and) [writes] his (own) name, [may] the goddess Bēlet-parṣē, the great lady, [make his name (and) see]d [disappear] from the land. That which is (written) upon the ... [...].

Ashurbanipal 161

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02674 + Sm 2010 + 1881-02-04, 0186 (+) 1880-07-19, 0102; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text A. RINAP 5 Asb. 161; Oracc Q007569.

Column i

The troops of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, that I sent to conquer the land Elam with Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), the son of Urtaku — the king of the land Elam — the fugitive who grasped the feet of my royal majesty. Simburu, the herald of the land Elam, heard about the advance of my troops and became frightened at the mention of my name. He then came before my messenger and kissed my feet. Umbakidinu, the herald of the land Ḫidalu, who is carrying the (decapitated) head Ištar-Nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi), the king of the land Ḫidalu. Zinēni, his palace supervisor, is likewise depicted in the lower register. The might of (the god) Aššur, my lord, (and) fear of my royal majesty overwhelmed them (and) (i 10) they cut off the heads of the nobles of the land Elam who had not submitted to me and cast (them) down before my magnates. They grasped the feet of my royal majesty. The battle line that Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria (lit. “the land Elam”), formed opposite Teumman, the king of the land Elam, (and with which) he brought about the defeat of the land Elam. Teumman, the king of the land Elam, saw the defeat of his troops; he (then) fled in order to save his (own) life and tore out his (own) beard. (PN), the son of Teumman — the king of the land Elam — who had escaped from the massacre, torn his garment, (and) was shouting to the father who had engendered him: “Defeat (the enemy)! Do not delay!” Teumman, the king of the land Elam who had been struck during my mighty battle, fled in order to save (his) life and slipped int[o] the forest. The axle of the wagon, the vehicle of his royal majesty, broke and it overturned upon him. [Teumman, the king of the land Elam], whom (his) wagon had cast down and [whom Tammarītu, his son, had helped up, g]raspi[ng] his [ha]nds. [...] Lacuna they (Ashurbanipal’s troops) [thr]ew (the head of Teumman) down before my (chariot) wheels [in front of the gate “May the Vice-Regent of (the God) Aššur Endure].” [The (decapitated) head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam: I cut through] the tendons of his face [with a kn]ife [and s]pat upon it. [Nabû-damiq (and) Umbadarâ], the envoys whom Teumman, [the king of the land Elam], sent [with insolent messages ... F]illed with rage concerning their lord, [... I] detained them. They saw [the (decapitated) head of Teumman, thei]r [lord], which had been brought before me. [Umbadarâ] pulled out his (own) beard (and) [Nabû-damiq] stabbed his (own) stomach [wit]h his iron belt-dagger. [I, A]shurbanipal, king of Assyria, joyfully entered Nineveh with the decapitated head of [Teu]mman, [the king of] the land Elam, whom I had defeated with the support of (the god) Aššur. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [di]splayed the (decapitated) head of Teumman, [the king of] the land Elam, in front of the Citadel Gate as a spectacle. It has been said from ancient times through extispicy, as follows: “You will cu[t off the hea]ds of your enemies, (ii 1) you will pour wine [over] them, that [...].” No[w], the gods [Šam]aš and Adad, during my time (as king), [...], I cut off the heads of my [enemi]es (and) pour[ed] wine [over them].

Column ii

(PN) (Urtaku, an in-law of Teumman) who had been struck b[y an a]rrow (but) had not (yet) die[d], call[ed out] to the Assyrians to cut off his (Urtaku’s) own h[e]ad, saying “Come here (and) cut off my head. Carry (it) before the king, [your] lo[rd], and obtain [f]ame.” Itunî, a eunuch of so-and-so, the king of the land Elam, whom he (Teumman) insole[ntly] sent again and again before me, saw m[y mighty] battle array an[d], with his [ir]on belt-dagg[er], cut with his own hand (his) bow, the basis of his strength. The fugitive U[mman]igaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), a servant who had grasped my feet. B[y] my [c]ommand, in (the midst of) celebration, a eunuch of mine whom I had sen[t] (with him) ushered (him) into the land Susa and the land Madaktu and placed him o[n the th]rone of Teumman, whom I had defeat[ed]. My tro[op]s, who ha[d g]one on campaign to the land Elam, were not allowed to recover from their fatigue; I directed them (at once) to the city Ša-pī-Bēl, against Dunānu. They pitched camp against th[a]t city, surrounded (it), (and) cut off his escape route. Fear fell upon Dunānu, s[on of B]ēl-iqīša, the Gambulian, and he aba[ndon]ed his city. He then came out before m[y] messenger an[d] kissed my feet. I, Ashurbanipal, [king of] Assyria, offered sump[tuous] offerings inside the city Milqīʾa (and) performed the festival of the goddess Šatru (Ištar of Arbela). At that time, Dun[ānu] was bound [ha]nd and foot (in) iron fetters and they brought (him) before me. [...] properly carried out [...], I threw Dunānu, son of Bēl-iqīša, [the Gambulian, f]ace down and [s]et up [...] over hi[m]. [Dunānu, son of Bēl-iqī]ša, the Gambuli[a]n, [.... hand] and foot, to the city R[uʾ]uʾa, [...] b[efore m]e. [...] ... [...] Lacuna (No translation possible) Du[nānu, ...], m[y] lady [...]. The hea[d of ....] and the he[ad of ...] heir desi[gnate ...]. [I bound] Dun[ānu, Samgunu, (and) Aplāya, together with a bear], at the “Ga[te of the Rising Sun (and) Setting Sun”] t[o be a spectacle for the people]. The city [...] th[at ...]

Column iii

Lacuna (No translation possible) [(PN₁ and PN₂) uttered grievous blasphemies against (the god) A]ššur, the god who created me. I tore out their [tong]ue(s and) [flay]ed them. I slaughtered [Dunā]nu, son of [Bēl-iq]īša, the Gambulian, [the one who had di]sturbed my (exercising the) kingship, [o]n a s[laughte]ring block like a lamb and I dis[m]embered him. [Um]manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), son of Urtaku — the king of the land Elam — who had grasped the feet of my royal majesty: I sent m[y] forces w[i]th him to help him. Battle line of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the one who established the defeat of the land Elam. Battle line of Teumman, the king of the land Elam. The defeat of the troops of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, which Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had brought about (by inflicting) countless (losses) at (the city) Tīl-Tūba (and during which) he had cast down the corpses of his (Teumman’s) warriors. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, after I made offerings (to) the goddess Šatru (Ištar of Arbela), performed the akītu-festival, (and) (iii 20´) seized the reins (of the chariot) of the goddess Ištar, paraded into (lit. “performed an entry of”) the city Arbela in (the midst of) celebration in the company of Dunānu, Samgunu, Aplāya, and the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, which the goddess Ištar, the Lady, delivered into my hands. I blocked up the Ulāya River with the corpses of the warriors (and) young men of the land Elam. For three days, [I made] that river, at its crest, flow with their [blo]od instead of water. [I, As]hurbanipal, king of Assyria, who with the support of (the god) Aššur, my lord, [conquered] m[y] enemies (and) achieved [my] heart’s desire, (iv 1) had a (siege) ramp trodden down against the city Ša-pī-Bēl, the city upon which the Gambu[lu] rely, [and] the brilliance of m[y] royal majesty [co]vered Dunānu, son of Bēl-iqīša, and he broke his bow. (iv 5) [He, togethe]r with his nobles, then [came out] before my messenger to (make) entreaties [and] kissed my feet.

Column iv

I captured [Dunānu, son of] Bēl-iqīša, alive. [My warriors] threw him into iron [f]etters and promptly sent (him) [to Nineveh, b]efore me. [I, Ashurbanipal, king of] Assyria, who by the command of the great gods, his lords, [conquered his enemies (and)] achieved his heart’s desire, [... Dunānu, son of] Bēl-iqīša, Samgunu, [the second brother of Dunānu], Nabû-naʾid, (and) Bēl-ēṭir, [sons of Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šan]dabakku (governor of Nippur), (iv 15) [...] his brothers, [...] king of the Gambulians Lacuna (No translation possible) Copy of the writing board that was read aloud before the king.

Ashurbanipal 162

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 364; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text B. RINAP 5 Asb. 162; Oracc Q007570.

Obverse

Lacuna [I ripped out the tongue(s ...)] of Na[bû-uṣalli, a city overseer of the land Gambulu, (and)] fla[yed him/(them)]. With [the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, I took] the road to the city [Arbela in (the midst of) celebration]. I sent Tammarītu [...] with him [...] the people of the city Ḫidal[u ...]. Simburu, the heral[d of the land Elam, heard about the advance of my troops and] became frightened at the mention of my name. [He] then [came] b[efore my messenger and kissed my feet]. [Fear of my royal majesty] covered Umbakidinu, the [herald of the city Ḫidalu]; [he] then [cut off] the he[ad of Ištar-Nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi), the king of the land Ḫidalu], Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [who with the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), [Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh], Ištar of Arb[ela, Ninurta, Nergal, and Nusku] co[nquered] my enemies [(and) achieved my heart’s desire]. I, Ashurbani[pal, ...] through [mighty] victories [...] allowe[d me] to stan[d ...], the king of the land Elam, [...]. Lacuna

Left Edge

Ummani[gaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), son of Urtaku — the king of the land Elam] — a fugitive who had grasp[ed the feet of my royal majesty]: I s[ent my forces] with him [to help him]. [... the cita]del of Nineveh.

Ashurbanipal 163

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 01914 + K 13765; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text C. RINAP 5 Asb. 163; Oracc Q007571.

Obverse

Lacuna [Simburu, the herald of the land Ela]m, [heard about] the ad[vance of my troops and became fri]ghtened at [the mention of my name. He] then [came] before [my messenger and] kissed m[y] feet. [Fear] of my royal majesty covered [Umbakidin]u, the herald of the city Ḫidalu; he then cut off [the hea]d of Ištar-Nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi), the k[in]g of the land Ḫidalu, [...] ... and (then) car[r]ied (it) and cast (it) down [before] my magnates. He then grasped the feet of my royal majesty.

Reverse

[Fear of] my lordly majesty covered [Z]inēni, the palace supervisor, (and) GIŠ-TAR-ta[..., ...] of the land Elam, [...] they came here to do obeisance to me. [...] my camp. I captured [Dunānu, son of B]ēl-iqīša, [alive. My warriors] th[rew him into iron fette]rs [and] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 164

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04527 + K 12000A; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text D. RINAP 5 Asb. 164; Oracc Q007572.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] sons [...]. Teumman, the king of the la[nd Elam who had been struck during my mighty battle], fl[ed] in order to sav[e] (his) life [and slipped into the forest. The a]xle of the wagon, [the v]ehicle of his royal majesty, br[oke and it overturned upon him]. Teumman, , during a los[s of (all) r]eason, [said] to hi[s] son: “[Shoot the bow]!” Teum[man, the king of] the land Elam, whom (his) [wagon had cast down and whom Tammarītu], his son, had helped up, [grasping his hands]. [Teumman, the king of the lan]d Elam who [had been struck] during a [mighty] battl[e (and) whose] hands [Tammarītu], his eldest son, [had grasped] — (10´) they fled [in order to save] their live(s and) [slipped into the forest. With the support of (the god) Aššur] and the goddess Ištar, [I killed them. I cut o]f[f their head(s) in front of one another]. Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 165

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1350; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text E. RINAP 5 Asb. 165; Oracc Q007573.

Obverse

Battle line of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the one who established the defeat of the land Elam. Battle line of Teumman, the king of the land Elam. The (decapitated) head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam. I, Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who conquers his enemies: My battle troops quickly brought to me the head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, that they had cut off through the might of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, (and) Nergal, and they threw (it) down before my (chariot) wheels in front of the gate “May the Vice-Regent of (the God) Aššur Endure.” I, Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria: Nabû-damiq (and) Umbadarâ, the envoys [whom Teumman, the king of the land Elam, sent with] insolent [messages ...] ... Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna I paraded into (lit. “performed an entry of”) the city Arbela in (the midst of) celebration [in the company of Dunānu, Samgunu, Aplāya], and the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, which the goddess Ištar, the Lady, delivered into my hands. I bound Dunānu, Samgunu, (and) Aplāya, together with a bear, at the “Gate of the Rising Sun (and) Setting Sun” to be a spectacle for the people. With the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, I took the road to the city Arbela in (the midst of) celebration. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: Rusa, the king of the land Urarṭu, sent envoys to me to inquire about my well-being. I made Nabû-damiq (and) Umbadarâ, the envoys of the land Elam, stand before them [with] writing [boa]rds (inscribed with) insolent messages. [Oppo]site them (in the relief) (are) Mannu-kī-aḫḫē, the deputy of Dunānu, and Nabû-uṣalli, a city overseer of his. I ripped out their tongues (and) flayed them.

Ashurbanipal 166

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13741; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text F. RINAP 5 Asb. 166; Oracc Q007574.

Lacuna [... the land E]lam [...] his [...] the bow, the b[asis of his strength ...]. [I blocked up the Ulāya River with the corpses of the wa]rriors (and) young men o[f the land Elam. For three days], I [made] that [ri]ver, [at its crest, flow with their blood instead of water]. [...] who inside the land Elam [...] the might[y] deeds [... the land Ela]m [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 167

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02637; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text G. RINAP 5 Asb. 167; Oracc Q007575.

Lacuna [I th]rew [Dunānu, son of Bēl-iqīša, the Gambulian, face down] and [s]et up ... [...] over h[im]. I captured [Dunān]u, son of Bēl-iqīša, [ali]ve. My [w]arriors threw him into iron fetters and promptly sent (him) [to Ni]neveh, before me. I, Ashurbani, king of the world, king of Assyria, [after] I made offerings (to) the goddess Šatru (Ištar of Arbela), [performed] the akītu-festival, [(and) (10´) seized] the reins (of the chariot) of the goddess Ištar, par[ad]ed into (lit. “performed [an ent]ry of”) the city Arbela in (the midst of) celebration [in the company of Dunānu], Samgunu, Aplāya, [and the decapitated head of Teu]mman, the king of the land Elam, [which the goddess Ištar, the Lady, delivered into my hands]. [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 168

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-07-27, 0246; known as Teumman-Dunānu Epigraphs Text H. RINAP 5 Asb. 168; Oracc Q007576.

Obverse

Lacuna [Teumman, the king of the land Elam who had been struck during my mighty battle, fled in] order to sa[ve (his) life and slipped into the forest. The axle of the wagon, the vehicle of his royal majesty], broke and it overturn[ed upon him]. [Teumman, , during a loss of (all) reason], said [to h]is [son]: “Sho[ot the bow]!” [Teumman, the king of the land Elam, whom (his) wagon had cast down and whom Tammarītu], his [s]on, had helped up, g[rasping his hands]. [Teumman, the king of the land Elam who had been struck during a mighty battle] (and) [who]s[e] hand [Tammarītu], his eldest [s]on, [had grasped — they fled in order to save their live(s and) slipped into the forest]. With the support of (the god) Aššur and [the goddess Ištar, I killed them]. [The defeat of the troops of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, which Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had brought about (by inflicting) countless (losses) at] (the city) Tīl-Tū[ba (and during which) he had cast down] the corpses [of his (Teumman’s) warriors]. [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 169

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04530. RINAP 5 Asb. 169; Oracc Q007577.

Lacuna [...] to pacify the h[eart of ...] those [Ela]mites [...] they inflicted [a heav]y [defeat on him]. The head of Teu[mman ... (5´) ...], the leader of the troop[s of ...]-Aššur, the cavalryman, to pra[ise ...] ... [...]. [...]s I made his weapons greater [...], mules, equipment of wa[r, ...] ... of my battle troops without [...]. [... the city Ša-p]ī-Bēl, a city upon which [he] relie[d, ...] I burned (it) [with fi]re, whose location [...]. [...] by the command of (the god) Aššur, my lord, I c[onquered ... the bo]nes of Bēl-iqīša [... (15´) ... sons of Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the š]andabakku (governor of Nippur), who the se[a]coast [...] with Aplāya [... Samgunu, the] second [brother of Dunān]u, with [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 170

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02651. RINAP 5 Asb. 170; Oracc Q007578.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna [...] ... [... I marched again]st Teu[mman, the king of the land Elam who, concerning Ummanigaš, Ummanappa, (and) Tammarītu — the so]ns of Urtaku — Kudurru (and) [Parrû — the sons of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the brother of Urtaku, (former) king of the land Elam] — them, together with sixty members of the royal (family), [count]less [archers, (and) nobles of the land Elam who had fled to me and grasped my feet] — concerning (all) those people, [he had regularly sent his] env[oys (asking me) to send (them back) ...]. He, Teumman, to the [Ulāya] Ri[ver ...]. I trusted in (the god) Aššur and the goddess Iš[tar ...]. Before me, the U[lāya] River [... I brought about his defeat] inside (the city) Tīl-Tūb[a ...]. (obv.? 10´) I cut off his h[ea]d i[n] the a[ssembly of] his [troo]ps. [I placed] U[mmanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) (...) on his (Teumman’s) throne (...). Chariots], wagons, (and) mules [I counted as] boo[ty ...]. [Dunānu], the son of Bēl-iqīša, the Gambulian, w[ho ...], I overwhelmed his land like a fog (and) I c[on]quered the city Ša-pī-[Bēl, his fortified city, whose location is situated between rivers]. I carried off him, his brothers, [his] family, [...] (and) people [...]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse (?)

Lacuna Traces of the beginning of about 8 lines Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 171

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1883-01-18, 0442. RINAP 5 Asb. 171; Oracc Q007579.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna ... [...] his hea[vy def]eat [... his] offspr[ing ...] provinces of [...] the people [...]. I, Ashurbanipa[l, ...], which I constantly marc[hed through ...] the land Mannea [...] you made bow d[own ...] (obv.? 10´) Er[isinni ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse (?)

Lacuna [...] lordly [...], which [...] Teumman, the king of the land Elam, [...] I cut off his head in the assembly of [his troops ...]. Blank space for 2 lines I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: (The god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [...], before “May [the Vice]-Regent of (the God) Aššur En[dure],” the ga[te of (the god) Aššur, (...)], they allowed [me] to stand [ove]r my foes, who [...]. Blank space for 2 lines [...] he appointed [...] I placed him [...] Umma[nigaš ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 172

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03096; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text A. RINAP 5 Asb. 172; Oracc Q007580.

Obverse

[I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, with the suppo]rt of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Iš[tar ...: Tamm]arītu, the king of the land Elam, the (very) image of gallû-demons, [did not inquire about the well-being of (my) lordly majesty], set out [to aid Šamaš-šuma]-ukīn, (my) hostile brother, [(and) hastily sent his weapons] t[o fight with my troops]. By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, the gods who su[pport me, (5) Indabi]bi, a servant of his, rebelled against him and [sat on his throne. Tammarītu], his [brother]s, his family, the seed of his father’s house, and the nobles who mar[ch at his side], crawled [naked] on their bellies and gr[asped the feet of my royal majesty. ...] before me, they were s[i]nging the praises of the valor of my mighty gods, who constantly c[ame to my aid]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, with the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar ... [...]: [They] bro[ught me] the zaqiptu-standard (and) šakirūtu-standard, the royal emblems of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, [...], a chariot, the vehicle of his lordly majesty, (and) the soldiers who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion, [and] they dragged [...] to and fro on the ground before me. (As for) the rest of [...], I sat (them) on ca[mels in a l]ine like (lit. “of”) their mountains as a spectacle for the people, and I joyfully [entered] Nineveh. With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [I] captu[red] the ḫiʾālu-troops of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn th[at he had sent] to plunder the steppe. With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [I] c[aptured] the citizens of Borsippa who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion (and) who had sided with [Šamaš-šuma-ukīn]. [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I captured the citizens of Ba]bylon who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion (and) who [had sided] with Šama[š-šuma-ukīn]. [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar], I [captured the ... of Šama]š-šuma-ukīn that had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion (and) I struck (them) d[own with the sword]. [I Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, for whom] the great gods had determ[ined a favorable destiny]: Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna I, Ashurbanipal, [king of Assyria: They were parading before me Ammi-ladīn, the king of the land Qedar], whom [I had captured] with the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Iš[tar]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, who by the command of the great gods [conquered his enemies (and)] achieved his heart’s desire: [I] joyfully [entered] Nineveh, my capital city, with Ammi-la[dīn, whom I had captured]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [I] captu[red] Adiya, the qu[een of the land of the Arabs], together with her plunder. Adiya, the queen of the land of the Arabs: [I inflicted] a [heavy] defea[t on her], burned her tents with fire, (and) [captured] her ali[ve]. That which is (written) upon the walls of the House of Succes[sion, of the south wing].

Ashurbanipal 173

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02642 + K 16025; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text B. RINAP 5 Asb. 173; Oracc Q007581.

Column i

Lacuna [...: Tammar]ītu, the king of the land Elam, [the (very) image of gallû-demons, did not inquire about the well-being of] (my) lordly majesty, (i 5´) [set out to aid Šamaš-šu]ma-ukīn, (my) hostile brother, [(and) hastily sent his weapons to figh]t with my troops. [By the comma]nd of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [the gods who support me, Indab]ibi, a servant of his, [rebelled against him and sa]t on his throne. [Tammarītu, his brothers, h]is [family], the seed of his father’s house, (i 10´) [and the nobles who march at] his side, [cra]wled [naked on their bellies and grasped the feet of my royal majesty. ... before me], they were singing the praises of [the valor of my mighty gods, who constantly came to] my [aid]. Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna I, [Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, for whom ...] had determine[d a favorable destiny: ..., my gods] who had encouraged me [..., I] joy[fully entered] Nineveh with T[ammarītu, the king of the land Elam, his brothers], his family, the see[d of his father’s house, and the eighty-five nobles] (ii 5´) who march at his side, [my enemies who had fled to me and] grasped the feet of [my] royal [majesty]. [...] the people who had perpetrated sedition (and) re[bellion (and) who had] s[ided with Šamaš-šuma-ukīn], (my) hostile [broth]er, ... [...] Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna (No translation possible)

Column iv

Lacuna [... Ummanaldašu, the brother of Tammar]ītu, the kin[g of the land Elam, ...teDI], the chief [archer, (and) Teumman, the chief arche]r of the cavalr[y]. [...-NU-NU/BAD, son of Ummanappa], son of Urtaku, the king of the land Elam. [Ummanaldašu], son of Teumman, the king of the land Elam. [Umbakidin]u, son of Ummanappa, son of Urtaku, the king of the land Elam. [...NAGd]inu, the herald. [That which is (written) upon the wall]s of the House of Succession, of the south wing.

Ashurbanipal 174

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13652; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text C. RINAP 5 Asb. 174; Oracc Q007582.

Obverse

Lacuna [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I] cap[tured the ḫiʾālu-troops of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn that he had sent] to pl[under the steppe]. [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I captured] the citizens of [Borsippa who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion (and)] who [had sided] w[ith Šamaš-šuma-ukīn]. Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [...] The battle line of Ummanig[aš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), the one who did not honor the kindness] of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [who] had appointed him [as king inside the land Elam]. (rev. 5´) Tammarītu, [had turned hostile] towards him [and (then) had brought about his defeat] (and) scatte[red his forces]. The decapitated hea[d of Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), the king of the land Elam], who [had abandoned] m[e, the lord of his treaty, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 175

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04453 + K 04515 (+) Bu 1889-04-26, 0116; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text D. RINAP 5 Asb. 175; Oracc Q007583.

Column i

Lacuna [With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess] Ištar, [I] c[aptured the ḫiʾālu-troops of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn that he had sent to plunder the steppe]. [With the support of (the god) Aššur] and the goddess Ištar, I captured [the citizens of Borsippa] who had perpetrated sediti[on (and) rebell]ion (and) [who] had sided [with] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn. [With the support of (the god) Aššu]r and the goddess Ištar, I captured [the ... of] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn that had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion (and) [I] struck (them) down with the sword. [I, A]shurbanipal, king of Assyria, for whom the great gods [had determin]ed a favorable destiny: (i 10´) [Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam], his brothers, his family, (and) [the seed of his father’s house, who] had set out [t]o help [Šamaš-šuma-u]kīn [...], his lord, [...] Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna [...], I [captured] them [a]live, [...] tore out their insides [...] ... [...] cut off their [...], flayed them, (and) fed [their] flesh [to eag]les. [Na]bû-zēra-ukīn, son of Nabû-šuma-[..., a ...]ian, [a servant who b]elonged to me, [...] ..., [who had sid]ed [with] Šamaš-šuma-uk[īn: I] burned [with fire his hands, whi]ch had tak[en up] the bow [to fig]ht with my troops, and afterwards I [...] him and flayed him. [..., a ... of] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) unfai[thful] brother, [a ... of] Bīt-Dakkūri: I bur[ned] with fire his hands, which [had taken up] the [bow to fight with] my [troop]s, [and afterwards I ... him and fl]ayed him. I, A[shurbanipal, king of] Assyria, who by the command of [the] great [god]s achieve[d] his heart’s [desir]e: They paraded before m[e] clothing (and) je[welr]y, all of the [roya]l appurtenan[ces of] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn — (my) u[nfa]ithful brother — [his] palace wo[men], his eunuch(s), his battle troops, chariotry, a [processi]onal carriage, the vehicle of hi[s] lordly majesty, hors[es], his harness-broken (steeds), every necessity [of h]is pal[ace], as much as there was, (and) people — male (and) fe[male], yo[ung and o]ld. [Nabû-š]allimšunu, the chariot driver, (and) Mannu-kī-Bābi[li], son of Nabû-šallimš[unu]. [The so]ns of Ea-zēru-qīša of Bīt-Amukk[āni]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: By the command of [(the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu, the great gods], the kings who sit upon (royal) da[ises bowed down to my yoke. (As for) the archers among wh]om Tamma[rītu, the king of the land Elam], Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [I, Ashurbanipal, kin]g of Assyria, whom (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar made stand [over] his [fo]es [(and who) achieved] his heart’s [desir]es: Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, set out [to aid] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn — (my) hostile brother — (iii 5´) [(and) to fig]ht with my troops. He, together with his brothers, [his family, the s]eed of his father’s house, (and) his nobles [fled] to Nineveh from Indabibi, a servant of his [who] had incited [rebell]ion against him, and (then) he kissed the feet of [m]y royal majesty and made an appeal to my lordly majesty [to d]o obeisance to me. [Ummaniga]š, who [forgot] the kindness of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [his lord], did [not] honor his treaty, (and) [... the treaty and oath]: (As for) the people of his country, [whom he (Tammarītu) had incited to rebel with him, he (Ummanigaš) ... f]rom the people of his country [and fled ...] into the mountain(s). Lacuna

Column iv

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 176

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 0040; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text E. RINAP 5 Asb. 176; Oracc Q007584.

Obverse

I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, who by the command of the great gods achieve[d] his heart’s desire: They paraded before me clothing (and) jewelry, all of the royal appurtenances of Šamaš-šu[ma-ukīn] — (my) unfaithful brother — his palace women, his eunuchs, his battle troops, chariotry, a processional carriage, the vehicle of his lordly majesty, horses, his harnes[s]-broken (steeds), every necessity of his palace, as much as there was, (and) people — male (and) female, young and old. Nabû-šallimšunu, the chariot driver, (and) Mannu-kī-Bābili, son of Nabû-š[allimšunu]. The sons of Ea-zēru-qīša of Bīt-Amukkāni. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: By the command of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu, the great gods, the kings who sit upon (royal) daises bowed down to my yoke. (As for) the archers among whom Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, had bragged about fighting with my troops, now, through the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess [Mullissu, (15) the go]ds who support me, tho[se] archers [...] the month Nisannu (I), with [...] approac[hed ...] The ends of three lines of text that extend onto the right edge are not edited here Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna The incantation and colophon are not edited here

Left Edge

Belonging to the temple at Nin[eveh (...)].

Ashurbanipal 177

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13653; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text F. RINAP 5 Asb. 177; Oracc Q007585.

Lacuna [...] [I, Ashurbani]pal, king of Assyria, [whom (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar made stand over his foes (and who) a]chieved [his heart’s] desir[es: Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, set out to aid Ša]maš-šuma-ukīn — [(my) hostile brother — (5´) (and) to fight with] my [troop]s. [He, together with his brothers, his family, the seed of h]is [father’s house], and [his] nobl[es fled to Nineveh] f[rom Indabibi, a servant of his who] had incited [rebellion against him, and (then)] ki[ssed the feet of m]y [royal majesty and made an appea]l [to my lordly majesty to do obeisance to me]. [Ummanigaš, who forgot] the kindness of [Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, his lord], Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 178

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04457 + Rm 2, 305 + 1880-07-19, 0133 + Rm 926; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text G. RINAP 5 Asb. 178; Oracc Q007586.

Obverse

Lacuna [I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, whom (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar made stand over his foes (and who) achieved his] hea[rt’s] desire: [Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, set out t]o aid Šam[aš-šuma-ukīn — (my) hostile brother — (and) t]o fight with [my] troops. (5´) [He, together with his brothers, his family, the seed of his father’s house], (and) his nobles [fled] to Nineveh [from Indabibi, a servant of his wh]o had in[cited] rebellion against him, [and (then) he kissed the feet of my royal majesty and made an appeal to my lord]ly [majesty t]o do obeisance to m[e]. [U]mmanigaš, who forgot the ki[ndness of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyr]ia, his lord, [did not h]onor [his] t[re]at[y, (and) ... the treat]y and oath: (As for) the people of his country, (10´) [whom] he (Tammarītu) had incited to r[ebel w]i[th] him, [he (Ummanigaš) ... fro]m the people of his country and fl[ed ...] into the mountain(s). He c[ut Umman]igaš [down with the sword], (and) his [he]ad, his arms, his feet, [...] ... [...] Tammarītu carried (them) to me and [... before] my eunuch. [...] ... [... Ta]mmarītu [...] ... the o[fficial of the city S]amʾā[na, ...]gugu, the offi[cial of the ci]ty A[...] ... [..., Umman]aldašu, the brother of Tam[marīt]u, the king of the land [Elam], (20´) ...teDI, the chief [archer], (and) Teumman, the chief archer of the cava[l]r[y]. Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, who came to the aid of Šamaš-šuma-[ukīn] and to fight with my troops: I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [ap]pealed to (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar and (25´) they heard my supplications. Indabibi, a servant of his, rebelled against h[im] and brought about his defeat in a pitched battle. (When) Tammarītu’s men fled from the thick of battle [a]nd told him about the defeat of his troops, he fled (on) the road to the Sealand. After him, Indabibi, his servant, sat on his th[ro]ne. The boat of Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, his brothers, his family, the seed of his [fat]her’s house, (and) the nobles who march at his side, which the sediment, mud, and swamp held firm (so that) it did not have (a way) to sail on: From that boat, Ki... carried Tammarītu behind him. He broke through the hardship(s) of the di[ff]i[cu]lt terrain (and) made him (Tammarītu) enter the marshes. On account of their hunger, [... they ate uncooked (food) ...].

Reverse

Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, who fl[ed] before Ind[ab]ibi, and (then) sailed on the Bitter Sea (and) encountered trou[bl]e: I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, sent [him] my royal leftovers. He accepted those leftove[rs] and kissed the ground before [m]y eunuch. The battle line of Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II), the one who did not honor [the kind]ness of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, who had appointed him as [king] inside the land Elam. Tammarīt[u], [had turned hostil]e towa[rds him] and (then) had brought about his de[fe]at (and) scatte[red] his forces. The [decapitated] head [of] Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II), the king of the land Elam, [who] had abandoned me, [the lord of] his [treat]y, [(and) had gone to the ai]d of [Šamaš]-šuma-ukīn, my enemy, [that] Tammarītu had cut off in the thick of b[attle (rev. 15) as a s]pectacle for my eunuch, whom Ummanigaš [had detain]ed in the land Elam. [H]e (Tammarītu) sent it into [the c]ity Madaktu as (good) n[e]ws. [...]-NU-NU/BAD, son of Ummanappa, son of U[r]taku, the king of the land Elam. [U]mmanaldašu, son of Teumman, the king of the land Elam. [U]mbakidinu, son of Ummanappa, [son of] Urtaku, [the king of] the land Elam. [...]NAGdinu, the herald. [That which is (written) u]pon the wal[ls of] the House of Succession, o[f] the south [wing].

Ashurbanipal 179

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0713 (+) BM 123400 (Th 1932-12-10, 0343); known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text H. RINAP 5 Asb. 179; Oracc Q007587.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna [(When) Tammarītu’s men f]led [from the thick of battle and told him about the defeat of his troops, he fled (and)] took the r[oad to the Sealand. After him, Indabib]i, his servant, s[at on his throne]. [The boat of Tammarītu, the king of the land] Elam, [his] brothers, [his family, the seed of his father’s house, (and) the nobles who marc]h at his side, which the sed[iment, mud, and swamp h]eld firm (so that) [it did] n[ot have (a way)] to sai[l on: Fro]m that boat, K[i... c]arried Tamma[rītu behind him]. He had (him) trav[erse ...] the hardship(s) of the [difficult] terr[ain (and)] made him (Tammarītu) enter [the marshes]. On account of [their] hunger, [...] they [a]te uncooked (food) [...]. Tammarītu, the king of the land E[lam, who (...)] fled [before I]nda[bibi], and (then) [sailed] on [the Bitter Sea (and) en]countered trouble: I, [Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, sent him my] royal [leftover]s. [He accepted those leftovers and kissed the ground before my eunuch]. Lacuna

Reverse (?)

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 180

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 120; known as Šamaš-šuma-ukīn-Tammarītu Epigraphs Text I/J. RINAP 5 Asb. 180; Oracc Q007588.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna [...]. I [capture]d [... who had perpet]rated sedition and rebellion. [I ...] them and, in order (obv.? 5´) [to show] the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu, I sat them on camels. ... (like) gnats, they were creating noise with the Assyrians, who were celebrating before me. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria: They were parading b[efore me] Ammi-ladīn, the king of the land Qedar, whom I had cap[tured] with the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar. Blank space for 2 lines

Reverse (?)

I, Ashurbanipal, [king of Assyria], who by the command of the great gods [conquered his] enemies (and) achieved his heart’s desire: I joyfully entered Ni[neveh], my capital city, with A[mmi-ladīn], whom I had captured. (Of) the east wing, [upo]n the walls. I, Ashurbanipal, king of the world, kin[g of] Assyria, for [w]hom (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar had determined a favorable destiny: (rev.? 10) [...], my gods who had encouraged me [...], I [joyfully] entered Nineveh, my capital city, [with] Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, [his brothers], his [fa]mily, the seed of his father’s house, [and the eighty-five no]bles who march at his side, my enemies, [who had fl]ed to me and grasped the feet of my royal majesty. [...] ... Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 181

Tablet; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VAT 11264. RINAP 5 Asb. 181; Oracc Q007589.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna [I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, who by the command of (the god) Aššur] (and) the goddess Mu[llissu a]chi[eved his heart’s desire: Um]manigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [dispatched them (his forces) to Undasu, a s]on of Teum[man — a (former) king of the land Elam — Zazaz, the city ruler of the c]ity Pillatu, (and) [Parr]û, the [city ruler of the land Ḫilmu, to help] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn — [(my) unfaithful] b[rother — (and) to fight with the troops of Assyria] Lacuna

Reverse (?)

Lacuna (No translation possible) [I], Ashurbani[pal, king of Assyria, who b]y the command of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Mullissu a[chieved his heart’s desire: (rev.? 5´) They paraded before me the zaqi]ptu-standard (and) šakirūtu-standard, clothing (and) j[ewelry, all of the royal appurtenances of] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn — [(my) unfaithful] brot[her] — his [pal]ace women, his eunuchs, [his battle troops, chariotry], a processional carriage, the vehic[le of his lordly majesty, horses], his [harn]ess-broken (steeds), every nec[essity of his palace, as much as there was, (and) people] — male and [female, young and old]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 182

Tablet; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VAT 10269. RINAP 5 Asb. 182; Oracc Q007590.

Obverse (?)

Lacuna [...] ... [...] mi[ghty] victories [... the la]nd Elam [... the land Ela]m, all of it, [... (obv.? 5´) with the suppor]t of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Mulli[ssu, ... he became di]stressed. [He sent] his envoys [to me ... and with] his substantial audience gift(s) ... [...]. [I], Ashurbanipal, ki[ng of Assyria, who by the comman]d of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Mull[issu achieved his heart’s desire]: Lacuna

Reverse (?)

Lacuna [...] [I], Ashurbanipal, [king of Assyria, who by the command of] (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Mul[lissu achieved his heart’s desire: ...] the land Elam [... (rev.? 5´) ... I la]id w[aste ...] the god Lagma[ru ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 183

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13444. RINAP 5 Asb. 183; Oracc Q007591.

Lacuna [...] ... [...]. [(...) H]ardship ... [...]. [(...)] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, who [...] his royal equipment [... no]bles, his eunuchs, people [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 184

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 07596. RINAP 5 Asb. 184; Oracc Q007592.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) (PN) [...] Sixteen thousand bow(s) [...] (my) enemy ... [...]. In order to exact re[venge ...] (the god) Aššur roused Ashurbanipal, the favor[ite of ...] mighty ones into his hand(s) [...]. (PN), the envoy of Tammarīt[u, ...] made an appeal to my lordly majesty, saying, “O king, ... [...” (...)]. The rest, who did not submit to my yoke, [...] I made (him) enter (and) sit on the throne of the land Elam. At the mentio[n of my name ... I marched f]rom the Upper Sea to the Low[er] Sea, [where the kings, my ancestors, had regularly traveled]. At a distance of one month (and) twenty (journey) into the midst of the sea and on dry land, [I added] t[erritory to that of the kings, my ancestors, and ruled (it)]. I made [the people] living in those lands bow [down to my yoke (and) imposed upon them annual tribute payment. (15´) With the supp]ort of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, the gods who had enc[ouraged me, the kings who sit upon (royal) daises kiss my feet] (and) great [r]ulers from (both) east and we[st are anxious for me to be their ally]. [...] ... before me one [...] my lord [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Left Edge

[...] ... which my feet [...] ... in Eḫulḫul, which I had built anew and [...] and the kings of the land Ḫatti, servants who belonged to me, [...] I clad the [c]ella of the god Sîn, my lord, [with ...] (and) made (it) shine like [daylight ...], which from distan[t] days [...].

Ashurbanipal 185

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 00891; known as L[ondon]³ Inscription. RINAP 5 Asb. 185; Oracc Q007593.

Obverse

(As for) the city Arbela, the abode of the goddess Ištar, the house of festivals and [joyous celebrations], whose (inner) wall had not been built (and) [whose] o[uter wall] had not been completed since time immemorial: I built its (inner) wall and completed its outer wall. I f[illed (it)] with splendor. (As for) the temple of the goddess Ištar, my lady, I made (it) shine like daylight using silver, gold, (and) copper. I decorated the divine emblems of the gateway(s) of the temple of the goddess Ištar with silver (and) gold and (then) I set (them) up. (As for) the city Milqīʾa, the palace of the steppe, the dwelling place of the goddess Ištar, I renovated its dilapidated section(s), built its akītu-house, (and) completed the city in its entirety. I set my hands (to this task) in distress and weeping because an enemy had destroyed it, (but) I completed (it) in (the midst of) celebration. I myself set up the divine emblems of the temple of the god Nergal of the city Tarbiṣu, which had not existed in the day(s) of the past. After I had done these things (and) finished (my) work, I did not ... the command of the father who had engendered me, (but rather) I kept (it). I entrusted Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, with the kingship of the land Kardunia[š] (Babylonia), consecrated Aššur-mukīn-palēʾa, my younger brother, as a šešgallu-priest of (the god) Aš[šur], (and) consecrat[ed] Aššur-etel-šamê-erṣeti-muballissu, my young(est) brother, as a šešgallu-priest of the god Sîn, who resides in the city Ḫarrān.

Reverse

Together with the funerary offerings, I reinstat[ed] the libations for the spirits of the kings who came be[fore (me)] that had been discontinued (and) I performed good deed(s) for god and mankind, for (both) the dead and the living. (So) why are illness, misery, troubles, (and) loss bound up with me? Discord in the land (and) quarreling in the household cannot be kept away from [my] sid[e]. (rev. 5) Disorder (and) evil plan(s) constantly beset me. Unhappiness (and) ill health have contorted my body. I spend days in (saying) “Woe!” (and) “Alas!” I myself am troubled on the day of the god of the city, the festival day. Death takes holds of me, (and) I am suffering severely. (rev. 10) Day and night I wail on account of depression (and) melancholy. I am exhausted. O god, give (these things) to someone who is irreverent (so that) I may see your light! How long, O god, will you treat me this way? I am treated like one who does not revere god or goddess!

Ashurbanipal 186

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 4 exemplars (principal: K 02867 + BM 98982 (Ki 1904-10-09, 0011) + K 04501); known as Large Hunting Inscription. RINAP 5 Asb. 186; Oracc Q007594.

Lacuna [... I allowed ... to dw]ell (as safely) as if on a meadow [... te]rror in the steppe [...] ... well-being (5´) [... who] constantly [a]chieves his heart’s wish [...]s, birds, and fish. 7 lines that have been erased and smoothed over with traces of signs I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong k[ing], king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world); offspring of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; descendant of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, (who was) also king of Assyria — (The god) Aššur, the Enlil of the gods, firmly established the foundations of (my) throne (and) required my priestly services; the goddess Mullissu, the mother of the great gods, raised me like my (own) birth mother in her sweet embrace; the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš regularly sent me auspicious signs every month through their firm “yes”; the god Marduk, the sage of the gods whose command cannot be changed, determined as my lot a destiny of longevity; the god Nabû, the scribe of everything, implanted in my mind the precepts of his wisdom, which he loves; the goddess Ištar, who resides in the city Arbela, the honored one of the great gods, stretched out her everlasting protection over me; (and) the god Nergal, mightiest of the gods, granted me power, virility, (and) unrivalled strength as a gift. From my childhood, the great gods who dwell in heaven and netherworld determined my destiny to be king. They raised me like a father who had engendered (me) (and) entrusted me with their exalted ways. They taught me how to wage war and battle, set in motion an attack, form a battle line, and (do) combat. They made my weapons greater than (those of) my enemies who, from my childhood until I became an adult, started a fight with me. They judged my case with Urtaku, the king of the land Elam, with whom I did not start (but) who started a battle with me. In my stead, they brought about his defeat, smashed his vanguard, (and) drove him away as far as the border of his land. [I]n that year, they destroyed his life through a cruel death. They consigned him to Kurnugia, the place of no return. The heart(s) of the great gods, my lords, were not appeased, (and) the angry mood(s) of the[i]r lordly majesties were not pacified. They overthrew his kingship (and) took away his dynasty. They made somebody e[ls]e assume dominion over the land Elam. Ummanigaš, Ummanappa, (and) Tammarītu — the sons of Urt[a]ku, the king of the Elam — Kudurru (and) Parrû — the sons of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the king who came before Urtaku — (together with) sixty members of the royal (family), countless archers, (and) nobles of the land Elam, fled to me before the slaughter of Teumman, the brother of their father, and grasped the feet of my royal majesty. After I sat on the throne of the father who had engendered me, the god Adad released his rains (and) the god Ea opened up his springs. The forests flourished greatly (and) reeds (and) reed-thickets grew together (so that) there was no entrance or walkway. The young of the lions thrived in[s]ide them and they ba[n]ded into packs without number. By devouring oxen, sheep and goats, and humans, they became restless and fierce; they gr[e]w in size. The mountains resou[nded] with their roars (and) the beasts of the ste[ppe] were perpetually terrified. They were constantly cutting down wild animals (and) shedding the blood of humans, (so that) they blocked travel. (30) Like the carnage of the god Erra, the bodies (and) corpses of oxen and s[heep and goats] were heaped up [in the stepp]e and open country. Shepherds (and) herdsmen were bewailing that lions were eat[ing (animals) within (their) cattle-pens and] sheepfold(s). Settlements were mourning day and night ..., their dwelling place(s) were situated [in the r]eed(s) and forest(s). They (the people) told m[e] about the deeds of these lions [and for pl]easure I went out against them. During the course of my campaign, I entered into those [re]ed(s) [and fo]rests and I brought about their defeat. (35) I scattered their lairs (and) I captured [t]heir [...] alive. I pacified the people living in (those) settlements (and) the [shepherd(s) (and) he]rdsmen, and I allowed wild animals to dwell (as safely) as if on a mea[dow]. At that time, four sons of the king[s ...], fugitives of the land Elam, demonstrated to [m]e (lit. “drew [m]y attention to”) the shooting of their bow(s), [wh]ich after ... [...] they mutilated (their) fingernails in a ... way. [...] ... [...] they were shooting [...] before me. (40) [...] they shot ... [...] their furious arrows [...] my furious [ar]row ... [...] ... my eunuchs [...] ... is/are located ... [...] the god Nergal, mightiest of the gods, ... [...] before my bow [...] they were [lo]oking at him ... [...] they were constantly blessing m[y ...] (and) were kissing my feet. [...] ... their (own) eyes saw (50) [...] ... [...] ... you will not place [...] May he allow you to have [(... and) m]ight. [...] humanity [...] the land Elam (No translation possible) Lacuna

Left Edge

[...] ... had encouraged me, commanded me to scatter the land Elam.

Ashurbanipal 187

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06085. RINAP 5 Asb. 187; Oracc Q007595.

Lacuna [...] ... [..., the thir]d (lion), I struck (its) kidneys but did not [...] ... [...], the fourth, I smashed (its) skull and ... [...], the fifth, I cut through its tendon and ... [...]. (5´) With my single, lordly, harnessed team (and) the v[ehicle of my royal majesty], forty minutes after dawn, I [quelled] the fury of eighteen raging lions [...] I threw their corpses opposite one another [into] heaps [...]. I made their blood flow and [...] the vegetation of the steppe like [...]. (At) the place (where) I killed those lions, I ... [...]. This field, which the people of my palace [named] “He [...] the Lio[n(s) ...],” that field to Mullissu, who dwells in Nineveh which she love[s, ...] in order to give her offerings (and) contributions (and) to provide (them) more lavishly than the regular offerings of the (other) god[s ...]. When Mullissu [...] the scent of offerings of gra[in ...] and the giving of his regular offerings ... [...]. (15´) May [her] hear[t] rejoice [...] with pleasure [...] Lacuna

Left Edge

(No translation possible)

Ashurbanipal 188

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02623. RINAP 5 Asb. 188; Oracc Q007596.

Obverse

[... Tammarī]tu, the king of the land Elam, [... the land E]lam, [..., third me]n (of chariot crews), cavalrymen, archers, [(...) eunuchs, engineers, every k]ind of artisan there was, (5) [..., mu]les, donkeys, oxen, and sheep and goats, [which were more numerous than locusts] — I carried (them) off to Assyria. Blank space for 2 lines [...] I did not (even) leave [a pla]ce for birds (to perch). [The daughters of kings, the sisters of kings, along with] earlier (and) later [family] of the kings of the land Elam, [officials (and) mayors of] those [citi]es, as many as I had conquered, (10) [chief archers, captains, charioteers], third men (of chariot crews), cavalrymen, [archers, eunuchs, engineer]s, every kind of artisan there was, [people — male and female, young and old — horses], mules, donk[ey]s, [oxen, and sheep and goats, which were more numer]ous [than locusts] — I carried (them) off to Assyria. [...] I covered the land Elam [in (its) entire]ty.

Reverse

[I gathered earth from the cities Susa, Madaktu, Ḫaltemaš, and the] rest of their cult centers [(and) took (it) to] Assyria. Blank

Ashurbanipal 189

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04460. RINAP 5 Asb. 189; Oracc Q007597.

Obverse

[...] of the land Elam [... the lan]d Elam [...] against h[im ...] ... their gate(s) (5) [... deva]stating the settlements [...] against my troops [...] I marched about triumphantly [inside the land El]am [... the as]sembly of his troops [... that I] had conquered, I (now) plundered it. [..., who]m I/they placed on his throne, [...] (and) he took refuge (there). [..., ki]ng of the four quarters (of the world), [(...) the deities ..., Ninurt]a, Nergal, and Nusku [...] his weapons. (15) [... a] profit[le]ss [decision ... the go]ds who support me [...] went [...] did [n]ot escape.

Reverse

[...] ... [... for f]uture days. Blank

Ashurbanipal 190

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03065. RINAP 5 Asb. 190; Oracc Q007598.

Column i

[Before] my [father] was bor[n] (and) my [birt]h-[mother] was created in [her] moth[er’s] womb, the god Sîn, who created me to be king, named me [to] (re)build Eḫulḫul, (i 5) saying: “Ashurbanipal will (re)build that temple and make me dwell therein upon an eternal dais.” The word of the god Sîn, which he had spoken in distant days, he now revealed to the people of a later generation. He allowed the temple of the god Sîn — which Shalmaneser (III), son of Ashurnasirpal (II), (i 10) [a ki]ng of the past (who had come) before me, had built — to become [ol]d and [he entrus]ted (its renovation) to me. [(As for) that temple, which] had become [o]ld, I removed its [d]ilapidated section(s) [by the command of the gods Sîn (and) Nusku]. I made its [s]tr[u]cture larger [than the one in the days of the past]. Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna of 6 lines (No translation possible) Blank space for four 4 with traces of one erased sign Lacuna

Column iii

Completely missing

Column iv

Lacuna Blank

Ashurbanipal 191

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02624. RINAP 5 Asb. 191; Oracc Q007599.

Obverse (?)

[... I know how to fo]rm a battle line (and do) comba[t. ...] I gra[sped] the ... of kingship [...]. Nobles (and) eu[nuch(s)] rejoiced [(and) they heeded the pronouncement(s) from my lips. Before the king, the father who had engendered me, I would intercede on their behalf (and)] I would [an]nul [their] sin(s). (obv.? 5) [... I regularly appo]inted governo[rs ...]. The great gods constantly looked [with pleasure upon my good deeds and, by their exalted command, I gladly sat on the thron]e of the father who had engendered me. [... a]nd they kissed my feet. [...] they placed in my hands [... (obv.? 10) ...] they relented. I completed [... (and) made (it) shine] like daylight. [...] in Egašanḫiliku[ga ...] which I (just) built [... (and) I made (Šarrat-Kidmuri) dwell on (her)] ete[rnal d]ais.

Reverse (?)

[...] ... [...] ... [... to ma]ke dec[isions ...] quarters (of the world) (rev.? 5) [... bel]oved by his lordly majesty [...] they ... the city [...] the gods Šamaš and Adad [... belo]ved by his heart [...] the road to Šuanna (Babylon) (rev.? 10) [...] ... the corners [...] ... a joyful procession [... insid]e it (Esagil) he (Marduk) took up residence on (his) eternal dais. [...] ... I returned (them) to their places (of worship) [...] I made [regular offerings (and) contributions] more plentiful [than those of distant days]. [I had a canopy], which rivals the he[avens, made from musukkannu-wood, a] durable [woo]d.

Ashurbanipal 192

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 21535. RINAP 5 Asb. 192; Oracc Q007600.

Lacuna [...] Ashurbanipa[l ...] requir[ed] my [lordsh]ip [...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 193

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13789. RINAP 5 Asb. 193; Oracc Q007601.

Lacuna [...] ... [... he] will place a[nd ...] ... [...] his ... [...] for [... (5´) ...] let me remov[e] their [...] I made (them) take [...] which/who(m) the gods Šamaš, Nabû, [... Ash]urbanipal, the cre[ation of ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 194

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02802 + K 03047 + K 03049 (+) BM 098591 (Th 1905-04-09, 0097) (+) VAT 05600; known as Large Letter to the God Aššur. RINAP 5 Asb. 194; Oracc Q007602.

Column i

You know, O Aššur, the Enlil of the gods, from the past into the future, that Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ), son of Hazael, the king of the land of the Arabs, in the time of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, the servant, the creation of your hands, (i 5) had turned hostile and had cast off the yoke of his (Esarhaddon’s) lordship. Through your great support (and) your exalted strength, Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, the father who had engendered me, mustered his army and dispatched (them) against him. In a pitched battle, he brought about his defeat (and) they (the army) carried off his gods. (i 10) Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ), in order to save his (own) life, abandoned his camp, escaped alone, and fled far away. After (the god) Aššur, the king of the entirety of heaven and netherworld, chose me by his [pure] glance and (i 15) de[sired me t]o be king, [...] entrusted me with [...] the land of the Arabs [...] he heard what I said and [...] he returned and Lacuna of likely 15 lines he (Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ)) had not re[spect]ed [the kindness that I had d]one for him, and [had cast off the] yoke of my lordshi[p]. He refra[in]ed [fro]m inquiring abo[ut] my [well-b]ei[ng] and [withhel]d from me audience gift(s and) his subst[antia]l payment(s). [Just li]ke the land Elam, (i 40) he listened to the lie[s] spoken by the land Akkad and (then) he did not honor m[y] treaty. He abandoned me, Ashurbanipal, the holy priest, the servant, the creation of your hands, and he sided with Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, accursed by your great divinity, whose kingship you overthrew. (i 45) (As for) the people of the land of the Arabs (who were) with him, he made (them) hostile (towards me) and (then) they were constantly plundering the kings of the land Amurru, servants who belonged to me whom you had handed over to me. I dispatched my troops, who were stationed on the border of his land, against him and they brought about his defeat. (i 50) They struck down with the sword the people of the land of the Arabs, as many as had risen up with him. They set fire to pavilion(s and) tents, their abodes, (and thus) consigned (them) to the god Gīra. I carried off to Assyria [peo]ple — male and female — donkeys, camels, [oxe]n, and sheep and goats without number. They filled (with them) [the whole extent of] my land, all (of it) [in] its entirety, [t]o all of its border(s). I apportioned [c]amels like sheep and goats (and) divided (them) [amo]ng the people of Assyria (ii 1) (so that) within my country they (the Assyrians) could purchase a camel for one shekel (or even) a half shekel of silver at the market gate. The female tavern keeper for a serving, the beer brewer for a jug (of beer), (and) the gardener for his bag of vegetables were regularly receiving camel(s) and slaves.

Column ii

(As for) the rest of the land of the Arabs who had fled from my weapons, the heroic god Erra struck (them) down. Famine broke out among them and they ate the flesh of their children on account of their hunger. (ii 10) You decreed curses, as many as were written in (their) treaties through the invocation of your name and (that of) the gods, your children, accordingly as a harsh fate upon them. The foal (of camels), the foal (of donkeys), the calf, (and) the spring lamb sucked more than seven times at (their) wet nurses and (yet) (ii 15) they could not satisfy their stomach(s) with milk. The people inside the land of the Arabs constantly asked one another: “Why [have] e[vil] deed[s] such as these (lit. “this”) [befallen the land of the Arabs]?” (ii 20) (The other answered): (ii 20) “Because [we did] not [honor] the [great] treati[es] (sworn) [b]y (the god) Aššur (and) [sinne]d against the kindness of [Ashur]banipal, [the king] (who is) the favorite of the heart of the god Enlil.” [(As for) Uait]eʾ (Iautaʾ), hardship befell him and he fled [alone] to the land of the Nabayateans. [Ab]ī-Yateʾ, son of Tēʾri, came [t]o Nineveh and kissed my feet. I concluded with him a treaty, an oath (sworn) by your great divinity. (ii 30) I installed him as king in place of Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ) in ... I imposed upon him gold, eye(stones), pappardilû-stone, kohl, camels, (and) prime quality donkeys as annual payment. (As for) Ammi-ladīn — the king of the land Qedar, who, like him (Iautaʾ), had turned hostile (and) repeatedly plundered the kings of the land Amurru, servants who belonged to me, whom you made bow down at my feet — (ii 40) by invoking m[y] name [wh]ich (the god) Aššur had made great, I captu[red] Ammi-lad[īn (and) the res]t of his [peo]ple who had escaped [the slaughter]. I placed (his) hands and feet in iron f[etter]s and brought [him] to Assyria. I inflicted [a h]eavy defeat on Adiya, the queen of the land of the Arabs. I burned [her] tents [wi]th fire. I captured her al[i]ve (and) [took h]er to Assyria, [to]gether with the plunder of [her] la[nd]. [Na]tnu, the k[ing of the land of the N]abayateans — who[se] location is [r]emote — heard about the mig[ht of (the god) Aš]šur, who had encouraged me. The one who (ii 55) had never sent his messenger t[o the k]ings, my ancestors, (and) had never inquired about the well-be[i]ng of their royal majesties — after you had deranged the mind of Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ), the king of the land of the Arabs, (and) had commanded the scattering of his land, (and after) he had fled to the land of the Nabayateans (and) (ii 60) had gone before Natnu, Natnu said the following to Uaiteʾ (Iautaʾ), (iii 1) saying: “Can I myself be spared from the grasp of Ashurbanipal, whose help is (the god) Aššur? Nevertheless, you have made me your stronghold!” Natnu became frightened and distressed. (iii 5) He sent his messenger to me to inquire about my well-being and kissed my feet. He was constantly beseeching my lordly majesty to conclude a treaty (and) peace agreement, (and) to do obeisance to me. I myself looked with pleasure upon him and tur[ned] my benevolent face towards him. I imposed [upon him] annual tribute payment.

Column iii

On account of [thes]e words which U[aiteʾ (Iautaʾ) ...] to Natnu, I became enraged [...] (iii 15) for a second time [...] ... [... (iii 20) I safely crossed] the Tigris [and Euphrates] Rivers when they were in ful[l] spate, traveled on re[mote] paths, climbed hi[gh] mountains, crept through forests whose canop(ies) were wide, (and) (iii 25) constantly passed between tall trees, thorn bush(es), brambles, (and) path(s filled with) eddittu-bush(es). Through desert — a place of parching thirst (iii 30) in which no bird of the heavens, onagers, (or) gazelles exist — a distance of one hundred leagues from Nineveh, the city loved by the goddess Ištar — the wife of the god Enlil — I advanced (and) marched against Uaiteʾ, the king of the land of the Arabs. In the month Simānu (III), the month of the god Sîn — the el[de]st (and) foremost son of the god Enlil — on the twenty-fifth day, the procession of the Lady of Babylon, the honored one of the great gods, I set out from the city Ḫadattâ (and) (iii 40) set up my camp at the city Laribda, a stone fortress, next to water cisterns. My [troop]s d[rew] water to (fill) their drinking vessel(s), [and] (then) [adv]anced (and) mar[ched] (iii 45) (through) a lan[d of] par[ching t]hirst (lit. “a lan[d of t]hirst (and) a place of pa[rching]”) as far as the city Ḫura[rīna], (which is) between the cities [Yarki] and Azall[a, in the desert, a distant place] where t[here are] no creatures of the steppe (iii 50) and (where) no bird of the heavens makes (its) ne[st]. They brought about a defeat among the Yisammeʾ, the confederation of the god Atar-samayin, and the Nabayateans. (iii 55) They (lit. “I”) plundered countless people, donkeys, camels, and sheep and goats. My troops marched about on the right and left over a distance of eight leagues. They returned safely and drank water in the city Azalla. They (my troops) advanced (and) marched from the city Azalla to the city Quṣiti, a distance of six leagues (through) a place of parching thirst. (iv 1) They (lit. “I”) surrounded the confederation of the god Atar-samayi[n] and the Qederites of Uaiteʾ, son of Bir-Dāda, the king of the land of the Arabs and Qederites. (iv 5) (As for) his gods, his mother, his sisters, his wife, his family, the people of the land Qedar, all (of it), donkeys, camels, and sheep and goats, as many as I had captured with the support of (the god) Aššur, my lord, I made them take the road to the city Damascus.

Column iv

In the month Abu (V), the month of the bow-star — the warrior, daughter of the god Sîn — (on) the third day, (the day of) the evening meal of the king of the gods — the god Marduk — I set out from the city Damascus. I advanced (and) marched a distance of six leagues, (iv 15) (all) [n]i[g]h[t] un[ti]l daybreak, as [far as the city Ḫu]lḫuliti, at Mount Ḫukkuruna, a rugg[ed] mountain. (iv 20) I reached the confederation of Abī-Yat[eʾ], son of Tēʾr[i], the Qederite. I brought about his defeat (and) plundered hi[m]. (As for) Abī-Yateʾ (and) Aya-ammu, son of Tē[ʾri], by the command of (the god) Aššur, my lord, I capture[d] them alive in the thick of ba[ttle]. (iv 25) I placed (their) hands and feet in iron fetters (and) took them to Assyria — (to) the fortified city (Nineveh) that you generously granted me — together with plunder from their land. The fugitives who had fled from my weapons became frightened and took to Mount Ḫukkuruna, a rugge[d] mountain. In the cities Manḫabbi, [App]aru, [Tenuquri, Ṣayur]an, [Marqanâ, Saratei]n, Lacuna

Column v

I hung their corpses on poles. I conscripted [the rest of them t]o my royal contingent. [... f]rom the beginning [... he se]nt me [...] my exalted [strengt]h [... which he had constant]ly [d]one [... which he had a]bandoned (No translation possible) [(As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the ki]ng of the land Elam [who] had seen [the rage of] your mighty [weapons], he returned [from the mountain(s)], his place of refuge, and he entered the city Madaktu, a city that I had destroyed, demolished, (and) plundered by the command of your divinity. He sat down in mourning. With regard to Nabû-bēl-šumāti, grandson of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), [w]ho had sinned [against] your treaty Lacuna

Column vi

[Paʾê, who had exer]cised dominion over the land Elam [in opposition to Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), thought about the a]we-inspiring brilliance of your fierce weapons that you had poured over the land Elam, (not) once (or) twice, (but) [thrice, and] he became dis[heartened. (vi 5) He fled to me] from within the land El[am and] graspe[d the feet of my royal majesty]. (As for) the people, the surviv[ors of the cities Bīt-Imbî], Kuṣurtā[yin, Dūr-šarri], Massūtu, [Bubê, Bīt-Unzāya], (vi 10) Bīt-Arr[abi, Ibrat, Dimtu-ša-Tapapa], Akba[rina, Gurukirra], Dunn[i-Šamaš, Ḫamānu, Kaniṣu], Aranz[iaše, Ālu-ša-nāqidāte], Dimtu-[ša-Simame], (vi 15) Bīt-Q[atatti, Alu-ša-Qīsāya], Sub[aḫê, (and) Tīl-Ḫumba(n)], who [had fled] fro[m your mighty weapons] during [a previous campaign of mine (and)] had tak[en to Mount (lit. “city”) Salatri, a rugged mountain — (vi 20) (as for) those] peo[ple who had] est[ablished Mount (lit. “city”) Salatri, a mountain, as their defensive position, your] awe-insp[iring brilliance overwhelmed them (and)] th[ey] f[led to me] fro[m the mountain(s), their place of refuge, and grasped my feet. (vi 25) I conscripted them] a[s archer(s and) added (them)] t[o my royal contingent, which you had placed in my hands]. [(As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam] wh[om from the distant past you had commanded to do obeisance to me] — by [your exalted] com[mand, which cannot be changed], (vi 30) afterwar[ds his land rebelled against him]. He [then] fled alone from the rebellio[n that his servants had incited against him and he took to the mountain(s)]. From the mountain(s), [his] place of refug[e where he had always fled, I caught him] like a falcon [and] too[k him] alive [to Assyria]. (As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam whom from the distant past you had commanded to do obeisance to [me] — by your exalted command, which cannot be chang[ed], (vi 40) afterwards his land rebelled against him. He then f[led] alone from the rebellion that his servants had incited ag[ainst him and] he took to the mounta[in(s). ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Three lines are left blank on the tablet (Column v, lines 3–4; Column vi, line 36) and carry no inscribed text to translate.

Ashurbanipal 195

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03408; known as Letter to the God Aššur. RINAP 5 Asb. 195; Oracc Q007603.

Obverse

O Aššur, the great mountain, [...], the sublime one [who resides] i[n] Eḫur[saggalkurkurra, ...], the lord of the crown, ... [...] by whose exalt[ed] command [...], (5) the fierce deluge [...], who, by the weapons of [his mighty] battle array, [...] and together with mankin[d ...] you swept over them like [...] you imposed [...] on the lands [...]. Dunānu, son of Bē[l-iqīša, ...] who spoke w[ords of ...] and you, kin[g of the gods ...]. Him, together with [his] famil[y ...] who to Sargon (II) [...] (15) kings who preced[ed me ...]. Moreover, he, Aplāya [... who] constantly harassed [...] their evil deeds [...] to exact revenge for the mention of [...] (20) you became angry with them and you hand[ed (them) over to me. ...] I slaughtered them like shee[p ...]. The might of your great divinity [...] which [...] me, Ashurbanipal [...] in whose youth [his] father [...] (25) and you, the king of the gods, the merciful [one, ...] you nominated [me ...] which to restore the sanctuari[es of Assyria, ...] you entrusted [me] with the conquering of the land of your enemy [...].

Reverse

Moreover, Teumman, the king of the land Elam, [...] assembled (and) was marchi[ng ...]. He tru[sted] in his (own) strength [...] which to destroy (and) to crea[te ...] (rev. 5) you conquered (that) Elamite, the e[nemy ...]. You cut off his head in the assembly of his troops [...] I proclaimed your exalted greatness [...]. In accordance with these, the weapons of (the god) A[ššur ...] the mighty enemy who trusted in [...]. Moreover, the Manneans who cast off [your] yoke [...] to the cr(ies) of widows and [...] and the Urarṭians of ba[se] talk [...] made spea[k] to the barbarian horde, a dangerous enemy, [...] th[ey] constantly commit[ted] a great sin against you [...]. Now, O great Aššur, by [your] comman[d ...], the honored one of the gods, the grea[t] lady, [...] regarding the conquering of this enemy [...] I have appealed to your great divinity, O king of the go[ds ...]. Listen to my supplications, accept [my] prayers, [...] (rev. 20) By your exalted command, [...] the wrong do[ers ...], may I constantly look upon you[r (radiant)] face [...] may I constantly kneel down before you [...]. Letter of Ashu[rbanipal ...] to (the god) Aššur, who resides in E[ḫursaggalkurkurra, ...] (rev. 25) to accept [his] praye[rs ...] to overthrow his enemy (and) to kill [his foes ...].

Ashurbanipal 196

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 2124. RINAP 5 Asb. 196; Oracc Q007604.

Obverse

[Fo]r (the god) Aššur, k[ing of the gods, ...] who carries out [...] who like the god Šamaš [...] who in the month Ni[san (I) ...] (5) who(m) the king [...] who(m) the deity [...] in [...] to [...]. Taharq[a ...] weapon[s ...]. Again[st the people of Assyria who were inside Egypt, servants who belonged to me, he dispatched his army] to k[ill, rob, (and) plunder (them)]. A [fast] messeng[er came to Nineveh and reported (this) to me. My heart became enraged] about [these] de[eds and my temper turned hot]. I summoned [(my) field marshal (and) governors, together with troops (under) their authority, my elite forces], and [they traveled] furiously (and) q[uickly (and) marched as far as the city Kār-Bānīte] to aid the k[ings (and) governors, servants who belonged to me]. Taharqa, [the king of Kush, heard about the advance of my troops (while he was) inside the city Memphis and mustered his troops] to wag[e an armed, pitched battle; he formed a battle line opposite my troops]. With the support of [(the god) Aššur and the great gods, my lords who march at my side], Lacuna

Reverse

... [...] the goddess Šērūa [...] the god Anu, whose command cannot b[e changed, ...] (the god) Aššur, canal inspector of heaven and netherworld, the god [...]. That which is (written) upon the processional carriage of [(the god) Aššur (...)].

Ashurbanipal 197

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 7 exemplars (principal: K 02656 + K 03076 (+) K 04482 + Rm 0281 (+) K 08017); known as K 02656 + K 03076 (+) K 04482 + Rm 0281 (+) K 08017 / K 03098 + K 04450 / K 04536 / K 15062 / K 15119 / Sm 2120 / 1882-05-22, 1774. RINAP 5 Asb. 197; Oracc Q007605.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] i[n ...] in ... [...]. As a result of the supplications (and) entreaties that [...] (5´) Taharqa, the king of Egy[pt and Kush ...] in order to wage war (and) fig[ht ...]. The awe-inspiring radiance of the god Erra, the warri[or ...], he [a]bandone[d] the city Memphis [and, in order to save his (own) life, he fled inside the city Thebes]. I s[eized] that [cit]y (Memphis) (and then) [made my troops enter (and) reside there ...] (10´) ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna [...] ... [... the kings, gov]ernors, (and) official[s whom the father who had engendered me had appointed in Egypt, who had abandoned their post(s) in the face of] Taharqa’s [ta]ctical advance, [(and) had gone to (lit. “filled”) the countryside], where their post(s) were [I permitted them to serve] in [their (former) positions again. ...] who had abandoned me (and) [...] with T[aharqa ...], as long as I [...] in Egypt and Kush [...]. When I did not stay, Urtaku, the king of the land Elam, to fight [...]. The gods Nergal and Išum struck him with an incurable wound an[d ...]. Urtaku, the king of the land Elam, n[o] (longer) [set] foot upon the land of the living [...]. Afterwards, Tanutamon, the son of his sister, wh[o sat upon his royal throne], ma[de] the cities Thebes (and) Heliopolis his fortresses (and) [assem]bl[ed his forces]. To fight against the Assyrian troops who were inside the city Me[mphis, he mobil]ized [his battle array], confined those people of Assyria, and c[ut off their e]scape rout[e ...]. Through reason and counsel, which the great gods taught me, [I took the direct road] a second time to [...] Makan (Egypt) and Mel[uḫḫa (Ethiopia)]. Tanutamon heard abo[ut] the advance of my expeditionary force [and that I had set foo]t on [Egyptian] territory; he abandoned the city Memphis and, in order to sa[ve his (own) life, h]e fled inside the city [Thebes]. The kings, governors, (and) officials whom [I had stationed] i[n Egypt] came [to m]eet me and k[issed my feet]. [I took] the ro[ad] in pursuit of Tanutamon [(and) I marched as far] as the city Thebes, [his] fortif[ied] city. He sa[w] the assault of my battle array [and abandoned the city Thebes]; he fled to the city Ki[pkipi. With the support of the gods Nergal and] Išum, I conquered that city (Thebes) in [its entirety]. Silver, gold, [precious stones], as much [property of] his palace as there wa[s], garment(s) with multi-colored trim, li[nen garments, large horses, people — mal]e and fema[le] — two tall obelisks [cast with shiny zaḫalû-metal, who]se weight [was 2,500 talen]ts (and which) stood at a temp[le] gate, [I ripped (them)] from where [they] were erec[ted and took (them)] to Assyria. On [my] retur[n march, ... who] had not bowed down to the kings, m[y] ancestors, [... they came to m]e and kissed my feet. [...], I added [territory to that of the kings], my [ancestor]s, and ruled (it). [By the command of (the god) Aššur, ..., the god Nergal, ...], (and) the god Išum [...] Lacuna [... a]s kin[g ...] my command. [... who did not h]onor my treaty [...] sided [with Šamaš-šuma-ukīn], my [hos]tile [brother, Tammarītu rebelled against him (Ummanigaš) and] struck him, together with his family, down with the sword. [Tammarītu, who was (even) more] inso[lent than Ummaniga]š, sat on the throne of the land Elam.

Reverse

[Just like him (Ummanigaš), he (Tammarītu) acce]pted [bribes from the hand]s of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, did not inquire about the well-being of my royal majesty, came [to the aid of Šamaš-šuma-u]kīn, and hastily sent his weapons [to fig]ht with my troops. [Indabibi, a serva]nt of his, [rebell]ed against h[im] and sat on his [t]hrone. [Tammarītu f]led to me [fro]m Indabib[i] and grasped the feet of my royal majesty. Inside the land Elam, they (the Elamites) heard about [the progress of the messenger of mine whom I had sent to (the city) Dēr. With the support of (the god) Aššur (...) (and) the god Nergal, ..., fe]ar of my royal majesty overwhelmed the land Elam and (then) [the people of the land Elam] r[ebel]led [against] Indabibi (and) killed h[im] with the sword. They [pla]ced Umm[analdašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), son of] Atta-metu, on the throne of the land Elam. By the c[omm]and of (the god) Aššur and the god Nergal, Tammarītu made an appeal to my lordly majesty [to decide] his [c]ase and to come to his aid. I, Ashurbanipal, the [mag]nanimous (and) forbearing one, w[ith the suppo]rt of (the god) Aššur and the god Nergal, the gods who supported me, (rev. 15) mustered [m]y troops for a second time (and) gave the command to march against Ummanaldaš[u (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the ki]ng of the land Elam. I drove away Ummanaldašu, the king of the land Elam, (and) he fled fro[m m]y [weapo]ns and took to the mountains (lit. “ascended his mountain”). (As for) Umba-LAGABua, who s[at on the throne of the land Elam] in opposition to Ummanaldašu, he abandoned the city Bubilu, a city that was a lordly residence of his, and [took to the depths of far away waters]. (As for) Tammarītu, who had fled to me (and) grasped my feet, I installed him as king inside the city Susa. He forgot the kindness that I had done for him, in having sent aid to him, and constantly sought [out] evil (ways) to conquer my troops. (The god) Aššur, king of the gods, (and) the god Ne[r]gal, the exalted lord, who march before me (and) allowed me to stand over my foes, saw the dangerous (and) rebellious thought(s) of Tammarī[t]u and delivered him into my hand: They removed him from his r[oy]al throne and (then) made him retur and bow down at my feet. For a third time, (the god) Aššur, the [e]xalted lo[rd], the god Nergal, the hero of the gods, (and) the god Išum, whose hands are fitting, encouraged me and commanded me to march to the land Elam. (rev. 25) (Like) the city Bīt-Imbî, whi[ch] I had conquered [during a] previous [cam]paign of mine, [I] now conquered (the rest of) the land Rāši (and) the city Ḫamānu, along with [its] d[istrict]. Moreover he, Ummanaldašu, the king of the land Elam, [heard about] the conquest of the land Rāši and the city Ḫamānu [and] fear of (the god) Aššur, my lord, and [the awe-in]spiring radiance of the god Nergal, my god who marches at my side, overwhelmed him and (then) he ab[andoned] the city Mad[a]ktu, a royal city of his, [and fled to the city Dūr-Undāsi]. He cross[ed] the Idide River [and] established that [ri]ver as his defensive position. He prepared himself t[o fight with me]. [I conquered] the cities Naṭītu, [Bīt-Bunakk]u, Ḫartappānu, royal cities of his, along with the[ir] districts. [I conquered] the city Tūb[u, along with its district]. [(As for) the] entire (area) [between] the (Ulāya and Idide) river(s), I conquered the cities Madaktu, Ḫaltemaš, (and) [Susa, royal cities of his. I conquered] the cities Din[šarri, Sumuntunaš, Pidilm]a, Bubilu, (and) Kabinak, r[oyal] cities [of his. I conquered] the city Dūr-U[ndāsi, a royal city of his]. [I conquered, destroyed, demolished], (and) bur[n]ed [with fire fourtee]n [c]ities, (his) royal residence(s), together with s[mall(er)] settlements, [(which were without number), and twelve districts] that were in [the land Elam, all of it. I turned (them)] into [mounds of ruins (lit. “mound(s) and ruin(s)”). I slew his warriors] without numbe[r. I struck down his elite f]i[ghting men with the sword]. Ummana[ldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam, fled naked and took to the mountain(s)]. [...] the city Ban[unu ...] twenty [villages ... (Over) an area of] sixty leag[ues ...]. On [my] re[turn march, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 198

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1880-07-19, 0195 + BM 79454 (Bu 1889-04-26, 0751). RINAP 5 Asb. 198; Oracc Q007606.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...]s, donkeys, o[xen, ... I t]ook to Ass[yria ...]. [On a march of one month (and) twenty-five days, I devastat]ed [the districts of the land Elam (and) scattered] salt (and) cres[s over them (lit. “it”)]. I cut [off the clamor of humans, (the sound of) the treading of oxen, sheep and goats, (and) the cr(ies) of] pleasant work song(s) [(and so) ruined his harvest]. [(As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,530 years (ago) became an]gry and went to li[ve in the land Elam, a place not befitting her, then, at that time (when) she nominated me for ruling over the lands, she entrusted me with the re]turn of he[r] lordly majesty, [saying: “Ashurbanipal will b]ring me out [of the evil land Elam] and make [me enter Eanna (again)].” [The word(s) of her divine command that she had spok]en [in distant days, she] now [disclosed to the people of a later generation. I grasped the hands of her great divinity. She took the direct path, wh]ich pleases the he[art, to Eanna. I made her enter into Uruk and made (her) dwell on (her) eternal dais in Eḫiliana, which s]he loves. [At that time, I made ... of] his great [divinit]y, which is a[rrayed in] terror, [the brilliance of ... the gateway(s) of Egalla]m[m]es, the bed chamber of the god Nergal that is inside the city [Tarbiṣu]. [...] his benevolent protection (and) [his beneficent] aegis [... (rev. 15´) may ...] be granted (and) may [...] ... with his great support [... the g]od Išum, the famous one who marches before m[e, ... the god Nergal, might]iest of the gods, through the slaughter of lif[e ...] may they slaughter [...].

Ashurbanipal 199

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 0406. RINAP 5 Asb. 199; Oracc Q007607.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [I cut off the clamor of humans, (the sound of) the treading of oxen], sheep and go[ats, (and) the cr(ies) of pleasant work song(s) (and so) ruined his harvest]. [(As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,530 y]ears (ago) became an[gry (and) went to live in the land Elam, a place not befitting her, then, at that time (when) she nominated] me for rulin[g over the lands, she entrusted me with the return of her lordly majesty, saying: “Ashurbani]pal [will bring me out] of the evil land El[am and make me enter Eanna (again)].” [The word(s) of] her divine [com]mand that [she had spoken] in dis[tant] days, [she now disclosed to the people of a later generation]. I grasped the hands of her great divinity. [She took] the d[irect] path, [which pleases the heart, to Eanna]. I made her enter into Uruk and [made (her) dwell on (her) eternal dais] in Eḫil[iana, which she loves]. At that time, I made lion-headed eagles of s[hiny] silver [... of his great divinity], which are arrayed in terror, the brillian[ce of ...], (rev. 10´) the protectors of the gateway(s) of the temple, ... [...] the gateway(s) of Egallammes, the bed chamber of [the god Nergal that is inside the city Tarbiṣu]. [... his] underta[kings ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 200

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 4 exemplars (principal: K 02652); known as K 02652 / K 21672 / K 03046 / K 13875. RINAP 5 Asb. 200; Oracc Q007608.

Obverse

[For the goddess] Ištar, the exalted lady who resides in the city Ar[bela, ...] ..., who subjugates [...] Ashurbanipal, who(m) to/for ... [...], (whom) you gave the just scepter, which expands the land, (whom) you presented ... [...], (5) the one called by the goddess Dilbat (the planet Venus), the daughter of the god Enlil, the lady of [...], whom Ištar, the daughter of the god Sîn, [...] to subjugate [his] enemies [...]. During the month Abu (V) — the month of the heliacal rising of the Bow Star, the festival of [the honored queen, the daughter of the god Enlil (the goddess Ištar)] — I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, lifted up my pure hands to the godde[ss Ištar ...]. On account of the insolent words that Teumman, the king of the land Elam, had continually sent to me, I made an appea[l to the sublime one, the goddess Ištar]. (10) I stood before her, knelt down at her feet (lit. “below her”), (and) made an appeal to her divinity, [while my tears were flowing], saying: “O Lady of the city Arbela! I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the creation of your hands w[hom (the god) Aššur — the father who had engendered you — requires, whose name he has called] to restore the sanctuaries of Assyria and to complete the cult centers of the land Akkad, I am assiduous towards your places (of worship). I have come (here) to revere [your] divinit[y (and) successfully complete your rituals]. However, he, Teumman, the king of the land Elam who does not respect the gods, is [ful]ly prep[ared] to fight with [my] troops.” “You, the lady of ladies, the goddess of war, the lady of battl[e, the a]dvisor of the gods — [her] ancestors — the one who spoke good thing(s) about me before (the god) Aššur — the father who had engendered you — (so that) by hi[s pure] glance he desired me to be king, to please the heart of (the god) Aššur and to pacify the mood of the god Marduk [...] ... [...] — with regard to Teumman, the king of the land Elam who placed [a burden] on (the god) Aš[šur, the king of the gods, the father who had engen]dered you, and on the god Marduk, your favorite brother, the god Šamaš, ... [...] ... [...] (20) and on me, Ashurbanipal — whose name [yo]u made surpassing in order to pacify the heart(s) of (the god) Aššur and the god [Marduk ...] — he mustered his army (and) prepared for battle, sharpening [his weapons in order to march to Assyria].” “You, the heroic one of the gods, [drive him away] like a ... in the thick of b[attle and] (then) raise a sto[rm, an evil wind], against him.” The goddess Ištar heard my sorrowful plight and [said to me] “Fear not!” [She gave me confidence], (saying): “Because of your entreaties, which you directed towards me, (and because) your eyes were fille[d with tea]r(s), I h[ad mercy (on you)].” The other day, a dream interpreter, who during the course of the night th[at I had appealed to her, lay down and saw a dream]. He woke up and (then) [reported to me] the night vision of the goddess Ištar that she [had shown him], saying: “The goddess Ištar who resides in the city Arbela e[ntered and she had quivers hanging on the right and left]. She was holding a bow at her side (and) was unsheathing a [sharp] sw[ord that (was ready) to do battle]. You (Ashurbanipal) stood before her and she [was speaking to you] li[ke (your own) birth-mother]. (rev. 1) The goddess Ištar, the sublime one of [the gods], called out to you, [instructing you], saying: ‘You are looking forward to waging w[ar (and) I myself am about to set out towards my destination (the battlefield)].’ You (then) spoke to her, saying: ‘[Let me go with you], wherever [you go, O Lady of Ladies!]’ She replied to you, saying: ‘Yo[u will stay in the place where you are (currently) residing]. (rev. 5) Eat food, drink wi[ne, make music, (and) revere my divinity]. In the meantime, I will go (and) accomp[lish] this task; (thus) [I will let (you) achieve your heart’s desire]. Your face will not become pale, [your feet] will not tremble, [(and) you will not wipe off your sweat in the thick of battle].’ She took yo[u] into her sweet embrace [and protected your entire body]. Fire flared up in front of her. [She went off] furio[usly outside. She directed her attention] towards Teumman, the king of the land Elam with whom [she was] a[ngry].”

Reverse

In the month Tašrītu (VII), (on) the first day, they converged on them and [...], they cast down the body of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, [...]. From Susa, his royal city, to Nineveh, the city beloved [...]. To the cities, the cult centers (that are) the seats of the goddesses who [...]. At that time, I hel[d] this bow in my hands [...] over the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Ela[m, ...]. I saw and paid careful attenti[on to] the might of the goddess Ištar, my lady, [...]. This bow, which is suitable (to be at) my side, which I pray [...] to the goddess Ištar, who conquers my enemies, [...] (rev. 20) on the throne-dais, the seat of the goddess Ištar, the lady ... [...]. Wherever the goddess Ištar, (my) lady, [goes] to wage wa[r ...], may (it) always [go] (well) with the goddess Ištar, my lady, [...]. Whoever [...] this bow, the work of [its] cons[truction ...], may the goddess Ištar, the sublime one of the gods, [...] break his bow and [...]. Blank

Ashurbanipal 201

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0254. RINAP 5 Asb. 201; Oracc Q007609.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] ... [he (Teumman) s]ent insolent words to me. [During the month Abu (V) — the month of the heliacal rising of the Bo]w Star — I made an appeal to the goddess [Išt]ar, the queen, the lady of ladies. [... (and)] I made an appeal to [h]er [divinity], while [my] t[ears] were flowing, [saying]: [“O Divine Lady of the city Arbela! I, As]hurbanipal, the governor, the creation of [your] h[ands whom (the god) Aššur] — the [E]nlil of the gods, the father who had engende[red you — requires ... I have co]me (here) to revere [your] divinit[y ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... the one who dis]turbs my emblem(s) (and) does not write the mention of m[y] name (on it/them), may [the goddess Ištar ...] glare at him angrily and completely overthrow his kingship. [...]+41 lines [...] of the goddess Ištar, who resides in the city Arbela.

Ashurbanipal 202

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 05234A. RINAP 5 Asb. 202; Oracc Q007610.

Lacuna [...] placed ... [... g]raves [... t]o their side ... [...] you change[d t]hem [from a man] into a woman [... (5´) ...] their fortifie[d] watering place [...] awe-inspiring brill[iance ...] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar like [...] battle like an engine[er ... in a]ll directions daggers [... (10´) ... the pos]ition of the mercile[ss] arrow [... sp]ears, the weapons of (the god) Aššur that conque[r ... I grasp]ed the bows of Ištar, the lady of b[attle, ...] your axes that cannot ... [... cons]tantly flash like lightning [...]. [... to s]trike down the Elamite who(se) [...] they [co]nverged on them in the month Tašrītu (VII) and [... I cast do]wn the body of Teumman, the king of the land [Elam, ...] I [slew his warriors wi]thout number [...] I [captured his fighting men a]live [...] their [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 203

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 01609 + K 04699. RINAP 5 Asb. 203; Oracc Q007611.

Obverse

For [the goddess Ištar, ...] who in ... [...] who resides in Egašankalam[a, ... his lady] — I, Ashurbanipal, [...] who performs her cultic rites, [...]; offspring of Esarhaddon, [...] through t[hese] deeds of mine [...] a mighty bow, an embl[em of ...] instead of me, [my] foes [...]. (10) Wherever conflict and battle [...] in might[y] victories [...] the kings who were not submissive to me ... [...]. (As for) Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, who rebelled [...] (and) who came to the aid of Šamaš-šuma-ukī[n] and [hastily sent his weapons] to figh[t with my troops], by the command of the goddess Ištar, my lady, his servants rebelled aga[i]nst him and [struck down my adversary]. (As for) Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam, along with Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), Para[..., (rev. 1) U]mmanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), son of Teumman, a (former) king of the lan[d Elam], Ummanamni, son of Ummanpiʾ, son of Urtaku, [a (former) king of the land Elam], Ummanamni, grandson of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), a (former) ki[ng of the land Elam, (...)], with seventeen members of his family, the seed of his father’s house, and (with) eighty-eight nobles [of the land Elam who march at his side], (rev. 5) who had flown away from the weapon(s) of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar — to praise [their great divinity], they crawled naked on their bellies, together with Marduk-šarru-uṣur, a eunuch of mine whom th[ey] had taken aw[ay (with them) by force], and they grasped [the feet of my royal majesty]. He (Tammarītu) handed h[i]mself over to do obeisance to me and [made an appeal to my lordly majesty] to be [his] a[lly].

Reverse

At that time, [I gave] this bow t[o the goddess Ištar ... (and)] pr[esented (it)] as a prayer [...]. On account of the might of the goddess I[štar ...] this gol[d] bow [... May] the goddess Ištar, who resides in the cit[y Arbela ...] the rest of [my] foes [...]. Thirty [lines which are (written) upon the (gold) bow] o[f the goddess Ištar who resides in the city Arbela].

Ashurbanipal 204

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04464. RINAP 5 Asb. 204; Oracc Q007612.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) (As for) Tam[mar]ītu, the k[ing of the land Elam, ...] ... [... (5´) (who) hastily sent his weapons] to fig[ht with my troops], by the comma[nd of the goddess Ištar, my lady, his servants rebelled against him and together struck down my adversary. ...] and [...]. (As for) Tammar[ītu, the king of] the land Elam, [along with Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), Para...], Ummanal[daš]u (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), son of Teu[m]man, [a (former) king of the land Elam, Ummanamni, son of Ummanpiʾ, son of Urtaku, a (former) king of the land Elam], (10´) Ummanamni, grandson of [Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), a (former) king of the land Elam, (...)], with seventeen members of his family, the seed of [his] fat[her]’s house, [and (with) eighty-eight nobles of the land Elam who march at his side], who [had flown away] from the weapon(s) of (the god) Aššur and the godd[ess Ištar — to praise their great divinity, (rev. 1) they crawled] naked [on their bellies], together with Marduk-šarru-uṣur, a [eunuch of mine whom they had taken away (with them) by force, and they grasped the feet of my royal majesty. He (Tammarītu) handed himself over] to do obeisance [to me and made an appeal to my lordly majesty to be his ally].

Reverse

(As for) Tammaritu, wh[o ...] the kindness [that] I had d[one for him ...], (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess [Ištar ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 205

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02825. RINAP 5 Asb. 205; Oracc Q007613.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] my [...] ... his servants [rebelled] against [him and togethe]r cut down [my adversary]. [(As for) Tammar]ītu, the king of the land Elam, that one along with Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), P[ara...], Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš), son of Teumman, a (former) king of the land Elam, Ummanamn[i, son of Ummanpiʾ, son of Urtaku, a (former) king of the land Elam], Ummanamni, grandson of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), [a (former) king of the land Elam, (...)], with seventeen members of his family, the seed of his father’s house, and (with) eighty-eigh[t nobles of the land Elam who march at his side], who had flown away from the weapon(s) of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar — to p[raise their great divinity], (10´) they crawled naked on their bellies, together with Marduk-šarru-uṣur, a eunuch of mine whom th[ey] had taken a[way (with them) by force, and they grasped the feet of my royal majesty].

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 206

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1880-07-19, 0141. RINAP 5 Asb. 206; Oracc Q007614.

Obverse

[...] ... [...] ... [...] ... of the [t]hrone, the father who engend[ered me, ...] you [en]trusted me with [...]. [I, Ashurbanipal, great king], strong [k]ing, k[ing of the wor]ld, king of Assyria; [son of Esarhaddon, (king of Assyria,) king of the land of] Sumer and Akkad; (10) [grandson of Sennacherib, great king], strong [k]ing, king of the world, king of Assyria; [had a ... of mus]ukkannu-[wood], a durable wood, with silver mountings [made ... of] her great [divinity and] I set (it) up before her. [May the goddess Ištar ...] look upon [... with pleasure] and may (it) be acceptable to her. (rev. 1) [... may] my reign be long, [...] may [...] be set upon her lips.

Reverse

[... who]m [the deities ... nom]inate [..., when ... becomes o]ld and dilapidated, [...] may he write [my name w]ith his name [... may the goddess Ištar ... h]ear his supplications. [(As for) the one who ...] (and) writes his (own) [na]me, [may the goddess Ištar ...] and may she make his name (and) seed disappear from the land. [... of the city Arb]ela.

Ashurbanipal 207

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 5 exemplars (principal: K 00228 + K 03081 + K 03084 + K 17723 (+) K 04535); known as Large Egyptian Tablets. RINAP 5 Asb. 207; Oracc Q007615.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... de]scendant of Sennac[herib, k]ing of [Assyria; descendant of Sargo]n (II), king of [Assyria] — after the g[reat] gods [commanded] me [to ex]ercise rul[ers]h[ip] wit[h ...] (and) entrus[ted me with] the governing of the lands (and) the subjugating of enemies, kings of the east and west came and kissed [my feet]. Taharqa, without (the consent of) the gods, made a serious attempt to take away Egypt for [...]. He scorned the [m]ight of (the god) Aššur, my lord, and trusted in [his] own strength. The harsh [d]eeds that the father who had engendered me had performed against him did not cross his mind. [H]e came and entered the city Memphis, and (then) [t]urned that city over to himself. (10´) [Aga]inst the people of Assyria who were inside Egypt, servants who belonged to me, [whom] Esarhaddon — king of Assyria, the father who had engendered me — had appointed as king(s) there, he dispatched his army [to] kill, rob, (and) plunder (them). A fast [m]essenger came to Nineveh and reported (this) to me. My heart became enraged about these deeds and my temper turned hot. (15´) I summoned (my) field marshal (and) governors, together with the troops (under) their authority, my elite forces, and I quickly gave the order to them to support (and) aid the kings (and) governors, servants who belonged to me, (and) I made them take the road to Egypt. They traveled furiously (and) quickly (and) marched as far as the city Kār-Bānīte. Taharqa, the king of Kush, heard about the advance of my troops (while he was) inside the city Memphis and (20´) mustered his troops to wage an armed, pitched battle; he formed a battle line opposite my troops. With the support of the gods Aššur (and) Sîn, the great gods, my lords who march at my side, they (my troops) brought about his defeat in a pitched battle. They cut down with the sword the troops upon which he relied. (As for) him (Taharqa), terror (and) fear fell upon him and he went into a frenzy. He escaped from the city Memphis, his royal city (and) a place upon which he relied and, (25´) in order to save his (own) life, he boarded a boat, abandoned his camp, fled alone, and entered the city Thebes. They (my army) captured as many warships as there were with him, (as well as) his combat troops. A messenger told me the good news that I had been waiting for. (30´) To banish Taharqa from Egypt (and) Kush, I added to my former forces the chief eunuch, the governors, (and) all of the kings of Across the River (Syria-Palestine), servants who belonged to me, together with their forces (and) their boats, (as well as) the kings of Egypt, servants who belonged to me, together with their forces (and) their boats, and I sent (them) to the city Thebes, the fortified city of Taharqa, the king of Kush. They went on a march of (one) month (and) ten days. (35´) Taharqa heard about the advance of my troops, and (then) abandoned the city Thebes, his fortified city, crossed the Nile River, [and] pitched camp on the other side. Necho, Šarru-lū-dāri, (and) Pa-qrur[u, king]s whom the father who had engendered me had installed in Egypt, [tra]nsgressed the treaty (sworn) by (the god) Aššur and the great gods, m[y] lords, and (then) broke their oath(s). They forgot the kindness of the father who had engendered me, and their [he]art(s) plo[t]ted evil (deeds). (40´) They spoke word(s) of treachery and decided (among) themselves on a profitless [decis]ion, saying: “[If] they [remo]ve Taharqa from Egyp[t], how then can we (ourselves) stay?” To establ[ish treaties and peace], they dispatched their mounted messenger(s) to Taharqa, the king of Kush, saying: “Let peace be est[ablished] between us [so that we can c]ome to a mutual agreement. (Let) us divide the land among ourselves so that [no] other lord [come]s between us.” (45´) With regard to the numerous troops of Assyria, the m[ight of m]y [lordly majest]y, they constantly sought out evil plan(s); they pl[otted to] cut their throat(s and) [s]trove to completely destroy (them). [Eun]uchs of mine heard [thes]e words and outwitted their cunning plans. [They seized] thei[r] mounted messenger(s), [alo]ng with their messages, and they saw their deceitful acts. They seized Šarru-lū-dāri (and) Necho [and] clamped (their) hands and feet [in fetters] (and) handcuffs. (50´) The oath (sworn) by (the god) Aššur, the king of [the gods, defeated] them and my kindness, which I had done for them as a favor, [cal]led to account those who had sinned against the great treaties. Moreover, they (my troops) cu[t down] with the sword the people of the cities, as many as had sided [wit]h them (and) plotted evil plan(s), [you]ng and old, and they did not spare a single person among (them). Furthermore, they brought them (Necho and Šarru-lū-dāri) to [Nineveh], my capital [cit]y, before me. Moreover, I, Ashurbanipal, [king of Assyria], the magnanimous one who performs acts of kindness (and) repays good deeds, had mercy on Ne[ch]o, a servant who be[longed to me whom the father who had engendered me] had appointed [as kin]g in the city Kār-bēl-mātāti, [and] I f[orgave] his [c]rime(s). [I made] the treaty sworn by the gods [more stringent] than the previ[ous one and] I established (it) [wit]h him. I encouraged him (Necho) and (then) [cloth]ed him in ga[rment(s) with multi-colored trim], placed on him a golden hoe, an in[signia of his kingship], (and) [fastened] gold bracelets around his wrists. [On] a belt-dagger with gold mountings, [I wrote out] m[y] name [a]nd I gave (it) to him. I presented him with chariots, horses, (and) mules t[o] be his [lordl]y [transport]. I sent [wit]h him eunuchs of mine (and) governors to [help him]. (65´) Where the father who had engendered me had appointed him as king, in the city Sais, whose name is (now) the c[ity Kār-bēl-m]ātāti, I returned him to [his] p[osition]. I performed [more] kind (and) good deed(s) for him than the father who had engendered me. Moreover, I installed Nabû-šēzibanni, his son, as ki[n]g in the city [A]thribis, whose name is (now) Limmer-iššâk-Aššur. (As for) Taharqa, the king of Kush, terror (and) fear of my lordly majesty overwhelmed hi[m and] he passed away. Tanutamon, the son of his sister, sat upon his throne and governed the land. He made the city Thebes his fortress and assembled his forces. (rev. 1) To wage war and battle against my troops, he mobilized his weapons (and) took the road. With the support of the gods Aššur, Sîn, and the great gods, my lords, they (my troops) brought about his defeat in a widespread pitched battle (and) scattered his forces. Tanutamon fled alone and entered the city Thebes, his royal city. (rev. 5) They went after him on a march of (one) month (and) ten days, (on) difficult roads, as far as the city Thebe[s]. They conquered that city in its entirety (and) flattened (it) l[ike] the Deluge.

Reverse

They brought out of it (Thebes), without number (and) in abundance, silver, gold, ore from its mountain, precious stones, any precious object, the treasures of [his pal]ac[e, garm]ents with multi-colored trim, linen garments, large horses, people — male and f[emale — ze]bus, pagû-monkeys, (and) uqūpu-monkeys — who were raised in thei[r] mountains — and they counted (them) as booty. They safely carried (it) to Nineveh, my capital city, and kissed my feet. (As for) the city Qirbit, whose location is situated inside (Mount) Ḫarēḫasta (lit. “the city Ḫarēḫasta”), the people living in it trusted in their rugged mountains and did not respect the dominion of Assyria. (As for) Tandāya (and) their city rulers who had never bowed down to the yoke of the kings, my ancestors, (rev. 15) they were constantly plundering the land Yamutbal (and) devastated its pasture land. With regard to these deeds, the citizens of Dēr appealed to me (and) beseeched my lordly majesty. I sent my eunuchs (and) governors against them. They conquered the city Qirbit (and) carried off its people. I forcibly removed the people of those cities that I had conquered and settled (them) in Egypt. (As for) Gyges, the king of the land Lydia — a region on the opposite shore of the sea, a remote place, the mention of whose name none of the kings who came before, my ancestors, had (ever) heard — (the god) Aššur, the god who created me, made him see in a dream the strong radiance of my royal majesty, saying: “Grasp the princely feet of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the one who is required by (the god) Aššur — the king of the gods, the lord of everything — and (then) revere his royal majesty and beseech his lordly majesty. Let your supplications go to him as one who does obeisance and gives payments.” On the (very) day he saw this dream, he sent his mounted messenger before me to inquire about my well-being. He (Gyges) sent Cimmerians, who were disturbing his land (and) whom he had captured alive in the thick of battle, together with his substantial audience gift(s), to Nineveh, my capital city, and he (Gyges’ messenger) kissed my feet. (As for) Mugallu, the king of the land [Tabal], who resides in the mountains — difficult mountain terrain — who was arrayed in weapons against the kings, my ancestors, (and) always answered (them) with disrespect, (rev. 30) terror fell upon hi[m] in his land and fear of my royal majesty overwhelmed him. Without waging ar[med] battle (and) [war], he then sent (a messenger) to Nineveh and appealed to my lordly majesty. I imposed upon him [a payme]nt of large horses as his annual giving. [(As for) Y]akīn-Lû, the king of the l[and A]rwad, who resides in the wide sea, who(se) location is situated like a fish in an unfathomable a[mou]nt of water (and) the surge of powerful waves, (rev. 35) who put his tr[u]st in the roiling sea and (therefore) had not bowed down to (anyone’s) yoke, he became frighten[ed] of my lordly majesty and (so) bowed down to do obeisance to me and pulled my yoke. I imposed upon him (a payment of) gold, red-purple wool, blue-purple wool, fish, (and) birds yearly. With the support of the great gods and the god [Sî]n, my lord, who dwells in the city Ḫarrān, the wicked bowed down (and) s[tron]g recalcitrant ones kissed my feet. (rev. 40) I conquere[d] lands that had not bowed down to me (and) [carr]ied off their substantial booty. I gave the best of the silver, gold, any precio[us] object, [treasures, (and) extensive possessions of] (my) enemies as a gift to the gods of Assyria (and) the gods of the land of Sum[er and Akka]d. At that time, Eḫulḫul, the temple of the god S[în (...) that is i]nside the city Ḫarrān, which [S]halmaneser (III), son of Ashurnasirp[al (II), a king of the past (who had come) befo]re me, had built — (rev. 45) tha[t] temp[le, which] had beco[me o]ld (and) whose walls [had buck]led, I completely cleared away its dilapidated section(s), [exposed its] foundatio[n(s), and (thereby) discov]ered its surface, its innermost core. I [raised up] the entirety of that temple thirty courses of brick [(and) I fashi]oned its brickwork. To the east, [I] added onto (it) [...] 350 (cubits) long (and) 72 (cubits) wide. From the rear of the city, I filled (that area) with 130 courses of bricks [...] inside the citadel. I laid its foundations with massive (blocks) of strong mountain stone. I [secured] its foundation (and) I made [it]s [structure] larger. With magnificent cedars, which had g[rown thick (and) ta]ll in size on Mount Lebanon (lit. “city Lebanon”), (and) with sweet scented cypress, (upon) which the god Adad had s[howered rai]n on Mount Sirāra (lit. “city Sirāra”) — which the kings of the sea coast, servants who belonged to me, had cut do[wn at] my [com]mand (and) had had dragged with much trouble from their mountains (through) difficult terrain [to the city Ḫ]arrān — (rev. 55) I covered Eḫulḫul, “the Dwelling of Joy,” and (thereby) [secured (its) roo]f. I fastened band(s) of silver on large doors of cypress (and) I [fixed] (them) in its [gate]ways. At the beginning of my kingship, I made that temple in its entirety splen[did and I] completed (it). I [cl]ad the inner sanctum of the god Sîn, my lord, with seventy talents of shiny zaḫalû-silver. Two fierce wild bulls of silver, which were cast exactly the same, ... [...] — (rev. 60) I skillfully c[ast] their limbs with twenty talents of ešmarû-metal (and) [... I stationed (them) in the inner sanctum of the god Sîn] in order to gore (my) enemies (to death) (and) to trample m[y] foes. Two long-haired heroes of silver, repli­ca(s) of bearde[d] sea-creatures, [...], wh[o] hold divine emblems with both of their hands, [...] — I cast their form [with th]irty talents (and) I made (their) [adorn]ment splendid. [I installed t]hem in the eas[tern] gate of the cella [a]s constant petitioners for my life. I [complet]ely surrounded it with a frieze (made) [with baked bricks] (colored with) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli. [I finished the w]ork of [that temple] in its entirety through the workmanship of the god Nudimmud (Ea). I grasped [the hands of the god Sîn, m]y [lord], and (then) made him enter (into Eḫulḫul) during celebrations (and) made [him] dw[ell on (his) ete]rnal [dais]. I offered [(sumptuous,) p]ure o[fferings] before him (and) pres[ented (him) with] my [gif]ts. [May] the deities Sî[n, Ningal], and Nusku [lo]ok [with pleasure] upon my good deeds. May [the god Sîn] make auspicious omens appear [... for] my [... May he ... his] radiant [face] with the god Šamaš, his [offsprin]g, (and) may they discuss with each other [... the sec]uring of the foundations of my royal throne. [...] may he (Sîn) reveal his decision with a sign concerning the cutting down of my enemies. (rev. 75) [...] may he have mercy [at] my [pra]yers and grant my plea(s). May he determine as my fate [...] (and) years of good health (and) happiness. May [the goddess Ningal ...] remind the god Sîn, her bel[ove]d, about my good deeds (and) [...] daily, without ceasing, may she intercede on my behalf. [In the future, (as for) one of the king]s, my descendants, whom (the god) Aššur and the god Sîn nominate for ruling over the land, [when this temple] becomes old, grows ancient, (and) becomes dilapidated, may [the one who] renovates [its dilapidated section(s)] and restores (or) builds this work anew write [my name with] his [name]. (As for) the one who erases my name (or) the name of my father (or) grandfather, and writes his (own) name, may [the god Sîn, the great lord], make him suffer a severe penalty (as) his grievous punishment, and may he not have mercy on him. [...] the text for the temple of the god Sîn of the city Ḫarrān.

Ashurbanipal 208

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 08759 + Rm 0133 + Rm 0288. RINAP 5 Asb. 208; Oracc Q007616.

Obverse

For the god Sîn, the light of heaven [and netherworld, ...], who is crowned with the crown of the highest rank, wh[o ..., w]ho marks the day, month, and y[ear ..., w]ho reveals the signs of the lord of the cr[own ..., (5) w]ho delivers verdicts, who renders decision(s) for heav[e]n [and netherworld, ..., w]ho pacifies the heart of the gods, who releas[es ...], who issues final command and decisio[n, w]ho elevates [...], without whom the gods, [h]is br[others, could not determine] the fates of those of hea[ven and netherworld, ...]; the god Namraṣīt (Sîn), the light of the upper world, [who il]luminates the da[rkness, ...] at whose appearance r[enewal is pres]ent, makes [sign(s)] appe[ar, (and) establishes the mood of the people, [the honored] one, whose divine powers are the gods Anu, E[nlil, and] Ea, [..., the] merciful [god], who [takes] cou[nsel] together w[ith the god Šamaš], his [ch]ild, [...] ..., the creator, be[loved of] god and goddess, who gath[ers to himself (all) divine offices of the highest rank, ..., who besto]ws the scepter, throne, p[alû-insignia], and crown of rulershi[p, ..., w]ho se[e]s (into) the heart(s) of the peopl[e, who makes] all settlements [prosper, who resides in Eḫulḫul that is inside the city Ḫarrān, the great lord, his lord] — I, Ashurbanipal, [great king], strong [king], [king of the world, king of Assyria, ..., the o]ne to whom the deities [Sîn, Ningal, and Nu]sku have stretched out (their) hand(s), [...], the obedie[nt gov]ernor, [favorite of god and goddess, who l]oves correc[t behavior, ..., who o]beys the command of the deities [Sîn, Ningal, and Nusk]u, who restores [sanctuaries ...; (20) son of] Esarhaddon, [king of the world, king of Assyria], g[overnor of Babylon, who reveres (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu; grandson of] Sennacherib, ki[ng of the world, king of Assyria]; the [eternal] se[ed of kingship]: [I had] two [... ma]de [of shin]y [silver ...] ... [...] Lacuna of 3 lines

Reverse

On the right and on the left of the cella of Eḫulḫul, the temple of the god [Sîn, ...]. On account of this, O Sîn, the gre[at] lord, when exiting and en[tering ...] look kindly upon those lion-headed eagles a[nd ...]. O Sîn, the great lord, prolong my days, grant [me] life, [...], (rev. 5) give me a true staff, gra[nt me] a just scepter [... May] the goddess Ningal, your beloved spouse, [command for me] the preservation of (my) life [... May] the god Nusku, the exalted vizier, who administers the Eḫulḫ[ul, ...]. During a reign in the dist[ant] future, when this work becomes dilapid[ated and old], may he restore t[hese] lion-headed eagles, my handiwork, [not change my handi]wo[rk, and return (them) to their place. May he write (on them)] the praise of [the deities Sîn, N]ingal, and Nusku, m[y] lords, [and the mention of my name with his (own) name and deposit (them) for all time]. (As for) the one who [removes thes]e lion-headed eagl[es] from the gate of Eḫulḫ[ul, the temple of the god Sîn, my lord, and (re)fashions (their metal) for another work], or destroys the prai[se] of the god [Sîn], my [lo]rd, and [changes the mention of my name, may the god] Sîn, the [grea]t lo[rd, make] inauspicious omens about him [appear in heaven and netherworld and not ...]. [That which is (written) upon the lio]n-headed ea[gles of Eḫulḫul, the temple of the god Sîn of the city Ḫarrān].

Ashurbanipal 209

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Bu 1889-04-26, 0209. RINAP 5 Asb. 209; Oracc Q007617.

Obverse

[For the goddess Ni]ngal, who makes life pleasant, goddess worthy of pra[ise], mother of the gods, the hero[ic one, the] gracious [wil]d cow, who(se) face is ra[diant, who(se)] featu[res] always shine brightly [l]ike daylight, (5) wi[f]e of the divine light (Sîn) — foremost lord, resplendent one, light of the distan[t] heavens — who bore the god Šamaš — the one who lights up the four quarters (of the world), who(se) judgement and decision are final ... — who intercedes for the light of the gods, her beloved, the god S[în], who gives counsel (and) says favorable thing(s) to the god Šamaš, [her] child, who makes the words of prayers pleasing, who appoints the king who reveres her; (10) the ruler, merciful one, who accepts petitions, who dwells in Egipar that is inside the city Ḫarrān, the great lady, his lady — I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; (15) the king beloved by the gods Sîn and Šamaš, pious prince, favorite of the deities Ningal and Nusku, one whom they firmly chose with their steadfast hearts and commanded his exercising the kingship for all time: I had as many as such-and-such poles of šaššūgu-wood made, wood (pieces) of equal size whose strength was very great. I inlaid the(ir) top and bottom (ends) with reddish gold amounting to such-and-such weight an[d] (thus) I made thei[r c]aps shine like daylight. I [established] (this) wor[k] for her divinity for lasting years (and) for long into the distant future in order to carry around her great divinity whenever (she) goes forth from the akītu-house. On account of this, may the goddess Ningal, pre-eminent one of the goddesses, resple[ndent one, ...], look kindly upon these [pole]s and [with] plea[sure ... the goddess Ni]ngal ... [...] ... [... (rev. 1) ...] ... [...] ... may he set (and) protect [...] ... may the god Šamaš continually renew (and) m[ay ...].

Reverse

During a reign in the [dist]ant future, when (even) one among [these] pole[s] becomes dilapidated and sustains d[amage], may he restore these poles, not change [my] han[di]work, and return (them) to t[heir] place. May he respe[ct] the oath sworn by the goddess Ningal, [my] lady, and the praise of the great gods, who support me, [and] (rev. 10) may he write on it the mention of my good name, which the gods Aššur and Mar[duk] had made great[er] than (those of) all (other) rulers, with his (own) name and deposit (it) for the future. May the god Sîn and the goddess [N]ingal accept his handiwork with pleasure and grant his prayers. But (as for) the one w[ho] rem[o]ves these [p]oles and (re)fashions its mountings for another work, or destroys the praise of the goddess Ningal, my lady, and changes the mention of my name, may the god Sîn, the great lord, make his living quarters so terrifying to him that he must roam around outside, (and) (rev. 20) may the goddess Ningal, the great lady, release his harness-broken (steeds) and smash his yoke. [T]his is what is (written) upon the poles of the goddess Ningal.

Ashurbanipal 210

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02803 + K 03256. RINAP 5 Asb. 210; Oracc Q007618.

Obverse

For the god Nusku, supreme lord, e[xalted] judge, [who oversees the nindabû-offerings for all (the Igīgū and) the Anunnakū gods, who administers the Ekur], bright light that lights up the night, [powerful] f[ire, friend of the god Šamaš, the judge], holy god, who purifies [go]d and man, who lights up the da[rkness, who lights up the dark like the sun]; the god Nusku, supreme one, heroic god, who burns up evil ones, [whose flames scorch the land of the insubmissive], who introduces command and directive, who oversees the I[gīgū and Anunnakū gods, ... instructions], who provides strewn offerings, who quickly dispatches the meal-offering(s) for the [great] g[ods ... his fathers]; supreme heir of Ekur, who [renders] de[cision(s) for cities] like the divine light (Sîn) [(and) proclaims truth], who carries out the cultic rite(s) of the office of supreme power, who keeps secr[et(s), without whom no deliberation is held in Ekur], who watches over the command of everything, who [constantly] brings instructions [before the god Sîn, the divine light]; righteous [j]udge, who sees the mind of the people, who [purifies the j]u[st and the wicked] l[ike the Divine River, w]ho keeps truth and justice pure, whom the king of the g[ods, the god Namraṣīt (Sîn), commissio]ned to destroy the ma[licious], the exalted [viz]ier, who proclaims good things, whose decision [cannot be altered (and) whose command cannot be c]hanged; [...] ... the wicked, who destroys enemies, the one to who[m inju]stice and decei[tful] acts are an abominatio[n, who strike]s foes [with lightning], who [goes o]ut and wal[ks] along the streets of his city to give judgement and de[cision, (15) ...], who accepts prayers, who shows benevole[nt] mercy to the one who o[be]ys him, [...], who makes the just prevail, who dwe[lls in Emel]amana which is inside the city Ḫarrān, the great lord, [his lord] — [I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the wo]rld, king of Assyria, capable [gov]ernor, who reveres the great god[s, ...] for [who]m the prince, the divine lig[ht] (Sîn), desired [(...) the tem]ple and d[ai]s, [... (and) whose] rule[rship] he made great, (20) [(...) whom the goddess Ningal ... guided and ...] ... before the god Sî[n, her beloved, (...) about whom you, ... of the divine light (Sîn), sp]oke [favorably] be[fo]r[e the father of the one who had begotten you]; Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [... may he always give the order to preserve my life (and)] constantly implore yo[u] for [my life]. [During a reign in the distant future, when thi]s [...] becomes dilapidated and [old], [may he restore this ..., my handiwork], not change my handi[wor]k, and return (it) [to its] p[lace. May he respect the oath sworn by the god Nusku, my lord, and the prai]se of the great gods, who support me, [and] (rev. 5´) may he write [the mention of my good name, which the gods Aššur and Marduk] had made greater [than (those of) all (other) rule]rs, with his (own) name and depo[sit (it) for the future]. May [the god Nusku and the goddess Sadarnunna] look kindly upon [his handiwork] and grant [his] p[rayers]. [(As for) the one who] removes [this ... from (the gate of) Emela]mana and [(re)fashions (its metal)] for anothe[r] work, [or] de[s]troys [the prais]e of [the g]od [Nusku], my [lo]rd, and ch[anges] the mention of my name, may [the god Nusk]u, the [j]ust vizier, [b]elov[ed of the god] Sîn, constantly speak [inauspicious] words [about him] before the god Sî[n, the one who had b]egotten him. That which is (written) [u]pon the ... [of Emelamana, the temp]le of the god Nusku of the city Ḫarrān.

Ashurbanipal 211

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02813 + K 08394 + 1879-07-08, 0134 + K 18744. RINAP 5 Asb. 211; Oracc Q007619.

Obverse

[For the god Nusku, supreme lord], exalted [j]udge, who oversees the n[indabû-offerings for all (the Igīgū and) the Anunnakū gods, who administers the Ekur, bright light that lights up the night], powerful fire, [friend of the god Šamaš, the judge, holy god, who purifies g]od and man, who lights up the darkness, who [lights up the dark] like the [sun]; [the god Nusku, supreme o]ne, h[ero]ic god, who burns up evil ones, who[se flames scorch] the land of the insubmissive, [who introduces comma]nd and directive, who oversees the Igīgū and Anunnak[ū gods, ... instructions, who provides strewn offer]ings, who quickly dispatches the meal-offering(s) for the great gods [... his fathers]; supreme [heir of E]kur, who rend[ers] decision(s) for cities like the divine light (Sîn) [(and) proclaims truth, who carries out the c]ultic rite(s) of the office of s[uprem]e power, who keeps secret(s), without who[m no deliberation is held in Ekur, who watches over the comm]and of [everything, who] constantly [r]eports instructions [before the god Sîn, the divine light]; [righteous judge, who see]s the mind of the people, who p[urifies the just and the wicked] like the Divine River, [who keeps truth and justic]e [pure], who[m the king of the gods, the god Namraṣīt (Sîn)], com[missioned] to d[estr]oy the malicious, [the exalted vizier, who proclaims good things, w]ho[se] decisi[on can]not be altered (and) [whose command] cannot b[e changed]; [... the wicked, who destroys enemies, the one to who]m injustice (and) [deceitful] acts [are an abominatio]n, [who strikes foes with lightning, who go]es out and [walks along] the stree[t(s) of his city to give judgement and decision, (15) ..., who accepts prayers, who] show[s benevolent mercy to the one who obe]ys him, [..., who makes the just prevail, who dwells in Emela]mana [that is inside the city Ḫarrān, the great lord, his lord] — [I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, capable governor, who reveres the] great [go]ds, [... for whom the prince], the divine light (Sîn), [desired (...) the temple and dais, ...] ... [... (and) who]se rulership [he made grea]t, (20) [(...) who]m [the goddess Ningal ... g]uided and ... [...] ... before the god Sîn, her beloved, [(...) about who]m yo[u, ... of the d]ivine light (Sîn), [sp]oke favorably before the father of the one who had begotten you; [son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, gov]ernor of Babylon, who rev[eres] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu; [grandson of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyr]ia; true shepherd who cares for his people: [I had an arch of red]dish [gold made] whose weight amounts to such-and-such, a kiplu-adornment for the gate [(...) of Emelamana, the temple of the god Nusku, m]y lord, [that is in]side the city Ḫarrān, [and] I made (it) shine bright like daylight. [...] ... I made (it) shine bright lik[e] the sun and made (it) shine like daylight. [...] I made (it) as adornment for Emelamana.

Reverse

[On account of this, O Nusku, ... of the god] Sîn, look upon [...] with pleasure an[d] constantly bl[e]ss my royal majesty [...] to make [...] firm and to [m]ake its work secure [... when] you joyfully enter [into the ...] of Emelamana before the god Sîn [...] ... that you meet with the god Sîn (and) hold deliberation (rev. 5) [... m]ay your mind desire (and) may your divinity accept [...] with Emelamana, the seat of your divinity, may my days be long. [...] bring my [pe]tition (and) good things about me before the god Namraṣīt (Sîn), the father who had begotten you [... in the pl]ace of judgement and decision, always answer me with a firm “yes” [...] constantly implore for my life without ceasing [...] ... give [...] to me as a gift. [...] may ... [...] for all time [...] ... [... m]ay your [f]lames scorch [...] long [day]s [...] to exerci[se] dominion over the people [...] ... [During a reign in the] distan[t fut]ure, [when] this [arc]h becomes dilapidated and [old], may he restore [t]his [arch, not] change [its] w[ork], and return (it) [to its place]. May he write (on it) [the prais]e of the deities Sîn, Ningal, and Nusk[u, m]y [lords], and the mention of my name with his (own) name and [deposit (it) for all time]. [(As for) the one who removes] this [a]rch from the top of Emelamana, the temple of the god Nusku, my lord, [and (re)fashions (its metal) for another work, or] destroys [the p]raise of the deities Sîn, Ningal, and Nusku, my lords, and [changes] the menti[on of my name], may [the god Nusku, the ju]st [vizier], make inauspicious omens about him appear in heaven and netherworld and not [...]. [That which is (written) u]pon the ... of Emelamana, the temple of the god Nusku o[f the city Ḫarrān].

Ashurbanipal 212

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02822 + DT 133 (+) K 02826 + 08597 + K 08931. RINAP 5 Asb. 212; Oracc Q007620.

Obverse

Lacuna [... who] se[es the wick]ed and the just [...] ... [... who pre]sents bursagg[ê]-offerings [...] ... [...] the rites [... (5´) ...], who burns up evil ones, w[ho] strikes [the ...] of the evil (doer), [...] ..., beloved of the god Duranki (Enlil), who dwells in E[m]elamana that is inside the city Ḫarrān, [the great lord, his lord] — I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, judiciou[s] ruler, [...], obedient governor, favorite of god and goddess, who loves the (cities’) privileged status, who establishe[s ...], who obeys the command of the god Sîn and the goddess Ningal, whom, with [t]heir steadfast hearts, they crowned with the crown of rulership, [...], (10´) who is assiduous towards the sanctuaries of the god Nusku, administrator of the gods, who provides for the cult centers and sanctuaries, [...]; son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, who reveres [(the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu]; grandson of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria; the eternal seed [of kingship]: I had doors ma[d]e from long cedar (beams), whose fragrance is sweet, with ... [...] and [I fastened (on them)] band(s) of pure z[aḫ]alû-metal, which is [b]right like [daylig]ht, through the workmanship of the god Kusiba[nda]. (15´) I f[ixed (them) in the gateways] of the cella of Emelamana, the seat of his ... that is inside the city Ḫarrān, as ones that pres[e]rve life (and) protect the path of the king who reveres the god Sîn, hi[s] lord, [...] that speak favorable thing(s) in the evening (and) bring in petitions [...]. [(As for)] these [doors], I completed their work and positioned (them) on the gate(s) of the abode of [...]

Reverse

Lacuna [...] who makes [...] may [...] be pleasi[ng befo]re you. [...] make [...] stretch out over m[e fo]r good fortune [...] give to me [a]s a gift. [...] bursag[gê-offerings ...] ... burgê-offer­ings [...] may [...] be on your mind [...] ... the god Sîn constantly crossed over the broad heavens [... in the p]lace of judgement and decision, [a]nswer me with a firm “yes” [...] make [...] favorable for me before both lords. [During a reign in the distant future, when] these doors become dilapid[at]ed and old, [may he restore these doors, my handiwork], not change their work, and return (them) to their place. May he write (on them) [the praise of the deities Sîn, Ningal, and Nusku, my lords, and the m]ention of my name with his (own) name and deposit (them) for all time. [(As for) the one who] removes [these doors fro]m Emelamana (and) (re)fashions (their metal) for some other work, [or] destroys [the praise of the deities Sîn, Ningal, and Nusku, my lords], and changes the mention of [m]y name, may [the god Nusku ...] his favorable [...] speak evil of him before the god Sîn and the god[dess Ninga]l, and [... may ... make] his egi[rr]û-oracles [unfavora]ble. [(This is) what is (written) upon the doors of Emelamana, the temple of the god Nusku of the city Ḫarrān].

Ashurbanipal 213

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 09143. RINAP 5 Asb. 213; Oracc Q007621.

Obverse

Lacuna [who provides str]ewn offerings, who quick[ly dispatches] the meal-offer[ing(s) for the great gods]; supreme [hei]r of Ekur, who renders decision(s) for cities l[ike the divine light (Sîn)] (and) proclai[ms truth], who carries out the cultic rite(s) of the office of supreme power, who ke[eps secret(s)], (5´) without whom no [deliberation] is hel[d] in Ekur, who watches over the command of everything, who constantly brings [instructions] before the god Sîn, the d[ivine light]; righteous judge, who sees the mind of [the people], who purifies the just and [the wicked] like the Divine River, (10´) [who keeps] truth and justice [pur]e, whom the king of the gods, the god Na[mraṣīt (Sîn), commissi]oned to destroy the m[alicious, the exalte]d [vizier], who proclaims good thi[ngs], [whose decision cannot be alte]red (and) [whose] co[mmand] cannot be changed; [... the wicked, w]ho destroys enemi[es, the one to whom injustice] (and) deceit[ful] acts [are an abomination, who strikes foes with lightning, who goes out and walks along the street(s) of his city to give] judgement and de[cision], Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [may he wri]te [the mention of my good name, which the gods Aššur and Marduk had made greater than (those of) all (other) rulers, w]it[h his (own) name] and [deposit (them) for the future]. May the god Nusku and the goddess Sadarnunna lo[ok] upon his handiwork with pleasure [and grant his prayers]. (As for) the one who [erases] my name from upon [these] lion-headed eagle[s], or [removes] this work from Emel[amana and (rev. 5´) (re)fashions (its metal)] for anything else, or destroys the praise of the god Nusku, my lord, and [changes the mention of my name, may] the god Nusku, the just vizier, [beloved of the god Sîn], constantly [speak inauspicious words about him] before the god Sîn, the one who had begotten him. This is what is (written) upon the lion-headed eagle[s ...] that sta[nd] in front of the cella [...]. Upon the lion-headed eagles. That which is (written) up[on ...]. The praise and ... [... That wh]ich is (written) in the lines (of text) on the lion-he[aded eagles ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 214

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0530 + Rm 2, 235 (+) Sm 1977. RINAP 5 Asb. 214; Oracc Q007622.

Obverse

[For the god Nusku, supreme lord, exalted judge, who oversees the nindabû-offerings for all (the Igīgū and)] the Anunnakū gods, who administers the Ekur, [bright light that lights up the night, powerful fire, fr]iend of the god Šamaš, the judge, [holy god, who purifies god and man, who lights up the darkness, who] lights up the dark [like] the sun; [the god Nusku, supreme one, heroic god, who burns up evil ones, who]se flames scorch [the land of the insubm]issive, [who introduces command and directive, who oversees the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, ...] instructions, [who provides strewn offerings, who quickly dispatches the meal-offering(s) for the great gods ...] his fathers; [supreme heir of Ekur, who renders decision(s) for cities like the divine light (Sîn)] (and) proclaims truth, [who carries out the cultic rite(s) of the office of supreme power, who keeps secret(s), without whom n]o deliberation is held [in Ekur, who watches over the command of everything, wh]o [constantly] bring[s instructions b]efore the god Sîn, the divine light; [righteous judge, who see]s the mind of the peo[ple, who purifie]s the just and the wicked [like the Divine River, who keeps truth and justic]e [pure], whom the king of the gods, the god Namraṣīt (Sîn), [commissio]ned to dest[roy the malicious, the exalted vizier, who proclai]ms good things, who[se] dec[ision cannot be altered] (and) whose command [cannot be ch]anged; [... the wicked, who destr]oys enemies, the one to who[m injustice and] deceitful [ac]ts are an ab[omination, who strikes foes with lightning], who [goes out and] walks along [the street(s) of] his city to give judgement [and decision, (15) ...], who accepts pr[ayers, who show]s benevolent mercy [to the one who obeys him, ...], ..., who makes the j[ust] prevail, [who dwells in Emelamana that is inside] the city Ḫarrān, the great lord, his lord — [I, Ashurbanipal, great king], strong [kin]g, king of the world, k[ing of Assyria, capable governor, who r]everes the great gods, [...] ... [...] for [who]m the prince, the divine light (Sîn), [desired (...) the temple and dais, ... (and) who]se rulership [he made grea]t, (20) [(...) whom the goddess Ningal ... guided and ...] before the god Sîn, her beloved, [(...) about whom you, ... of the divine light (Sîn), spoke favorably] before the father of the one who had begotten you; [son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, who rev]eres (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu; [grandson of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria; true shepherd who car]es for his people: [I had ... made] whose weight [amoun]ts to such-and-such, [...] ... [...] like a flame [... the d]esires of the king who reveres him, [... that bu]rns like a fire [...] I made (them) [as ...]. [... when] you [joyful]ly enter [into the ... of Emelamana before the god Sîn ...] may [y]ou be pleased (and) may [your] mind be joyful, [...] make firm the foundation(s) of my royal throne (so that) it may end[ure] for all time, [...] grant me plenty (so that) my [sh]epherdship may be pleasing, [...] may he always give the order [to preser]ve my life (and) constantly implore you for my life.

Reverse

[During a reign in the distant future, when t]his [work] becomes dilapidated and old, [may he restore these ..., my handiwork], not change my [ha]ndi[work], and return (them) to their place. May he respect [the oath sworn by the god Nusku, my lord, and the pr]aise of the great gods, who su[p]port me, and may he write [the mention of my good name, which the gods Aššur and Marduk] had made greater [than (those of) all (other) ruler]s, with his (own) name and deposit (them) for the future. May [the god Nusku and the goddess Sadarnunna] look [kindly] upon [his handiwork] and grant his prayers. [(As for) the one who re]moves [these ... from (the gate of) Em]elaman[a] and (re)fashions (their metal) for another work, [or destroys the praise of the deities Sîn, Ningal, and Nusku, my lords], and changes the mention of my name, may [the god Nusku, the just vizier, beloved of the god Sîn], constantly speak inauspicious words about him [before the god Sîn, the one who had b]egotten him. [(This is) what is (written) upon the ... of Emelamana, the temple of] the god Nusku of the city Ḫarrān.

Ashurbanipal 215

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02664 + K 03090 + K 04544A + K 05903 + K 06632 + K 08371 + DT 177; known as Edition L / Borger BIWA TTaf 1. RINAP 5 Asb. 215; Oracc Q007623.

Column i

Lacuna [I enl]a[rged it]. [I had a canopy, which] rivals the heave[ns], made [from m]usukkannu-[wood], a d[urable] wood. (i 5´) I [then] c[lad] its [peri]meter [with thirty-four ta]lents (and) twenty minas of [reddish] gold (and thereby) [rei]nforced [its] bonds. I stretched out its [cov]ering [ove]r the god Marduk, the great lord, [and (thus)] secured [its] roof. [(As for) the] exalted [chariot], the vehicle of the god Mard[uk, the pre-emin]ent one among the gods, the lord of lor[d]s, I c[omple]ted [its] feature(s) [with gol]d, silver, (and) precio[us] stones. (i 15´) [I gave (it)] as a g[if]t t[o the god Mard]uk, the king of the totality of heaven and [netherworld], the one who ove[rwhelms my] enemies. I skillfully mad[e] a bed of m[usukkannu]-wood, [a durable wood], that [is clad] with pašal[lu-gold (and) studded with] precio[us] stones, as a [pleasure] bed for the god Bēl (Marduk) (and) [the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu)] to carry out the weddin[g] (and) to make lo[ve]. I placed (it) in Ka[ḫili]su, the bed chamber of the goddess Zarpanītu, which is laden with [sex]ual charm. I stationed [four] fierce [wild bulls of s]ilver, [protector]s of my royal path, [in the “Gate of the Risi]ng Sun” and the “Gate of Lamma-RA.BI,” [in gateway(s) of Ez]ida, which is inside Borsippa. I decorated [Emašm]aš (and) Egašankalama with [silver (and) gol]d, (and) fill[ed (them) with] s[plendor]. The goddess [Šarrat-Kidmuri, who in her ang]er [had aban]do[ned her] inner sanctum (and) (i 35´) had taken up residence in [a place not befitting her], relen[ted] during the favora[ble] reign (lit. “my favora[ble] reign”) [that (the god) Aššur had granted me].

Column ii

Lacuna (No translation possible) [I built (and)] completed [the sanctuari]es of [Assyria (and) the land] Akkad [in their entirety]. I made [eve]ry [type of temple appurtenance] there is [from silver (and) gold], (and) I added (them) [to those of the kings], my ancestors. (ii 10´) [I made the great gods] who support me [reside in the]ir exalted [inner sanctums]. I offered sumptuous [offerings before the]m (and) [presente]d (them) with my gifts.

Column iii

Lacuna [great rulers from (both) east and west are anxious for me] to be [their] all[y]. With the support of the [great] god[s, my lords, I entered] the land E[lam], brought a[bout] their (the Elamites’) defeat c[ountless (times)], (and) (iii 5´) marche[d] about [triu]m[phantly]. Ummanalda[šu (Ḫumban-haltaš III), the king of] the land Elam, became frightened by the assault of my mighty battle array, fled naked, an[d] took to the mountain(s). I conquered fourteen fortifie[d] cities, his royal residence(s), and small(er) settlements, which were without number, together with twenty villages, in the district of the city Ḫunnir, (which is) on the border of the city Ḫidalu. I destroyed (and) demolish[ed] the city Bašimu and the villages in its environs.

Column iv

As for the people living inside the[m], I annihilat[ed] them. I smashed thei[r] gods (and thus) placated the mood of the lord of lord[s]. (iv 5) I carried off to Assyria its gods, it[s] goddesses, its possessions, (and) its property, (as well as) people, young and o[ld]. I devast[ated] an are[a] of sixty leagues inside the land Elam (and) scattered salt (and) cres[s] over the[m]. (As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,635 yea[rs] (ago) became angry and wen[t] to live in the land Ela[m], (iv 15) a place not befitting [her], then, at that time (when) sh[e] — and the gods, [her] fathers — nominated me for ruling over the land[s], (iv 20) she entrusted [me] with the return of [her] lordly majes[ty], [say]ing: “Ashur[banipal] wil[l bring me out] o[f the land Elam and] make [me] enter Ea[nna (again)].” The word(s) of the[ir] divine command that th[ey] had sp[oken] in distant days, th[ey] now disclo[sed] to the people of [a later generation. (iv 30) I grasped] the hands of her great divinity. She to[ok] the [direct] path, which please[s the heart, to Eanna. I made her enter] into [Uruk and made her dwell on (her) eternal dais] in E[ḫiliana, which she loves]. Lacuna

Column v

[I put] a lead-rope [through] his (Uaiteʾ’s) [gu]ms, placed him [in a dog collar], and (then) [made] him [guar]d the door [of the eastern gate of the cit]adel of Nineveh, whi[ch is (named) the “En]trance to the Place Where the World Is Controlled.” [(As for) ... of] the land of the Arabs, [...] ..., [who had t]urned hostile [tow]ards m[e, had cast] off the y[ok]e of my lordship, (and) (v 10) [w]hom I had defea[t]ed in the thick of [ba]ttle, [I f]layed the[m] in Nineveh, my [capi]tal [city]. At that time, [(as for) the akīt]u-[house] of the god Sîn that is inside the city Ḫarrān (and) that had become old, [I] laid its foundation(s). I built (and) [comp]leted (it) from its foundation(s) to its crenel[lation]s. I clad (it) with [shiny] zaḫalû-silver. May the deities [S]în, Ninga[l, and Nusku] l[ook with pleasure upon] my [good deed]s. Ma[y] they [length]en [m]y [days (v 25) (so that) I may be fully satisfied with (my)] g[ood f]ortune. May they make [the foundation(s) of m]y [royal throne] endure (and) [make] my reign [last for a long time]. May they kill [my enemies (and) cut down] my [f]oes. (v 30) [With their] great [support], may I rule [wherever I desire (lit. “I say”) (and) achieve whatever (lit. “the place”) I stri]ve for. [In the futu]re, [may (one of) the sons, grands]ons, Lacuna

Column vi

(As for) the one who dest[roys] an inscribed object bearing [m]y name, makes (it) disappea[r] by some crafty device, (or) (vi 5) does not plac[e] (it) with an inscribed object bearing his name, may the great gods of heaven and netherworld overthro[w] his kingship (and) make his name (and) seed disappea[r] from the land. [An inscribed obj]ect fo[r the akītu-house of the god S]în [that is inside the city Ḫarr]ān.

Left Edge

The goddess Šarrat-kidmuri, [who from] distant [day]s was an[gry (...)] ... her great divinity.

(1 further line-position in this passage are too broken for RINAP to publish a translation, with the line count itself uncertain.)

Ashurbanipal 216

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 0671. RINAP 5 Asb. 216; Oracc Q007624.

Obverse

[...] ... [...] ... [... cannot be underst]ood nor know[n, ... (5) ..., whose command cannot be c]hanged (and) (who)se word(s) [..., who pacifies the heart of] god and goddess, who knows [...], b[y w]ho[m] destruction and creation are brought about, [... without whom] no [judge]ment is given (and) no consultat[ion] is made. [...] who creates fertility (lit. “the womb”), who expands the sheepfold [... at whose appearance re]newal is present, makes sign(s) appear, (and) establishes the mood of the people [..., who] meets [wit]h the god Šamaš and secures the throne, makes a reign firm [...] ..., who selects (lit. “raises the eye”) (and) nominates the prince who reveres [h]i[m ... of the gods Anu, Enl]il, and Ea, who averts the troubles of those of heaven and netherworld, who cancels (inauspicious) omens [...] the height of heaven, who cares for their (cosmic) bonds (15) [...] at whose bright light those of the netherworld gaze [...], who resides in Eḫulḫul that is inside the city Ḫarrān, the great lord, his lord — [I, Ashurbanipal, ...], judi[c]ious [ruler], king of the world, beloved by (the god) Aššur and the goddess I[štar, ... the goddess N]ingal — wife of the princely son, the divine l[ight (Sîn) — (20) ..., w]ho carries out in full [their] cultic rites, [..., who la]vishly provides [their] regular o[fferings ...] ... to [their] place [...] ... the dais of [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [(As for) the one who remov]es [this ... from the akītu-house (of the god Sîn)] and [(re)fashions (its metal)] for a[nother] work, [or destroys the praise of the god Sîn, my lord, and] chan[ges the mention of] my name, [may the god Sîn, the great lord, make his living quarters so terrifying to him that] he must roam around outs[ide, (and) ...] ... ma[y he command] that he not live one (more) day. [(This is) what is (written) upon ... of] the akītu-house of the god Sîn of the city Ḫarrān.

Ashurbanipal 217

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04469 + K 04518 + K 06385 + Sm 0729 + Sm 1550. RINAP 5 Asb. 217; Oracc Q007625.

Obverse

Lacuna [I removed] šē[dus (and) lamassus], as [many protectors o]f the temple [as there were. I ri]pped out the rag[i]ng wild bulls that adorned gate[ways]. I [had the sanctua]ries of the land Elam utterly [destroyed (and)] I counted its [god]s (and) its goddesses as ghos[ts]. (5´) (As for) their secret groves, [into] which no outsider has (ever) gaze[d] (or) set foot within their borders, my battle troops e[ntered] inside them, saw the[i]r secrets, (and) burned (them) with fi[re]. [I destr]oyed (and) demolished [the to]mbs of their earlier and [l]ater kings, (men) who had not revered the deities Ašš[ur, Sîn, N]ingal, (and) Nusku, my lords, (and) who had disturbed the kings, [my] ancestor[s]; I exposed (them) to the sun (lit. “the god Šamaš”). I took their [b]one(s) to [Assyria]. I prevented their [ghos]ts from sleeping (and) depri[ved them] of funerary libations. [On a mar]ch of one month (and) twenty-five days, I devast[ated] the districts of the land Elam (and) scattered [sa]lt (and) cress over them (lit. “it”). [The daughter]s of kings, the sisters of kin[gs], along with earlier and late[r] family [of the kings of the land] Elam, [offi]cials (and) mayor[s of those cities, as many as I] had conquered, chief archers, captains, [charioteers, third m]en (of chariot crews), cavalrymen, arche[r]s, [eunuchs, engineers, ev]ery kind of artisan there [was, people — male and female, young and old — ho]rses, mules, (20´) [donkeys, oxen, and sheep and goats, wh]ich were more num[erous] than locusts — [I carried (them) off to Assyria]. [I gathered earth fr]om the cities Susa and Mad[aktu, Ḫaltemaš, and the res]t of [his] cult center[s (and) took (it) to Assyria. I allowed on]ager[(s and) gazelles], Lacuna of probably 1 line

Reverse

Lacuna of probably 3 lines [As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,635 years (ago) became angry (and) went to liv]e in the land Elam, a pl[ac]e not [befitting her, then, at that time (when) she — and the gods], her [fat]hers — nominated me for rulin[g over the lands, sh]e entrusted [me] with [the return of her lordly majesty, (rev. 5´) saying: “Ashurbanipal will bring me out o]f the [evil] land Elam [and] make me enter Ea[nna (again)].” [The word(s) of their divine command th]at th[ey] had s[poken] in [di]stant days, [they now disclosed to] the people of a later generation. I g[rasped] the hands of her gre[a]t divinity. She took [the direct path, which] pleases the heart, t[o Eanna. (rev. 10´) I made h]er [enter into Uruk] and [made (her) dwell on] (her) eter[nal] dais in Eḫiliana, which she l[oves]. [(As for) the people and the booty of the land Elam], which I had plun[dered] by the command of the deities Aš[šur], Sîn, [Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh], Šarrat-Kidmu[ri, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta], Nergal, (and) Nusku — (rev. 15´) [I gave the best (of them) to my gods]. I [added] the archers, [shield bearers, artisans, (and) engineers whom I had carr]ied off fr[om the land Elam to my royal contingent. I divided up the rest] l[ike sheep and goats among m]y [governors, my] n[obles, my cult centers, (and) my entire camp]. [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 218

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 320. RINAP 5 Asb. 218; Oracc Q007626.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [... S]halmaneser (III), s[on of ...] ... [... Ashurba]nipal, great king, stron[g] king, [...] of Nineveh [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 219

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-02-04, 0212. RINAP 5 Asb. 219; Oracc Q007627.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament ... [...] I clad its (the canopy’s) perimeter with [thirty-four ta]lents (and) twenty mi[nas of] reddish [g]old (and thereby) reinforced [its] b[onds. (5´) Through the cr]aft of the god Kusiba[n]d[a], I made their [ap]pearance shine. Like the structure of heaven, I [...] (and) I stretched out its covering over the dwelling of the god [Marduk], the great lord, and (thus) secured [its] ro[of]. [(As for) the throne]-dais, the inner sanctum of his (Marduk’s) exalted divinity, which is placed over the massive body of the sea (Tiāmat), [...] I cast fifty talents of shiny zaḫalû-silver into bricks and (thereby) enlarged i[t]. I adorned it with an awe-inspiring aura and radiance, arrayed it in splen[dor], (10´) made all of its workmanship resplendent, skillfully m[ade] its feature(s), (and) made (it) more [...] than previously. The išippu-priests (and) pašīšu-priests cleansed all of Es[agil] with their purification c[erem]onies. Month of Nisan (I). Blank space for 4 lines

Reverse

Like the god Enlil, who establishes my reign, [...] ..., [may] the god [Mardu]k, the great lord, [...] the statue of [my] royal maje[sty ...] ..., may he constantly listen to me [...] ... May he alway[s ...] my troops at (sun)rise and (sun)set. (rev. 5) May he answer me with a firm “yes” [in] divination (and) keep [me] in good health. Like the finest oil, may my [she]pherdship be pleasing to the people [... (so that) whe]rever his radiance goes forth, they may respect [my] na[me] by his command. May he make [the] four [quarters (of the world)] submit to me (so that) they may pull [my] yo[ke]. [...] sunrise (to) sunset ... [... (rev. 10) ...] (so that) I may expand the territory of Assyria ... [... wi]de [...] (and) tall mountains ... [... tr]uth, justice, my reign ... [...]. [In the futur]e, [may] one of the kings, [my] descendants, [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 220

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02694 + K 03050; known as L[ondon]⁴ Inscription. RINAP 5 Asb. 220; Oracc Q007628.

Column i

Lacuna of about 5 or 6 lines [governor of B]abylon, king of [the land of Sumer and Akkad; grands]on of Sennacherib, [great] kin[g, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; de]scen[da]nt of Sargon (II), gre[at] king, [strong king, king of the world, king of Assyri]a, [governo]r of Babylon, king of the land of S[umer and Akkad] — [(The god) Aššur], the father of the gods, [determined] a roya[l] destiny [as my lot] (while I was) in my mother’s womb; [the goddess Mul]lissu, the great mother, nominate[d me] for ruling over the land and people; [the god] Ea (and) (the goddess) Bēlet-ilī sk[illfully] fashioned (my) form fit for lordship; [the god S]în, the holy god, made a favorable sign visible regarding my exercising the kingship; [the gods Šamaš (and) Adad] entrusted me with the lore of the diviner, a craft that cannot be changed; (i 10´) [the god Mardu]k, the sage of the gods, granted me a broad mind (and) extensive knowledge as a gift; the god Nabû, the scribe of everything, bestowed on me the precepts of his wisdom as a present; the gods Ninurta (and) Nergal endowed my body with power, virility, (and) unrivalled strength. I learned [the c]raft of the sage Adapa, the secret, hidden (lore), all of the scribal arts. I am able to recognize celestial and terrestrial [om]ens (and) can discuss (them) in an assembly of scholars. (i 15´) I am capable of deliberating with skilled diviners about (the series) “If the liver is an image of the heavens.” I can resolve complex (mathematical) divisions (and) multiplications that do not have a(n easy) solution. I have read cunningly written text(s) in obscure Sumerian (and) Akkadian that are difficult to interpret. I have carefully examined inscriptions on stone from before the Deluge who(se meanings are) hidden (lit. “sealed”), muddled (lit. “stopped up”), (and) confusing. With select companion(s), this is how I would spend all of my days: I would canter on thoroughbreds (and) ride stallions that were raring to go; I would hold a bow (and) make arrow(s) fly as befits a warrior; I would throw quivering lances as if they were arrows; I would take the reins like a charioteer (and) execute (pinpoint) turns of the chariot; (and) [I] would forge arītu-shields (and) kabābu-shields like an engineer. I am proficient in the great technical lore of all the specialists, every one of them. [A]t the same time, I was learning proper lordly behavior (and) becoming familiar with the ways of kingship. I would stand before the king who had engendered me (and) regularly give orders to officials. N[o] governor would be appointed without me (and) no administrator would be installed without my consent. The father who had engendered me would constantly see the heroism that the great gods had determined for me. By the command of the great gods, he (Esarhaddon) loved me much (more than anyone else in) the assembly of my <<...>> brothers. With regard to my exercising the kingship, he appealed to (the god) Aššur — the king of the gods, the lord of everything — beseeched the goddesses Mullissu (and) Šērūa — the queens of goddesses, the ladies of ladies — prayed to the gods Šamaš (and) Adad — the diviners of heaven (and) netherworld, judge(s) of the (four) quarters (of the world) — (and) [prayed devo]utly to the gods Nabû (and) Marduk — the ones who bestow scepter (and) throne, the ones who firmly establish kingship — (i 35´) [saying] “Proclaim one of my sons as [my] replace[ment in] your [ass]embly.” [...] Lacuna of 1 line?

Column ii

Lacuna of about 3 or 4 lines [In front of] the great gods of heaven [and netherworld, whose command(s) cannot be changed], he (Esarhaddon) reinforced, wrote out, (and) establi[shed tr]eaties [for future days]. In the month Ayyāru (II), the month of the god Ea — the lord of humankind, the one who fashione[d the physique of my royal majesty] — I entered the House of Succession, a place of instruction and coun[sel for kingship], and (ii 5´) by the command of (the god) Aššur — the father of the gods — (and) the god Marduk — the lord of lords, the king of the god[s] — he (Esarhaddon) elevated me above the (other) sons of the king (and) nominated me for king[ship]. Small blank space When I entered the palace, the entire camp rejoiced (and) was filled with joyous cel[ebrations]. Nobles (and) eunuch(s) were happy (and) they heeded the pronouncement(s) from [my] li[ps]. Before the king, the father who had engendered me, I would intercede on their behalf (and) I would annul [their] si[ns]. The great gods looked with pleasure upon my good deeds and, by their exalted command, I sat gladly on the throne of the father who had engendered me. Nobles (and) eunuch(s) required my lordship (and) loved my exercising the kingship. Being happy at the mention of my honored name, the four quarters (of the world) rejoiced. Kings of the Upper (and) Low[er] Sea(s), servants who belonged to the father who had engendered me, kept sending glad tidings to m[e] regarding my exercising the kingship. The enemies’ readied weapons eased to rest (and) they dissolved t[heir] well-organized battle array. Their sharpened axes lay at rest (and) they unstrung their ar[med] bows. Dangerous men who desi[re] war against those who had not submitted to them calmed down. Within city and household, no one took anything from his fellow by for[ce]. Throughout the entire land, not a single man committ[ed] a crime. A traveler on his own walked in safe[ty] on remo[te] road(s). There was no thief (or) m[ur]derer (lit. “on[e who s]heds blood”) (and) no obstac[le] intervened (on the path). The lands dwelt in peace[ful] abode(s) (and) the four quarters (of the world) were placid [li]ke the finest oil. The Elamites sent and brought mes[sages] to inquire about my well-being. By the command of the god Marduk, the lord, I had no rival (and) there was no one to oppose me. Blank space for about 1.5 lines During my first regnal year, wh[en] the god Marduk, the king of everything, [entrust]ed me with lordship, I took hold of the hem of his great divinity, was assiduous towards his sanctuaries, (and) constantly appealed to (and) beseeched his great divinity regarding the journey of his divinity, (saying): “Remember Babylon, which you yourself destroyed in your anger. Relent (lit. “turn your neck”) (and) turn [your] atte[ntion] back to Esagil, the palace of your lordship. It is enough (that) you have abandoned your city (and) have taken up residence in a place not befitting you. You are the supreme one of the gods, O Marduk. Give the command to travel to Šuanna (Babylon). At [your hol]y command, which cannot be changed, may (your) entry into Esa[gil] be established. Who [...]?” Lacuna of about 4 or 5 lines

Column iii

Lacuna of about 6 lines [m]e, [Ashurbanipal, ...]. Āšipu-priest(s) ... [...], lamentation priests with manz[û-drums (and) ḫalḫallatu-drums ...], (and) singers with lyre(s) [were singing] the praise of [his] lordshi[p]. (iii 5´) Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) favorite brother whom I presen[ted to the god Marduk], took the hands of his great divinity and was marching be[fore him]. From the quay of Baltil (Aššur) to the quay of Babylon, wherever they stopped for the n[ight], sheep were butchered, bulls were slaughtered, (and) armannu-aromatics were scattered o[n] ...s. They brought befo[re him] everything there was for morning (and) evening meals. (iii 10´) Piles of brushwood were lit (and) torches ignited (so that) [th]ere was lig[ht] for one league. All of my troops were arranged in a circle (around him) like a rainbow (and) there were joyous celebrations day and night. The deities the Lady of Akkad, Nanāya, Uṣur-amāssa, Ḫanibiya, (and) Ada... had taken up residence on the banks of the river, waiting for the king of the gods, the lord of lords. The god Nergal, mightiest of the gods, came out of Emeslam, his princely residence, (and) (iii 15´) approached the quay of Babylon amidst a joyous celebration, arriving safely. The god Nabû, the triumphant heir, took the direct ro[ad] from Borsippa. The god Šamaš rushed from Sippar, emitting radiance onto Babylon. The gods of the land of Sumer and Akkad (in their hurry) looked exhausted like tired foals. With the craft of the sage — “the wa[shing] of the mouth,” [“the opening of the mouth,” bathing, (and) purification] — he (Marduk) entered the fruit orchards of the luxuriant gardens of Karzagina (“Pure Quay” or “Quay of Lapis Lazuli”), a pur[e] place, before the stars of heaven — the deities Ea, Šamaš, Asalluḫi, Bēlet-ilī, Kusu, (and) Nin[girima] — an[d ... inside] it (Esagil) he took up residence on (his) [eternal] d[ais]. Be[fore him], I offered [choic]e prized bull[s] (and) fattened sheep. I brought before him f[ish and bird(s)], the abundance of the apsû. (iii 25´) I made [..., h]oney, (and) oil flow like a downpour. As my gifts, I presented (him) with [...] (and) extensive [prese]nts. I placed at his service [ramku-priests, p]ašīšu-priests, (and) ecstatics. [I set befor]e him [āšipu-priests, lamentation priests, (and) singers who] have acqu[i]red (their) [entire] craft. [...] ... was pleased [...] like [...] Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna? Blank space for about 6 lines At that time, I had a stele bearing my name made and I engraved image(s) of the great gods, my lords, on it (and) erected before them an image of my royal majesty beseeching their divinity. I had the praise of the god Marduk, my lord, (and) my good deeds inscribed upon it and I l[eft] (it) for the future. Blank space for about 5 lines (As for) m[e, Ashurbanipal], he determined [a favorab]le [destiny] as my lot. Blank space for 1 line ... [...] Blank space for about 3 to 4 lines From Eḫur(saggalkurkurra) The remnants The gods of the land of Sumer Its bank Me, Ashurbanipal [He] blessed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn [The hands of] his divinity [Ā]šipu-priest(s) [Lam]entation priests [Si]ngers ... Maumuša (“Boat of Command”) [From the quay of B]altil (Aššur)

Ashurbanipal 221

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06061. RINAP 5 Asb. 221; Oracc Q007629.

Column i

Completely missing

Column ii

[...] ... I appealed to ... [...] ... [... to the gods Šamaš] (and) Adad, the diviners of heaven and netherworld, I prayed to the god[(s) ... (and) pray]ed reverently to the gods Nabû and Marduk, (saying) “Proclaim one of my sons as [my] repla[cement ...” (ii 5) ...] ... his name, (and thus) they accepted my prayers (and) listened to [my supplications. ...] “The Fruit” (the god Sîn) made known to him ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [...]s [...]s of Assyria [...] ... of the great gods. Blank

Column iv

Completely missing

Ashurbanipal 222

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02695. RINAP 5 Asb. 222; Oracc Q007630.

Obverse

[For the god Marduk, ...] ..., my lord — [I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria], king of the four quarters (of the world); [offspring of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria; descendant of Sennac]herib, king of Assyria: I completed [Eḫursaggalkurkurra, the temple of (the god) Aššur, king of the gods], my [lor]d. [I clad its walls with reddish gold (and) made (them) s]h[i]ne like daylight. [I made (the god) Aššur, (the great lord,) enter into Eḫursaggula (“House, Big Mountain”) (and) made (him) dwell (on his)] eternal [dai]s. [(At that time), the god Marduk, ..., the king of the gods, required] my priestly services (and) [..., I strove to restore every type of] divine [o]bj[ec]t of his. (10) [I skillfully made a bed of musukkannu-wood, a durable wood, (as) a] pleasure [be]d. [(As for) the canopy, ..., which is stretched out (and) which is re]splendent (as) the sun, [I ... (As for) the chariot, (...), which a king of the past (who had come) be]fore me had made, [it(s) ... had collapsed and] its (precious) stones had fallen out, [I ... its decoration] in its entirety. [(...), by the command of (the god) Aššur, ...] my mind [... a]t (its) side Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna Blank

Ashurbanipal 223

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02411. RINAP 5 Asb. 223; Oracc Q007631.

Columns i and ii are not edited here

Column iii

Lacuna iii 1´–35´ The inscription of Sennacherib and measurements and descriptions of Zarpanītu’s bed and Marduk’s throne are not edited here Wording (of the inscription) that was erased from the bed (and) the throne of the god Bēl (Marduk), which were deposited in the temple of (the god) Aššur, (and that of the inscription) written upon (them) in the name of Ashurbanipal. Simānu (III), the twenty-seventh day, eponymy of Awiānu (655), th[ey were returned t]o Ba[byl]on [(...)].

Column iv

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [..., O l]ord, being furious (and) relenting, [destroying (and) c]reating, (and) depopulating (and) (re)populating (regions) [are] in your hands. (iv 5´) (As for) Esagil, the terrifying cella, the seat of [your] supreme pow[er, you command]ed your beloved king to restore you[r] divine work. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, your pious servant; [son of E]sarhaddon, king of Assyria; (grand)son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria; [who reve]res the command of your great divinity, who is assiduous towards your places (of worship) and your daises, who carries out in full your cultic rites, (and) who placates your mood: I completed [Esa]gil. I decorated the replica of the apsû, the palace of your lordly majesty, with [g]old, making (it) shine like daylight. [I mad]e the exalted chariot of the king of the gods (Marduk), the vehicle of the lord of lords. [I skillfully made a bed of] [m]usukkannu-[woo]d, a durable wood, (as) a pleasure bed, (iv 15´) [that is c]lad with [pašallu-gold] (and) studded with precious stones, [...] whose sid[e]s are surrounded with [...] ... [...] it was truly set up [fo]r the god Marduk (and) the godde[ss Zarp]anītu, the de[ities who l]ove each other. [To preserve] my [li]fe (and) prolong my days, I presented (these objects) as a gift (to them). [When] they perform [the m]arriage rites (and) enter the house of lovemaking, may both gods speak about my [...] to each other, (and) may they bless my kingship [with] their holy [p]ronouncement(s), which cannot be altered. May they let me, the one who is assiduous towards their places (of worship), achieve my heart’s [d]esire. May they flatten my enemies (for me), the one who fulfills their heart’s wish. [(But) as for the one who] erases my inscribed name and writes his (own) name, (or) effaces (and) destroys [the m]ention of the king who is assiduous towards the sanctuaries of the god Marduk (and) the goddess Zarpanītu by any crafty device that there is, may the god Marduk, king of the gods, take away his libido (and) make his seed disappear, (and) may the goddess Zarpanītu speak evil about him in the bedroom, the (private) room of the head of the family. Blank

Ashurbanipal 224

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 00120B + K 00144 + K 03265 + K 03298 + K 12582. RINAP 5 Asb. 224; Oracc Q007632.

For the god Marduk, the ex[alte]d lord, king of the gods, supreme one, pre-eminent o[ne ...], one of exa[l]ted strength, foremost of all the lords, [...], all-powerful one, foremost in heaven and netherworld, who directs the Igīgū and [Anunnakū gods ...], who bears the fierce divine weapon, hero of the great gods, [...], the honored, perfect lord wh[o]se [boun]daries cannot be transgressed [...]; the god Šazu (Marduk), who knows the heart of the g[od]s, who exterminates all of the wicked, who [...], who is crowned with the crown of rulershi[p, who] is adorned with [awesom]e terror, [who is ...] with fearsomen[ess, ...], most skilled of the skilled, w[i]s[e], [in]telligent, adept, le[arned, ...], deep hearted, his own counselor who in all ... [...], (10) lord of wells, springs, floods, and seas, [...], merciful lord who accepts prayers (and) listens to [...], king of Babylon, lord of Esagil, the palace of heaven [and netherworld ...], who renders just verdicts, who sets ri[ght ...]: I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, [...] in order to restore the cult centers (and) to provide for the shrin[es ...], who in distant days in h[is] anger [...] in order to exact vengeance and to take revenge ... [...]. By his exalted command, I conquered (the land) Elam [...]. With his support, I devastated his (the Elamite king’s) land and turned it into a was[teland ...]. Moreover, Tugdammî, the king of a barbarian horde, the creation of Tiamat, the (very) image of [...] in order not to commit a crime nor sin against the border of my land, the oat[h of ...] he scorned (and) did not fear your honored name which the Igīgū gods [...] to glorify your lordship and the might of your divinity [...]. According to your divine message that you sent me, saying, “I will scatter the band of [...].” Sandak-šatru, a son, his offspring, whom he established as his replacement, ... [...]. I listened and paid careful attention to the heroic god Marduk and to the command of the goddess Eru[(a) (Zarpanītu) ...]. I had a basket made of reddish gold (and) pašallu-gold [a]nd [...]. Through the craft of the god Kusibanda, I skillfully created [...] and in order to present [...]. With the [k]ikiṭṭê-rituals of the [in]cantation priest’s craft (and) with the purification of the goddess Kus[u ...] (30) to present [the m]eal, to give the food offerings and [...] to bring (offerings) morning and evening constantly (and) un[ceasingly ...]. When the god Nindagud carries this gold basket and the god Mīnâ-īkul-[bēlī ...]. On account of this, O Marduk, the great lord, look upon this basket with pleasure and [...] have mercy on me, Ashurbanipal, whenever I call out to you [...], accept my prayers (and) listen to my plea(s) (so that) there not be (any) illness ... [...]. Whenever this gold basket [...] before your divinity ... [...]. Look constantly during the presentation of the bursaggê-offerings and the burgê-offerings, and [...] good health, happiness, a bright spirit, long life [...]. Give me a just scepter (and) a true staff, which [...] the people, the subj[ects of the god Enlil, ...]. (40) By your great command, [...] all of the kings who sit on daises for/to [...]. Kill my enemies (and) cut down my foes in the midst of b[attle. ...]. [May] the goddess Zarpanītu, your beloved spouse, (for) the preservation of my life, constan[tly ... May] the god Nabû, the perfect son, your exalted vizier, constantl[y ... May] the goddess Tašmētu, the daughter-in-law of Esagil, who resides inside [..., ...]. During a reign in the distant future, when [this] gold basket [...], may he restore this gold basket, not [change] its work, [and ... May he write (on it)] the praise of the god Marduk, my lord, and the mention of my name w[ith his (own) name and ...]. (As for) the one who [...] this gold basket from Esagil, the seat of [his] l[ordship ... or] removes [the praise of] the god Marduk, my lord, and the menti[on of my name ..., may the god Mardu]k, [the grea]t [lord, make] inauspicious omens about him [appear] in heaven and netherworld [and not ...]. Fifty lines which are (written) upon the gold basket of the god [Marduk ...].

Ashurbanipal 225

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 4 exemplars (principal: K 03412); known as K 03412 / K 11797 + K 13885 / 1880-07-19, 0333 / Sm 1474. RINAP 5 Asb. 225; Oracc Q007633.

Obverse

For the god Marduk, the exalted lord, [king of the gods, supreme one, pre-eminent one ...], one of exalted strength, [foremost of all the lords, ...], all-powerful one, foremost in heaven and netherworld, [who directs the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods ...], who bears the fierce divine weapon, hero [of the great gods, ...], the honored, perfect lord who[se] boundaries [cannot be transgressed ...]; the god Šazu (Marduk), who exterminates all of the wicke[d, who ...], who oversees everything, who holds the n[ose-rope of ...], who maintains the bond of heaven and netherworld, who [...], who is crowned with the crown of rulership, who [is adorned with] awesome ter[ror, who is ... with fearsomeness, ...], (10) the sun of the gods with blazing features [...], most skilled of the skilled, wise, intelligent, [adept, learned, ...], beneficent, discern[ing, ...], deep hearted, who evaluates [...], whose thoughts cannot be understood n[or ...], (15) lord of wells, springs, floods, and [seas, ...], creator of the black-headed (people), lord of crea[tion ...], merciful lord who acce[pts prayers (and) listens to ...], king of Babylo[n, lord of Esagil, the palace of heaven and netherworld, ...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [to bring (offerings)] morni[ng and evening constantly (and) unceasingly ...]. [On account of this, O Mard]uk, the great lord, [look upon this censer with pleasure and ...] have [mercy] on [me, Ashur]banipal, [whenever I call out to you ... m]y [...], grant [my] petit[ion(s) ..., accept m]y [prayers (and)] listen to [my] ple[a(s) (so that) there not be (any) illness ...]. [Whenever] this gold [censer ...] be[fore your divinity ... Look constantly ... duri]ng the presentation of the bursaggê-offerings and the bu[r]g[ê-offerings, and ... good healt]h, happiness, a bright sp[irit, long life ... Give me a] just [scepter (and)] a true staff, [which ... the people, the subjects of the god Enlil, ...]. (rev. 10´) By your great command, [...] all of the kings who sit on [daises for/to ...]. May my land be expanded and may my people flourish [...]. Grant me abundance, prosperity, plenty, ... [...]. Kill my enemies (and) cut down my foes [in the midst of battle. ...]. [May] the goddess Zarpanītu, your beloved spouse, (for) the pr[eservation of my life, constantly ... May] the god Nabû, the perfect son, your exalted vizier, [constantly ... May] the goddess Tašmētu, the daughter-in-law of Esagil, who resi[des inside ..., ...]. During a reign in the distant future, when [this gold] cens[er ...], may he restore this gold censer, [not change its work, and ... May he write (on it)] the praise of the god Marduk, my lord, and [the mention of my name with his (own) name and ...]. (As for) the one who [...] this gold censer from [Esagil, the seat of his lordship ...] or [removes] the praise of the god Marduk, [my lord, and the mention of my name ..., may] the god Marduk, the great lord, [make] inauspicious omens about him [appear in heaven and netherworld and not ..., may] the goddess Zarpanītu, the sublime lady, the spous[e ...]. That which is (written) upon the [gold] basket [of Marduk ...]. Fifty-five lines of prai[se ...].

Ashurbanipal 226

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-07-27, 0070. RINAP 5 Asb. 226; Oracc Q007634.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... wh]ose deeds are skillful, the word(s) of [...]. I, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, [capable] govern[or ..., whom] the lord of lords chos[e] by his pure glance [(and) ...] ... the forgotten cultic rites (and) kidudû-rituals [...] and to placate the mood of his divinity ... [...] (who) guided (me) [in my y]outh (and) protected [my] royal majesty [... he] gave me a just scepter (and) a true staff over [...] (10´) his attention was given to my entreaties [... “D]o not fear!,” he said to me, “I myself [will come to] y[our] aid!” [...]. By his command, he granted me life, [...] a lamassu [...], he always stood in for me, overthrew my foe(s), [...], he came to my aid, shamed the one who gloated over me, [...], (15´) he scorned my enem(ies), conquered my foe(s), ... [...], he comprehended my speech and properly guided my judgement(s) [...], he gave me bright eyes, the lot of the scribal a[rts, ...], to sing praises of his greatness, [...] his name [...], I constantly paid attention to his lordship an[d ...] (rev. 1) the deeds of his divinity, which [...] for the posterity of hi[s] people [...].

Reverse

I had a writing board made [...] an image of my likeness [...] (rev. 5) “The Hero, the Princely One of Heaven and Netherworld,” a (hymn of) praise to the god Bēl (Marduk), the god [...]. On account of this, O Marduk, may the glorification of your strength be pleasing (to you) [...]. By your command, may (this object) be secure in Esagil for a[ll time ...]. [He determined as my lot] a long life (and) a destiny of longevity [...]. By your pronouncement(s), which cannot be overturned, protect [my] life [...], by your command, may my name be secure for eternity [...]. In Eḫalanki (“House of the Secrets of Heaven and Underworld”), the luxuriant dwelling of the goddess Ninbaragesi (Zarpanītu), [..., may] the god Nabû, the splendid one, the exalted heir of the god Marduk, constant[ly ...] the number of my years, a long life (lit. “long days”). May (all of) the world see (this object) and constantly praise [your] divinit[y ...]. Moreover, (as for) me, Ashurbanipal, the one who speaks [...], may the mouth(s) of [the poster]ity of future people pr[aise ...] this ..., the prais[e of ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 227

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02631 + K 02653 + K 02855; known as Nergal-Laṣ Inscription (K 02631 + K 02653 + K 02855). RINAP 5 Asb. 227; Oracc Q007635.

Obverse

For the god Nergal, perfect warrior, mightiest of the gods, foremost hero, po[werful] lord, [...], king of battle, lord of strength and power, lord of the Deluge that brings abo[ut ...], the exalted son of the god Enlil, powerful one among the gods, his brothers, child of the goddess Kutušar (Mullissu), the [great] que[en], who marches at the side of the king, his f[avori]te, and kills his foes, (who) cuts down [...], (5) (who) sp[a]res the ruler who reveres him from plague, (who) grants him mighty [victories], who resides in Em[esla]m, the holy shrine that is inside Cutha, the great lord, [his lord] — I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, kin[g of the four quarters (of the world)]; son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria; grandson of Sennacherib, king of the world, k[ing of Assyria]; the eternal seed of kingship — [the great gods] desi[red me] to secure the regular offerings (and) to provide for the shrines. (10) The deities Aššur, Mullissu, and Nergal, the great gods, made the foundation(s) of my royal throne firm [...], (and) th[ey allowed me to stand] over all my enemies in order to exact revenge for the kings, my fathers: (As for) Kudur-Nanḫundu (Kutur-Naḫḫunte), the Elamite who did not k[eep] the oath (sworn) by the great gods, [...], who in madness [trusted] in his own strength, [...], (and) who laid his hands on the shrines of the land Akkad and destroyed the l[and Akkad, ...], (15) (when) the time had come (and) the appropriate time drew near, the great gods [looked upon his evil] deeds [(and ...)]. For 1,635 years, the Elam[ite] destruction [...], they (the gods) commissioned me, Ashurbanipal, the ruler who reveres them, to scatter the lan[d Elam ...] and [they placed in my hands] the mercil[ess] weapon [(...)]. The great gods in heaven and netherworld [...]. (20) The god Šamaš, through his firm “yes,” [commanded me ...], and the god Sîn, through his decision that cannot change, [...]. They told (me) to execute faithfully the command of the goddess Ištar [...]. I trusted in the command of (the god) Aššur (and) the god Ne[rgal, who had encouraged me, ...] ... my heart at the comm[and of the goddess Ištar ... I did not ... a]t the command of the goddess Iš[tar, daughter of the god Sîn, ...] Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse

Darkness gathered over the land Elam [...] I flattened (it) like the Deluge (even) more than before [...] I seized the city Susa within the space of a (single) day. I [brought] the god Inšušin[ak ...], the gods of the land Elam and its goddesses, [out and counted (them) as booty. ...] (rev. 5) the captives of the land Elam — young and old which [were with]out number — [(and) the possessions (and) property of their earlier kings], as well as the bribes from the lands that th[ey (the lands)] had p[rovided] for aid [...]. With the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), Na[bû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, ...], the great gods, my lords, [I flattened the land Elam] in one year [(...)], I destroyed it a second (time), (and then) a third (time), when Umman[aldašu ...]. (rev. 10) By their pronouncement(s), which no one can overturn, the [Elamite] destructi[on ...] the troubling things that their fathers had done [...]. With the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the god Nergal, the [great] gods, [my lords, to ...] I exacted revenge [... I grasped] the hands of the goddesses Nanāya, Uṣur-amā[ssa, (and) Urkayītu ... (and)] (rev. 15) I made (them) enter (and) reside in Ea[nna ...]. The god Mār-bīti of Māliki, who[m the Elamite villain ...] with the daughter of the god Sîn [...]. At that time, (as for) Emeslam, which a kin[g of the past (who had come) before me had built, (and which) had become (dilapidated and) old], I renovated its dilapidated section(s and) [removed] the portion(s) [of it] that had collap[sed. In brick mold(s) of ebony (and) musukkannu-wood, I made its bricks with crushed pieces of aromatics]. (rev. 20) I made (people) tak[e up] hoe(s) [and had its foundation(s) put (back) into alignment (...)]. In an auspicious month, (on) a propitious day, [I laid its foundation(s)] with pe[rfumed oil, good quality oil, silver, (and) gold. Moreover, I secured its door bolt(s)]. [I adorned the structure of the temple] with musukkannu-wood, KA-wood, [ebony, boxwood, ḫilēpu-wood, and UMBIN-wood and built (and) completed (it)] from its foundation(s) to [its] crenellations [with the craft of the god Kulla. I raised its superstructure. I roofed it with] long beams of cedar gr[own on Mount Sirāra (and) Mount Lebanon. (rev. 25) I fastened band(s) of bronze on do]ors of white cedar, who[se] sc[ent is sweet, (and) fixed (them) in its gateways. I stationed] fierce lion-headed eagles who[se weight is] such-and-such [...], protectors of my royal path, [...]. [I grasped] the hands of the god Nergal (and) the goddess Laṣ ... [...] to Emes[l]am, the temple belov[ed by ...]. When the deities Nergal (and) La[ṣ ...] me, As[hurbanipal, ...] their [radiant] faces [...] their benevo[lent] protection [...]. May th[ey] leng[then] my days [... (rev. 35) (my)] sheph[erdship ...] wherever I g[o ...]. [May] a f[uture] ruler, [(...), whom the deities ... choose and nominate] for rulin[g over the land and people, renovate its dilapidated section(s)] when [this] temple [becomes old and dilapidated]. (rev. 40) (As for) the one who [erases] (my) inscribed name [..., may] the god Nergal, the mig[htiest of the gods, ...] yearl[y ...]. Subscript completely missing?

Ashurbanipal 228

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02654; known as Nergal-Laṣ Inscription (K 02654). RINAP 5 Asb. 228; Oracc Q007636.

Obverse

Lacuna [... For 1],63[5 years, the Elamite destruction ..., the gods Aššur], Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, [... in the di]vine assembly place [... (5´) they (the gods) commissioned m]e, Ashurbanipal, the rule[r who reveres them, to scatter the land Elam ... The] great [god]s in heave[n and netherworld ... The god Ša]maš, through his firm “yes,” commanded [me ... They told (me)] to exe[cute faithfully the comma]nd of the deities Aššur, Ištar, and Nergal [...]. [I tru]sted in the command of (the god) Aššur (and) the god Nergal, who had enco[uraged me, ...] I did [no]t ... at the command of the goddess Ištar, daug[hter of the god Sîn, ..., wh]ich during the night the fury [of ...] I directed the troops of Assyria against the Elamite [...]. On my first campaign, by the command of the deities Aššur, Išt[ar, ...] I placed Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), son of [Urtaku], on his (Teumman’s) throne [...]. (15´) Ummanigaš, for whom I had performed (many acts of) kindness (and) who[m] I had installed [as king of the land Elam, ...]. Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) unfaithfu[l] brother, [carried off] the property of Esagil, Ezida, Emeslam, and [...]. (The god) Aššur, supreme one of the gods who determines fates, and the god Ner[gal ...] delivered [him (Ummanigaš)] into the hands of Tammarītu, son of another Ummanigaš, the brother of his father, [...]. (20´) Tammarītu, who sat on the throne of the land Elam after him (and) who, like h[im, ...], (the god) Aššur (and) the god Nergal, the gods who support me, overthrew his kingship and [...]. After him, Indabibi, who, like him, had constantly sen[t ...], (the god) Aššur (and) the god Nergal, gods of mine who constantly answer (enemies) in my stead, (and) fear of the weapons of [... T]error overwhelmed them (the people of Elam) and (then) [they rebelled] against Indabibi [(and) killed him with the sword ... The a]nger of (the god) Aššur (and) the god Nergal did not relent (and) the fury of the Assyrian Ištar [...]. [On] my [seco]nd campaign, I gathered the troops of (the god) Aššur, who ... [...], I scattered [the troops of U]mmanaldašu (and) [his] forc[es ...] I filled the op[en country] with the silence (of desolation) [...] ... [...].

Reverse

[...] ... the divine light (Sîn) [... br]ought out, and (as for) the daug[hter] of the god Sîn (Ištar), the female warrior, her divinity came forth [...] their “yes” [...] ... battle ... [...] I was fully prepared for battle (and) he was marching [... (rev. 5) The god Nergal, the] merciless [warr]ior, powerful one among the gods, his brothers, who intercedes on [my] b[ehalf, ... The goddess Ištar, ... of] battle, the lady of the city Arbela, had quivers hanging (on the right and left) ... [... she] unsheath[ed ...] she was scorching with fire, the one who ... [...]. The god Adad, the canal inspector of hea[ven (and) nether]world, the devastating (storm) cloud, [roared] against him (Ummanaldašu) [...]. With the support of the [great] god[s], my lords, I destroyed the troops of [U]mman[aldašu ...] I established his [de]feat in all directi[ons]. (On) that day, ... [...] I flattened (it) like the Deluge (even) more than before [...] I seized the city Susa within the space of a (single) day. I brought [the god Inšušinak ...], the gods of the land Elam and its goddesses, out and count[ed] (them) as booty. [... the pos]sessions (and) property of thei[r] earlier kings, as well as the bribes from the lan[ds that they (the lands) had provided for aid, ...]. [With the suppo]rt of the deities A[š]šur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, [Ištar of Arbela, ..., the great gods, my lords], I flattened the land Elam [in on]e [ye]ar, I destroye[d it] in a second year, [(and then) a third (time), when Ummanaldašu ... By] their [p]ronouncement(s), which no one can overturn, the El[amite] destruction [... With the suppor]t of the gods Aššur, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, (and) Nergal, the great gods, my lords, to [...] the cities Bašimu (and) Banunu, royal [ci]t(ies) of the land Elam that [... (rev. 20) By the co]mmand of the gods Aššur, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, (and) Nergal, who had encouraged m[e, ... I grasped the ha]nds of the goddesses Nanāya, Uṣur-amāssa, (and) Urkayī[tu ... (and) I made (them) enter (and) reside in Eanna ...]. The god Mār-bīti of the city Māliki, whom the Elamit[e] villain [...]. Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) unfaithful bro­ther, for whom I had performed (many acts of) kindness (and) [whom] I had insta[lled as king of Babylon, ...] the lands Akkad, Chaldea, Aram, (and) Karduniaš (Babylonia), which ... [... (rev. 25) The] great [go]ds looked upon his evil deeds and in [... (As for) the one who] had disturbed my (exercising the) kingship, I imposed a harsh punishment on hi[m ...]. [At that time], (as for) Emeslam, which [a ki]ng of the past (who had come) before me had bu[ilt, ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 229

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03079 + K 03080 (+) Sm 2019 + Bu 1891-05-09, 0108. RINAP 5 Asb. 229; Oracc Q007637.

Column i

[I, A]shurbanipal, great king, [strong king, ki]ng of the world, king of Assyria, [king of the] four [quarters (of the world), governor of Baby]lon, (i 5) [king of the land of Sumer and] Akkad; [offspring of Esarh]addon, [king of the world, king of A]ssyria; [descendant of Sennach]erib, [king of the world, king of A]ssyria — [...] the god Nergal [...] my [...]s [... From my childhood until] I became an [a]dult [...] me (and) they [gra]nted me [a broad mind (and) (i 15) allo]wed my [m]ind [to l]ea[rn all of the scriba]l arts. They made the mention of [m]y na[me] greater (and) made my lordship more surpassing than (those of all other) kings [who sit on] (royal) daises. (As for) the sanctuaries of Assyria (and) the land Akka[d] whose foundation(s) Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, [the father who had engendered me, had laid, (but) whose construction he had] not finis[hed, I myself] now [...] Lacuna [I gave (it) (a chariot)] a[s a gift to the god Marduk, the king of the totality of heaven and netherworld, the one who overwhelms my enemies]. [I] skillfully [made] a b[ed of musukkannu-wood, a durable wood], that [is clad with] p[ašallu-gold (and) studded with] p[recious] stones, as a [pleasure] be[d for the god Bēl (Marduk) (and) the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu)] to carry out the weddin[g (and) to make love. I placed (it)] in Kaḫil[isu, the bed chamber of the goddess Zarpanītu], which [is laden with] sexual [charm]. [I stationed] four [fierce] wild bulls [of silver], protector[s of my royal path, in] the “Gate of the Ri[sing Sun” (and) in the “Gate of Lamma-RA.BI,” in gateway(s) of Ezida, which is inside Borsippa].

Column ii

I [completed] the sanctuaries of Assyria (and) [the land Akkad] in their entirety. I decorated the walls of the temples o[f ...] with silver (and) gold, (and) [filled (them) with] splen[dor]. (ii 5) I made regular offerings (and) contributions more [plentiful] than those of [distant] da[ys]. The great gods [looked] with pleasure [upon my good] deed[s]. They made [my] weapons great(er) [...] (and) rendered judgment [...] (No translation possible) Lacuna [they (the god Aššur and the god Nergal) accepted my pra]yer[s (and) listened to the utterance(s) of my lips. I]ndabibi, a s[ervant of his, rebelled against him and] b[rought about his defeat i]n a pitched battle. (As for) Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam wh[o had] s[poken insolent wor]d(s) [on account of the cutting off of the head of Teum]m[an — which a low-ranking sol]die[r of my army had cut off — saying: “Will they cut off the he]ad of the king of [the land Elam in his (own) land, in the assembly of his] troops?” [He spoke (again): “Moreover, how could Ummanigaš] kiss [the ground (ii 10´) before a messenger of Ashurbani]pal, king of A[ssyria?” On account of] th[ese words that he had slanderously uttered, (the god) Aššur and the god Nergal] attacke[d him and (then) Tammarītu, his brothers], his [fa]mily, (and) the seed of [his] fat[her’s] house, [together with eighty-five noble]s who march at his side, (ii 15´) fled to me [from In]dabibi, and (then) [grasped] the feet of my royal majesty.

Column iii

Lacuna [... fled to the city Dūr-Und]āsi. [He cr]ossed the [Idide] Riv[er] and pr[epared himse]lf to fight with me.

Column iv

With the support of (the god) Aššur and the god Nergal, I advanced and marched against Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), the king of the land Elam. In the course of my campaign, I conquered the city Dūr-Undāsi, a royal city of his. I crossed that river and conquered fourteen cities, his royal residence(s), and smal[l(er)] settlements, which were without number, together with twenty villages in the district of the city Ḫunnir, (which is) on the bo[rder of the city] Ḫidalu. I destroyed (and) [demolished] the city Baš[imu and the villages in its envir]ons. [As for the people living inside them, I a]nni[hilated them. ...] Lacuna

Column v

[Paʾê, who had exercised dominion over] the land Elam [in opposition to] Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), [thought about the awe-inspiring brilliance of the] fierce [weapons of (the god) Aššur and the god Nergal that] (v 5) they had poured [over the land Elam, (not) once (or) twice, (but) thrice, and he beca]me disheartened. He fled to me [from the land Ela]m and [grasped the fee]t of my royal majesty. [(As for) Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III)], the king of the land Elam, [who] had fled [from] the weapon of (the god) Aššur (and) (v 10) [who had taken to] the mountain(s), he returned [from the mountain(s)], his [place of] refuge, and [he entered the city Madakt]u, a city [that] Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna [I fastened] band(s) of silver [on doors of white cedar], who[se] fragr[ance is sweet], (and) I fixed (them) in [its gateways]. When the god Nergal takes up residence (on) his [(eternal)] dais inside [..., ...] me, Ashurbanipal, [...], the builder of [this] temple. (vi 1) May he (the god Nergal) tur[n his radiant] fac[e towards me, lengthen] m[y] days, [(and) increase my] yea[rs]. (vi 5) May he [determine as my fate] go[od health (and) happiness]. May he [... (my)] sh[epherdship ... (vi 10) (so that) I may rule] wh[erever I desire (lit. “I say”) (and) a[chieve] wha[tever (lit. “the place”) I strive for].

Column vi

Lacuna Inscribed object for the temple of the god Nergal that (is inside) Cutha. Blank Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 230

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 17706. RINAP 5 Asb. 230; Oracc Q007638.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

One column likely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna [...] ... [...] [At] that [tim]e, (as for) Emeslam, [which a king of the past (who had come) before me had bui]lt, (and which) had becom[e old], I renovated its [dilapidat]ed section(s and) [removed] the por[tion(s) of it that had collapsed. (rev. i´ 5´) In b]rick mold(s) of ebony (and) [musukannu-wood, I made its bricks with crushe]d pieces of ar[omatics]. Lacuna One column likely missing

Ashurbanipal 231

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06232. RINAP 5 Asb. 231; Oracc Q008319.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... of Babyl]on, true shepherd, who makes the foundations of the land firm, who [...] by his clever knowledge [... with]in the eternal city he elevated. The city of privileged-status, which is depicted as the “Crab” in the heavens and ... [...] its foundations were tottering. The abode of his city was torn out and one could not examine [its] structu[re ... (5´) ...] its [plain]s were full of lions instead of oxen and sheep. In [my] ro[yal] chariot [... whi]ch (with) mighty strength, the fierce bow, the me[rciless] arrow [...]s, I slew and totally destroyed (them). The plains ... [...] I cut off [from] inside it and I made the people happy [...]. [... in S]ippar he/it made chaos inc[rease ... The Araḫtu River, (normally) a rive]r of abundance, [turned into] an angry wave, a ragin[g ti]de, [a huge flood like the deluge ...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] for Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, their governor, who reveres the gods Nabû and [Marduk ...] ... of the lands who established all settlements ... [...]. [... I] had bricks made. In a favorable month with the ... [...]. I transported its [...]s (and) [I installed long] beams [of ced]a[r] at its entrances. [(As for its ...), I made its workmanship pleasing (with) [...] (and) cyprus. [I ...] (its) ced[ar] doors. [...] its gates, (on) the eighth day, a festival day, all day long [...]. I made [...] enter the [... o]f the splendid abode. Like the god Šamaš, [I illuminated] the entire [...]. [... were sl]aughtered (and) sheep were abundant. Lamentation-priests [...]. I poured out libation(s) of oil and [...] ... a fate without equal, the great gods ... [... for whom the god] Ea, their father, interceded ... [...] substantial [trib]ute, the amount [of which was countless ...] ... by the command of the god [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 232

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 0589. RINAP 5 Asb. 232; Oracc Q008320.

Column i

[I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the] four [qua]rters (of the world); [offspring of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer] and Akkad; [descendant of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of As]syria — [The great gods in their assembly determined a favorable destiny] as my lot [(and) they granted me a broad mind (and) allowed] my [mi]nd [to learn all of the scribal arts]. They [glorifie]d [the mention of my name (and) made my lordship greater than (those of all other) kings who sit on (royal) daises]. Lacuna

Column ii

The word of the god Sîn, which [he had spoken] i[n distant days, he now revealed to the people of a later generation]. H[e allowed] the temple of the god Sîn — which [Shalmaneser (III), son of Ashurnasirpal (II), a king of the past (who had come) before me, had built — to become] old [and he entrusted (its renovation) to me]. [I removed its dilapidated section(s)] by the command of the gods Sîn (and) N[usku. I made its structure larger than the one in the days of the past. I built (and) completed (it)] from [its] foun[dation(s) to its crenellations. Inside it, I built] Em[elamana, the temple of the god Nusku, the exalted vizier, which no king of the past (who had come) before me had built. I roofed them with long] be[ams of cedar]. Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [(As for) the one who destroys an inscribed object bearing my name, makes (it) disappear by some crafty device, (or) does not place (it)] wit[h an inscribed object bearing his name, may] the great gods [of heaven and netherworld overthrow his kingship (and) make] his name (and) seed [disappear from the land]. In order to exact revenge [...]. At that time, the goddess Uṣur-am[āssa ...] the might of the grea[t] gods [...] the goddess Ištar of Akka[d, ...], the goddess Nanāya, [...], the goddess Anu[nītu, ...]

Column iv

Lacuna [...] ... [...] his [s]hrines (and) to plunder his people [... (the goddess Nanāya) who wen]t to live in the land Elam, [...] relented [...] made the return trip. [...] became a forest and [...] cut down and [...] established his daises [...] and gods, as many as (there were) with [he]r, [... made (them) dwe]ll (on their) eternal dais(es). [..., who we]nt to live in the land Elam, which [... who]se mountings had become old, tho[se] gods [..., the goddess] Anunītu, [...] their goddesses I carried off to Assyria. (iv 15´) [...] ... between it [...] ...

Ashurbanipal 233

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04521. RINAP 5 Asb. 233; Oracc Q008321.

Obverse

Lacuna [two tall obelisks cast with] s[hiny zaḫal]û-metal, [whose weight was 2,500 talents (and which) stood at a temple gate, I r]ippe[d (them) from where they were erected and took (them) to Assyria]. [On my return march, ... the peopl]e from the midst of the sea [...] deed[s ...] these [...]. At a distance of one month (and) twenty days (journey) into the mi[dst of the se]a and on dry land, [I added] territo[ry to that of the kings, my ancestors, and ruled (it)]. [By the command of] the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, [... whom] ... the goddess Nanāya, the honored daughter, their beloved, had nom[inated ..., I cut off the head of] Teumman, the presumptuous king of the land Elam, who to the god(dess) [...] I slew his warriors [withou]t number. I [captured his fighting men] ali[ve]. (10´) I fi[lled the plain of the city Susa with the]ir bodies like baltu-plant(s) and ašāgu-plant(s) [... f]led to me (and) grasped my feet [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 234

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03056. RINAP 5 Asb. 234; Oracc Q008322.

Obverse

One column likely completely missing

Obverse, Column i'

Lacuna I placed [Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikas II), who had fled to me (and) had gr]asped [my] fe[et, on the throne of Teumman. (As for) Tammarītu, the] third [brother of Umman]igaš, [I instal]led him as king [in the city Ḫidalu]. [...] to Uruk [...] him and (No translation possible) Lacuna

Obverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [I, Ashurbanipal, the magnanimous (and) for]bearin[g one, m]ustered my troops [for a second time] (and) gave the command to march [against Ummanal]dašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III). [I drove away Um]manaldašu, the king of the land Elam, (and) he fled [from] my weapons and took to the mountains (lit. “ascended his mountain”). (As for) Umba-LAGABua, who sat on the throne of the land Elam in opposition to Ummanaldašu, he, like him (Ummanaldašu) heard about (the advance of my army) and abandoned the city Bubilu, a city that was a lordly residence of his, and, like fish, he took to the depths of far away waters. (As for) Tammarītu, who had grasped my feet, I installed him as king inside the city Susa. He forgot the kindness that I had done for him and constantly sought out evil (ways) to conquer my troops. (ii´ 15´) The deities Aššur, Ištar, (and) Nanāya, [who] marched at my side (and) [allowed me to stand over] my foes, Lacuna

Reverse, Column i

Lacuna [(As for) the goddess Nanāya, who 1,635 years (ago)] became angry [and] went to live in the land Elam, she entrusted me with the return of her divinity. Her divine word(s) that she had spoken in distant days, she now disclosed to the people of a later generation. I grasped the hands of the goddesses Nanāya, Uṣur-amāssa, (and) Urkayītu, and ... Lacuna

Reverse, Column ii

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna One column likely completely missing

Ashurbanipal 235

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-07-27, 0145. RINAP 5 Asb. 235; Oracc Q008323.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] I brought about [their] defea[t ...] I devasta[ted the cit]y Susa [... the goddesses Nanāya, Uṣur-amāssa, (and) A]rkayītu (Urkayītu), who f[rom ... (5´) ... I made (them) ent]er Eanna in [... who cuts d]own my enemies [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 236

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13360. RINAP 5 Asb. 236; Oracc Q008324.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

One or more columns completely missing

Reverse, Column i'

Lacuna [whom] the goddesses N[anāya], Uṣur-a[māssa], (and) Urkay[ītu] nom[inate] for ruling ov[er the land] and [people], Lacuna

Reverse, Column ii'

Lacuna [(That which is written upon) the inscribed object]s [of U]ruk. Blank Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 237

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 16781. RINAP 5 Asb. 237; Oracc Q008325.

Obverse

[I, A]shurbanipal, [great] ki[ng, ..., kin]g of the land of Sumer [and Akkad, ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 238

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02846. RINAP 5 Asb. 238; Oracc Q008326.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] my [... the beginning of (my) r]eign [... ins]ide the land of the Kassites (5´) [...] their counsel changed [...], the king of Assyria, [...], who had [not b]owed down to my yoke, [...] pours out ...s [...] constantly did [...] he was uttering hostilities [towards Assyria]. [I, Ashur]banipal, strong king, king of Assyria, [...] ... [..., w]ho was quick with reliable words, [...] I sent him [to] the city Qirbit and [... I made] him take [the road. (15´) ...] I sent and [... t]hem.

Reverse

[...] ... [...] ... [...] ... he made (his troops) enter and [...] ... they seized (and) conquered, and (rev. 5) [...] ... they killed with the sword [...] ... and [...] their leader [...] and, in order not to see him, [...] he hung [... on poles] and surrounded the city (with them) (rev. 10) [...] to Nineveh [...] ... he gleefully rejoiced. [...] ... kingship [..., wh]o cut(s) down his foes, [...] distant ...s (rev. 15) [...] may he be fully satisfied with (his) life [...] ... (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 239

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 14431. RINAP 5 Asb. 239; Oracc Q008327.

Lacuna [...] ... [... Ashurbanip]al, king of Assyria, the pio[us one, ...] your divine [...] chose and [... the king]s, his ancestors, [...; (5´) (...) so]n of Esarhaddon, king of [Assyria, ...; grandson of Sennac]her[ib, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 240

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13225. RINAP 5 Asb. 240; Oracc Q008328.

Lacuna [... yea]rly [...] as [...] Urtaku, the king (5´) [...] ... [...] he threw down [...] at his feet [... Um]manigaš, his brother, in [...] ... Lacuna

Chapter Two. Ashurbanipal — Inscriptions from Babylonia and the Provinces

Asb. 241–270. Reigned 668–ca. 631 BC.

Ashurbanipal 241

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 19 exemplars (principal: BM 086918 (1900-03-10, 0002)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.1. RINAP 5 Asb. 241; Oracc Q008329.

For the god Marduk, king of all the Igīgū gods and Anunnakū gods, creator of heaven and netherworld, who establishes archetypes (and) dwells in Esagil, lord of Babylon, great lord, my lord: I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, (re)built Esagil, renovated the sanctuaries of all the cult centers, constantly established appropriate procedures in them, and (re)confirmed their interrupted regular offerings, (who) restored the rites (and) rituals according to the old pattern; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, I — During my reign, the great lord, the god Marduk, entered Babylon amidst rejoicing and took up his residence in Esagil for evermore. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. Moreover, I decorated Esagil with silver, gold, (and) precious stones and made Eumuša glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament. At that time, (with regard to) Imgur-Enlil, the (city) wall of Babylon, (and) Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, which had become old and buckled (and) collapsed, in order to increase the security of Esagil and the (other) sanctuaries of Babylon, with the strength of my labor forces I had Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, built quickly anew with the craft of the god Kulla and I refitted its gates. I had (new) doors made and fixed (them) in its gateways. O (you) future ruler, during whose reign this work falls into disrepair, question skilled craftsmen! (Re)build Imgur-Enlil, the (city) wall, (and) Nēmetti-Enlil, the outer wall, according to their ancient specifications! Look at my inscribed object, anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) place (it) with your (own) inscribed object! The god Marduk will (then) listen to your prayers. (But) as for the one who destroys my inscribed name or the name of my favorite (brother) by some crafty device, (or) does not place my inscribed object with his (own) inscribed object, may the god Marduk, king of everything, glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands!

Ashurbanipal 242

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). de Clercq -; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.6. RINAP 5 Asb. 242; Oracc Q008330.

Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, I — During my reign, the great lord, the god Marduk, who during the reign of a previous king had resided in Baltil (Aššur) in the presence of the father who had created him, (10) entered Babylon amidst rejoicing. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, (15) to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. I completed the work on Esagil which my father had not finished. At that time, I (re-)erected the platforms and daises of all of Esagil in their (original) positions according to their ancient specifications. On account of this, may the god Marduk, the great lord, look upon my good deeds with pleasure and determine as my fate a long life, fullness of old age, good health, and happiness! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, king of Babylon, my favorite brother, may his days be long and may he be fully satisfied with (his) good fortune! If at any time in the future, during the days of the reign of some future ruler, this work falls into disrepair, may (that ruler) repair its dilapidated state! May he write my name with his (own) name! May he find my inscribed object, anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) set (my inscribed object back) in its place! The god Marduk will (then) hearken to his prayers. [(But) as for the one who] erases my inscribed name, (or) destroys my inscribed object, or changes its position, may the great lord, the god Marduk, glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands!

Ashurbanipal 243

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). Ist EȘEM 07893 (BE 28510); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.3. RINAP 5 Asb. 243; Oracc Q008331.

Ashurbanipal, [great] king, [mighty king, king of the world], king of Assyria, king of the [four] quarters (of the world), [king of kings], ruler who has no rival, who rules from [the Upper Sea to the] Lower [Sea] and [who made] all [rulers bow down at his feet]; (5) son of Esarhaddon, [great] king, [(mighty king), (king of the world), (king of Assyria), (governor of Babylon)], king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; [grand]son of [Sennacherib, (great king), mighty king], king of the world, king of Assyria, I — [I completed the work on Esagil] which (my) father who had engendered me had not [finished. I (re)confirmed] the regular offerings for Esagil [and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established] the privileged status of B[abylon (and) appointed Šamas-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm] the weak. Lacuna [(But) as for the one who ... destroys my] inscri[bed object, or changes its position], may the god Ea, king of the Wat[ery Abyss (apsû), speak evil of him before the god Bēl (Marduk) (and) the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu) and make] his name (and) his descendant(s) [disappear] from [the lands]!

Ashurbanipal 244

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 5 exemplars (principal: BM 090935 (BM 012064); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.4. RINAP 5 Asb. 244; Oracc Q008332.

Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who rules from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet; (5) son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; grandson of Sennacherib, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, I — I completed the work on Esagil which (my) father who had engendered me had not finished. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. (10) I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-<šuma>-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. At that time, I had Eturkalama, the temple of the goddess Ištar of Babylon, (re)built anew. May the goddess Ištar of Babylon, the exalted lady, look upon my good deeds with pleasure and may she say good things about me daily before the god Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu)! May she determine as my fate a long life (and) make my reign [as] firm as heaven and netherworld! [Moreover, with regard to] Šamaš-<šuma>-ukīn, king of Babylon, [my favorite brother], may [his days] be long and may he experience the fullness of old age! [(But) as for the one who] erases [my inscribed name or the name of] my [fav]orite (brother) by some crafty device, (or) destroys my inscribed object, or changes its position, may the goddess Ištar of Babylon speak evil of him before the god Bēl (and) the goddess Bēltīya (and) make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands!

Ashurbanipal 245

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). VA 08409 (BE 05457); BM 033338 (Rm 3, 011); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.5. RINAP 5 Asb. 245; Oracc Q008333.

Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who rules from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet; (5) son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; grandson of Sennacherib, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, I — I completed the work on Esagil which (my) father who had engendered me had not finished. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. (10) I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. At that time, I had Emaḫ, the temple of the goddess Ninmaḫ (or Bēlet-ilī) that is inside Babylon, (re)built anew. On account of this, may the goddess Ninmaḫ, the exalted lady, look upon my good deeds with pleasure and say good things about me daily before the god Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu)! May she determine as my fate a long life (and) make my reign as firm as heaven and netherworld! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, king of Babylon, my favorite brother, may his days be long and may he experience the fullness of old age! (But) as for the one who erases my inscribed name or the name of my favorite (brother) by some crafty device, (or) destroys my inscribed object, or changes its position, may the goddess Ninmaḫ speak evil of him before the god Bēl (and) the goddess Bēltīya and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands!

Ashurbanipal 246

Stele; stone; Babylon (Bābili). BM 090864 (BM 012110; 1881-03-24, 0367); BM 022533 (1894-01-15, 0335); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2. RINAP 5 Asb. 246; Oracc Q008334.

I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who by the command of the gods Aššur, Šamaš, and Marduk rules from the Upper Sea (10) to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet, who provides for Esagil, the palace of the gods — whose doorbolt I made glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament —, who repaired the damaged parts of all their sanctuaries, (who) established (my) protection over all cult centers, whose deeds are pleasing to all the gods (and) (20) whose shepherdship is sweet to the black-headed people; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, (re)built Esagil, renovated the sanctuaries of all the cult centers, constantly established appropriate procedures in them, and (re)confirmed their interrupted offerings, (who) restored the rites and rituals according (30) to the old pattern; grandson of Senna[cherib], great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Ass[yria], I — During my reign, the [great] lord, the god Marduk, who during the reign of a previous king (40) had resided in Baltil (Aššur) in the presence of the father who created [him], entered Babylon amidst rejoicing. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re–)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) (50) in order that the strong might not harm the weak, I appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon. I completed the work on Esagil which my father had not finished. I roofed it with long beams of cedar and cypress, the produce of (60) Mount Amanus and Mount Lebanon. I had doors made of boxwood, musukkannu-wood, juniper, and cedar and I fixed (them) [in] its gates. I had vessels made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and (precious) stones and I placed (them) inside it. At that [time], I had Ekarzagina, the temple of the god E[a] that is inside (the) Esagil (temple complex), (re)built anew. May the god Ea, king of the Watery Abyss (apsû), look upon this work with [pleasure] and may a good word for me — [Ashurba]nipal, king of Ass[yria, ruler] who reveres him — be set (70) upon his lips! May he determine as my fate a long life, fullness of ol[d a]ge, good health, and happiness! May he [make] the foundation of my [royal th]ro[ne as secure] as a mountain! May he make my reign as firm as heaven and netherworld! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-[uk]īn, king of Babylon, my favorite brother, may his days be long and may he be fully satisfied with (his) good fortune! If at any time in the future, [during the days] of the reign of some future ruler, this work falls into disrepair, [may (that ruler) re]pair its dilapidated state! May he look at my royal image, (80) [an]oint (it) [with oil], offer a sacrifice, (and) place (my image) with his (own) image! The god Ea will (then) listen to his prayers. (But) as for the one who e[ras]es my inscribed name, (or) [destroys] my royal statue, or [ch]an[ges] its position [and] does not pla[ce] (it) with [his] (own) im[age], may the god Ea, (90) exalted lord, glare at him angrily, overthrow his royal rule, and take away his sovereignty. May he (Ea) make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands and have no pity on him!

Ashurbanipal 247

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 27 exemplars (principal: BE 08086); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.7. RINAP 5 Asb. 247; Oracc Q008335.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Ashurbanipal, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, in order to ensure his good health (5) had baked bricks made anew for Esagil and Etemenanki.

Ashurbanipal 248

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 5 exemplars (principal: BM 090285 (DT 381)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.8. RINAP 5 Asb. 248; Oracc Q008336.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Ashurbanipal, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, son of Esarhaddon, (5) king of the world, king of Assyria, (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Etemenanki.

Ashurbanipal 249

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). VA Bab 04052h (BE 41143); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.11. RINAP 5 Asb. 249; Oracc Q008338.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Ashurbanipal, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, for the sake of his life had baked bricks made anew for Etemenanki.

Ashurbanipal 250

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). BE 41186; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.10. RINAP 5 Asb. 250; Oracc Q008339.

[For] the god Marduk, his lord: Ashur[banipal], son of Esarhaddon, king of the world (and) [king of Assyria had] baked bricks [made] anew for Etemena[nki].

Ashurbanipal 251

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 8 exemplars (principal: BM 130712 (1942-01-28, 0001)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.9. RINAP 5 Asb. 251; Oracc Q008340.

For the god Asari, great lord, his lord: Ashurbanipal, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (and) king of Babylon, for the sake of his life had constructed Etemenanki anew.

Ashurbanipal 252

Cylinder; clay; Babylonia. 1881-02-04, 0174; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.20. RINAP 5 Asb. 252; Oracc Q008341.

Lacuna this [work] falls into dis[repair ...], question skilled [craftsmen! ... Rebuild (...)], the temple of the goddess Ištar according to [its ancient] specifi[cations! (...) The goddess Ištar (of Agade)] will (then) listen to [your prayers. Look at my] inscribed object, [anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and)] s[et] (my inscribed object) with your (own) inscribed object! [(But) as for the one who erases my inscribed name by some crafty device], (or) does not write [my name] with his name, (or) [destroys my inscribed object], (or) does not set [my inscribed object with his (own) inscribed object] ... [...] the goddess Ištar of Agade [will ...].

Ashurbanipal 253

Cylinder; clay; Birs Nimrud (Borsippa). VA 03587; BM 083000 (+) BM 083001 (1883-01-21, 0163 [+] 1883-01-21, 0164); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.13. RINAP 5 Asb. 253; Oracc Q008342.

To the god Nabû, the powerful heir [... h]ero of the gods, eminent, exalted, splendid, scribe of Esagil, f[oremost] son, [...], who bears the tablet of the fates of the gods, who controls the omens, prince of the g[reat] gods, [(...) the one who directs the Igīgū and] Anunnakū gods, who gives advice to the gods of heaven (and) netherworld, powerful ... [...] whose weapons cannot be equaled, (5) firstborn son of the god Asari (Marduk), offspring of the goddess [Erua (Zarpanītu), ...] whose lordship is supreme, who dwells in Ezida — the proper temple — lord of Borsi[ppa — the] awesome [cult center] — great lord, my lord: I, Ashurbanipal, [gr]eat k[ing], mighty king, king of the world, king of [Ass]yria, king of the four quarters (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of As[syria, governor of Babyl]on, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, [(re)built Esagil, (and) renovated the sanctuaries] of all cult centers; (10) who constantly establ[ished appropriate procedures] in them, (re)confirmed [their int]errupted [regular offerings, (and) restor]ed the rites (and) ritua[ls according to the old pattern; grandson of] Sennac[herib, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assy]ria, I — [During my reign, the great lord, the god Marduk], entered [Babylon amidst rejoicing] and [took up his residence in the eternal Esagil. I (re)confirmed the regular offer]ings for Esagil (15) and the gods [of Babylon]. I (re-)established [the privileged status of Babyl]on (and) appointed [Šamaš-šuma-ukīn], (my) favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not har[m] the weak. I decorated Esagil [with silver, gold], (and) precious stones and [made] Eumuša glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the fi[rmament]. At [th]at [time], (with regard to) Ṭābi-supūršu, the (city) wall of Borsippa, wh[ich] had become [ol]d, (20) [buckled (and) c]ollapsed, in order to increase the security of Ezida and the (other) sanctuaries of Borsippa, [with the strength of] my [labor] forces I had [Ṭā]bi-supūršu, the (city) wall of Borsippa, built [quickly] anew with the work of the god Kulla and refitted [its gates]. I built (new) doors and installed (them) in its gates. [O (you) futu]re [ruler], during whose reign this work falls into disrepair, question skilled craftsmen. (Re)build [Ṭābi-s]upūršu, the (city) wall of Borsippa, according to its ancient specifications. (25) Look at [my inscribed object], anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) place (my inscribed object) with your (own) inscribed object. The god Nabû will (then) [lis]ten [to you]r [prayers]. (But) as for the one who des[troys] my inscribed name or the name of my favorite (brother) [by some crafty device], (or) does not place my inscribed object with his (own) inscribed object, [may the god Nabû, (...)], glare at him [angrily] and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands.

Ashurbanipal 254

Stele; stone; Birs Nimrud (Borsippa). BM 090865 (1880-06-17, 0002); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.14. RINAP 5 Asb. 254; Oracc Q008343.

I, Ashurbanipal, great [kin]g, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who by the command of the gods Aššur, Šamaš, (5) and Marduk rules from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet, [who provi]des for Esagil, the palace of the gods — [who]se [doorbo]lt I made glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament — who repaired the damaged parts (10) of all their sanctuaries, (who) established (my) protection over all cult centers, the one who[se] deeds are pleasing to all the gods (and) whose shepherdship is sweet to the black-headed people; son of Esarhaddon, (15) king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, (re)built Esagil, renovated the sanctuaries of all the cult centers, constantly established appropriate procedures in them, (and) (20) (re)confirmed [thei]r [inter]rupted regular offerings, (who) restored the rites and rituals according to the old pattern; grandson of Sennache[rib], king of the world, king of Assyria, I — During my reign, the great lord, the god Mard[uk], who during the reign of a previous king (25) had resided in Baltil (Aššur) in the presence of the father who created him, entered Babylon amidst rejoicing. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) (30) in order that the strong might not harm the weak I appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon. At that time, (with regard to) the (enclosure) wall of Ezida (“True House”) which had become old and whose foundation had become weak, during my reign I indeed renovated its dilapidated sections and made (it) as high as a mountain. On account of this, may the god Nabû, the exalted lord, look upon my good deeds with pleasure and (40) may a good word for me — Ashurbanipal, ruler who reveres him — be set upon his lips! May he determine as my fate a long life, fullness of old age, good health, and happiness! May he make the foundation of my royal throne as secure as a mountain! (45) May he make my reign as firm as heaven and netherworld! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, [king] of Babylon, my favorite brother, may his days be long and may he be fully satisfied with (his) good fortune! [If at] any time in the future, during the days of the reign of some future ruler, this work falls into disrepair, may (that ruler) repair its dilapidated state! May he look at (55) my royal image, anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) place (my image) with his (own) image! The god Nabû will (then) listen to his prayers. (But) as for the one who erases my inscribed name, (or) destroys my royal statue, or changes its position and (70) does not place (it) with his (own) image, may the god Nabû, supreme lord, glare at him angrily, overthrow (75) his royal rule, and take away his sovereignty! May he (Nabû) make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands and have no pity on him!

Ashurbanipal 255

Tablet; clay; Babylonia. CBS 00733 + CBS 01757; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.23. RINAP 5 Asb. 255; Oracc Q008344.

... [...] in Esagi[l ...]. When that light [...] the good of Ashurbanipal, king of the land[s ...]. Let him daily ... [(...)].

Ashurbanipal 256

Brick; clay; Aqar Quf (Dur-Kurigalzu). Known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.21. RINAP 5 Asb. 256; Oracc Q008345.

For the god Enlil, [(...) his lord] Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of [Assyria, (...)] king of the four quarters (of the world), had (this) [(...)] built for the sake of his life.

Ashurbanipal 257

Brick; clay; Tell Haddad (Me-Turan). Known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.22. RINAP 5 Asb. 257; Oracc Q008346.

For the god Nergal, mightiest of the gods, most overpowering of the gods, the supreme, perfect, (and) noble sovereign of his brother(s), the one who dwells in (the temple) Ešaḫula, the lord of Sirara, his lord: Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) king of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, (who was) also king of Assyria — In order to ensure his good health, he enlarged the courtyard of (the temple) Ešaḫula with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln and made its processional way shine like daylight.

Ashurbanipal 258

Cylinder; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). UM L-29-632 + 633 + 626 (PMA F29-06-387a+b+e); UM 55-21-384 (3N-T0840); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.15. RINAP 5 Asb. 258; Oracc Q008347.

For the god Enlil, king of the gods, lord of heaven and netherworld, prince [...], one who renders decisions, who[se order] cannot be changed, foremost of the Igīgū gods, hero of the Anunnakū gods, who ru[les ...], one who holds the lead-rope of every(one), one who makes [opposing forces] agr[ee], lord of the lands, wisest of the gods, one who dwells in Ekur which is inside [Nippur, (the great lord), his lord]: Ash[ur]b[ani]p[al, great king], strong [kin]g, king of the wor[ld, king of Assyria, ... king who has no] equal [in all] the lands; [son of Esarhaddon, great king], strong [king], king of the world, king [of Assyria; grandson of Sennacherib], great king, strong king, king of the world, (who was) also king of Assyria; (10) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, vice-regent for the gods Aššur, Enlil and Ninurta, one who provides for the cult centers, ... sanctuaries — In order to ensure his good health, to prolong his days, to make his appearance (lit. “body”) radiant, to ensure the well-being of his offspring, so that he stand (victoriously) over his enemies, that his reign endure, that he lead (his people) aright with his staff, that his rule please his [land], (and) that he guide his people in abundant prosperity, (With regard to) Egigunû, the ziggurat of Nippur, whose foundation is made secure on the breast of the Watery Abyss (apsû), whose enclosure wall had become old and eroded, I repaired its dilapidated section(s) with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln, and completed its structure. I had it built anew with the craft of the god Kulla and made it shine like daylight. I raised its top (as high) as a mountain and made [its] appearance resplendent. On account of this, when the god Enlil, king of the gods, chief god (lit. “Enlil”) of the gods, [great] lord, [(his lord)], loo[ks] upon Egigunû, the sign of the lands, with pleasure, may he (Enlil) constantly bless the kingship of Ashurbanipal — king of Assyria, true shepherd who reveres his [great] divinity — (and) keep his reign safe until [far-off] days! May he cause [him to] gr[asp] a staff of shepherdship which makes opposing forces agree! May he make his shepherdship pleasant to his land! [May he make (him) stand (victoriously)] over [his] enemy!

Ashurbanipal 259

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). 19 exemplars (principal: BM 090807 (1851-10-09, 0078R)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.16. RINAP 5 Asb. 259; Oracc Q008348.

For the god Enlil, lord of the lands, his lord: Ashurbanipal, (5) his obedient shepherd, mighty king, king of the four quarters (of the world), (re)built Ekur, his beloved temple, with baked bricks.

Ashurbanipal 260

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). CBS 08644; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.17. RINAP 5 Asb. 260; Oracc Q008349.

For the god Enlil, king of the gods, sovereign of heaven (and) netherworld, prince (who decides) the fates, (5) his lord: Ashurbanipal, his obedient shepherd, mighty king, king of the world, (re)built Egigunû with baked bricks.

Ashurbanipal 261

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). UM 84-26-012; 18N-000; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.18. RINAP 5 Asb. 261; Oracc Q008350.

For the god Enlil, king of the gods, sovereign of heaven (and) netherworld, prince (who decides) the fates, (5) his lord: Ashurbanipal, his obedient shepherd, mighty king, king of the world, skillfully (re)built (10) with baked bricks ... within Eḫursaggalama, his ancient royal cella.

Ashurbanipal 262

Cylinder; clay; Tell Abu Habbah (Sippar-Yahrurum). 7 exemplars (principal: BM 091115 (1882-07-14, 1043)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.12. RINAP 5 Asb. 262; Oracc Q008351.

Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who by the command of the gods, his helpers, rules from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (5) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, (re)built Esagil, renovated the sanctuaries of all the cult centers, constantly established appropriate procedures in them, and (re)confirmed their interrupted regular offerings; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, I — During my reign, the great lord, the god Marduk, entered Babylon amidst rejoicing and took up his residence in the eternal Esagil. (10) I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. I completed the unfinished work on Esagil. I decorated Esagil with silver, gold, (and) precious stones and made Eumuša glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament. I restored the damage done to all the sanctuaries. I extended (my) protection over all the cult centers. At that time, I sought the (original) emplacement of Ebabbar, which is inside Sippar, the temple of the god Šamaš, the great lord, my lord, which had become old, buckled, and collapsed. I had (it) built anew with the craft of the god Kulla and raised its top (as high) as a mountain. On account of this, may the god Šamaš, great judge of the gods, great lord, my lord, look upon my good deeds with pleasure! May he determine (20) for me — Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the ruler who reveres him — as my fate, a long life, fullness of [old age], good health, and happiness! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, the king of Babylon, my favorite (brother), may his days be long and may he be fully satisfied with (his) good fortune! If at any time in the future, during the days of the reign of some future ruler, this work falls into disrepair, may (that ruler) renovate its dilapidated sections! May he write my name with his (own) name! May he find my inscribed object, (25) anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) place (my inscribed object) with his (own) inscribed object! The god Šamaš will (then) listen to his prayers. (But) as for the one who erases my inscribed name or the name of my favorite (brother) by some crafty device, (or) does not write my name with his (own) name, (or) destroys my inscribed object, (or) does not place (my inscribed object) with his (own) inscribed object, may the god Šamaš, lord of the upper world and the netherworld, glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands!

Ashurbanipal 263

Cylinder; clay; Warka (Uruk). 4 exemplars (principal: YBC 02180); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.19. RINAP 5 Asb. 263; Oracc Q008352.

For the goddess Ištar of Uruk, sovereign of heaven and netherworld, most powerful of the gods, exalted one, who executes the command she gives in the east and in the west, the fierce goddess of battle who whirls around in the melee like a dust storm, who marches at the side of the king, her favorite, (and) slays his foes, (5) mistress of the lands, who has gathered to herself (all) divine offices (and) administers correctly all purification rites, who dwells in Enirgalanim — which is inside Eanna — great lady, his lady: Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), king of kings, ruler who has no rival, who rules from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea and who made all rulers bow down at his feet; who imposed the yoke of his rulership upon the city Tyre — which is in the midst of the Upper Sea — and Dilmun — which is in the midst of the Lower Sea — (10) so that they pulled his yoke; whose deeds are pleasing to all the gods (and) whose shepherdship is sweet to the black-headed people; during whose reign the god Adad made his rain (and) the god Ea his springs last a long time for his land, (who) continually seeks after his people with prosperity and wealth, whose people are all in a state of prosperity, and whose settlements rejoice; son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, who (re)settled Babylon, (re)built Esagil, (15) renovated the sanctuaries of all the cult centers, and constantly established appropriate procedures in them; grandson of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, (who was) also king of Assyria — During my reign, the great lord, the god Marduk, [entered] Babylon amidst rejoicing. I (re)confirmed the regular offerings for Esagil and the gods of Babylon. I (re-)established the privileged status of Babylon (and) appointed Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, my favorite brother, to the kingship of Babylon in order that the strong might not harm the weak. I completed the work on Esagil which had not been finished. (20) I decorated Esagil with silver, gold, and precious stones and made Eumuša glisten like the [stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament]. I repaired the damaged parts of all their sanctuaries (and) extended (my) protection over all cult centers. At that time, (with regard to) the (enclosure) wall of Ea[nn]a, the perimeter [...] which had become old, buckled, (and) a heap of ruin, I sought their (original) emplacement [and had (them) built anew. I] completed (them), raising their tops (as high) as a mountain. On account of this, may the goddess Ištar of Uruk, the great lady, look upon this work with pleasure and may a go[od] word for me — Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria (and) prince who reveres her— be set upon her lips! [May she determine as my fate] a long life, fullness of old age, good health, (and) happ[iness]! Moreover, with regard to Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, king of Babylon, my favorite brother, may his days be long (and) may he be fully [satisfied with (his) good fortune]! May any future ruler, during the days of whose reign this work falls into disrepair, [renovate its] dilapidated sections! May he write my name with his (own) name, find my inscribed object, anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, (and) place (my inscribed object) with his (own) inscribed object! The goddess Ištar of Uruk will (then) listen to his prayers. (But) as for the one who does not write my name with his name, (or) destroys my inscribed object, or changes its position and does not place (it) with his (own) inscribed object, may the goddess Ištar of Uruk, great lady, glare at him angrily, make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the lands, and have no pity on him!

Ashurbanipal 264

Tablet; clay; Warka (Uruk). W 22669. RINAP 5 Asb. 264; Oracc Q008353.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] pure [food offer]ings, anything ... set out before you. [... m]e, Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, the servant (who is) the favorite of your heart, [...] ... (and) the just shepherdship that you bestow at your command, [...] the preservation of (my) life ... [...] a [b]right spirit ... Grant ... as a gift, ... come to my aid and always stand in for me, kill m[y] enemy, (and) make the foundation of my royal throne as secure as a mountain for eternity.

Reverse

When this ceremonial wagon becomes dilapidated and old, may one of the kings, [my] descendants, restore its [dilapid]ated section(s). May he place (on it) the writing of my name with the writing of his name. [The god(dess) ...] will (then) list[en to] his prayers. [(As for) the one who ...] changes its [pos]ition (or) writ[es] his (own) name, may [the god(dess) ...] not be pres[ent for] his prayers [and ... angri]ly [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 265

Cylinder; clay; Tell Aqar (Der). Known as YBC 02368. RINAP 5 Asb. 265; Oracc Q008354.

Lacuna [At that time], I sought the (original) emplacement [of Edimgalkalama, (which is inside (the city) Dēr), the temple of Great Anu], the gr[eat] lord, [my lord, which had become old, ...] ... [I had (it) built anew] with the craf[t of the god Kulla, …, (and) ma]de (it) as high as a mountain. On account of this, [may] Great Anu, the exalted lord, [look upon this] wor[k with pleasure]. Determine [for me — Ash]urbanipal, king of Assyria, the ruler who reveres you — as my fate a long life, fulln[ess of old age, good health, ha]ppiness, and a bright spirit. Make me stand [ov]er my [enem]ies in mighty victor[ies]. To drive off my enemies ... [...]. Make [the foundation(s) of] my [royal throne] as secure as a mountain! Make [my reign] as f[irm] as heaven and netherworld! [May any futu]re [ruler], during the days of whose reign this work falls into disrepair, [renovate] its dilapidated sections! May he write [my name with his (own) name], find my inscribed object, anoint (it) with oil, offer a sacrifice, [(and) place (my inscribed object)] wit[h his (own) inscribed object]! Great Anu will (then) listen to his [prayer]s. (But) as for the one who eras[es] my inscribed name by some crafty device, [(or) destroys my inscribed object], (or) changes its position, or [does] n[ot place (it)] with his (own) inscribed object, [...] ... dismantles my construction, [may] Great Anu, the exal[ted] lord, [...] diʾu-disease and anxiety, together with his family, [...] to destroy his people, to carry off [..., ...]. May he make [his name (and) his descendant(s)] disappear [from the lands], and h[ave] no [pity on him]!

Ashurbanipal 266

Eyestone; stone; Persepolis (Pārśa). PT4 455. RINAP 5 Asb. 266; Oracc Q008355.

[For the goddess] Sutītu, his [la]dy: Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, presented (this object) for the sake of his [lif]e.

Ashurbanipal 267

Bead; stone; Persepolis (Pārśa). PT4 1180. RINAP 5 Asb. 267; Oracc Q008356.

For the goddess Su[tītu], his lady: As[hurbanipal], king of Assyria, prese[nted] (this object) for the sake of his life.

Ashurbanipal 268

Bead; stone; Persepolis (Pārśa). PT4 1173. RINAP 5 Asb. 268; Oracc Q008357.

[Palace of Ashurbani]pal, kin[g of Assyria].

Ashurbanipal 269

Bowl (with sculpture); stone; Persepolis (Pārśa). PT4 368 + PT5 156 + PT5 244. RINAP 5 Asb. 269; Oracc Q008358.

Palace of Ashurbanipal, grea[t] king, [strong king, kin]g of the world, king of Assyria.

Ashurbanipal 270

Beaker; metal; unknown. RINAP 5 Asb. 270; Oracc Q008359.

Palace of Ashurbanipal, [great king, stro]ng [king], king of the world, king of Assyria, son of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Chapter Three. Ashurbanipal — Minor and Fragmentary Inscriptions from Nineveh

Asb. 1001–1030. Reigned 668–ca. 631 BC.

Ashurbanipal 1001

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1937. RINAP 5 Asb. 1001; Oracc Q003830.

Obverse

Ashur/Esar/Aššur-[..., ...], son of [..., ...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [f]rom the watering place fo[r his stronghold ...] 1/2 bread (and) 1/2 beer from the watering plac[e ...] ... the city [...]. [(...)] second extract [...].

Ashurbanipal 1002

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 09155. RINAP 5 Asb. 1002; Oracc Q003831.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) The god Ninurta, ... [...], allowed [me] to achieve [my heart’s] desire [...] (and) he returned [...]. The goddess Queen of Nineveh, the mercifu[l mot]her, came to my side and gladly made me sit on the throne of the father who had engendered me. The goddess Lady of Arbela, the great lady, regularly sent me favorable message(s) concerning my exercising kingship.

Reverse

The goddess Gula pacified those who were insolent to me and she made ... bow dow[n (to me)]. The Sebetti, valiant gods, [...] the left [...] ... [...] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1003

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06371. RINAP 5 Asb. 1003; Oracc Q003832.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] the gods [... with] power, [...] ..., awe-inspiring radiance, (and) bril[liance ...] ... heir designate [...]. [...], great [kin]g, strong king, kin[g of ..., ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1004

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1882-03-23, 0125. RINAP 5 Asb. 1004; Oracc Q003833.

Obverse

Lacuna [...], my [lo]rd, (the god) Aššur, who ... [... for rul]ing over the lands and people [...] set out, Taharqa [...], governors, [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) That which is (written) upon the inner sanctum of the temple of [...].

Ashurbanipal 1005

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 14127. RINAP 5 Asb. 1005; Oracc Q003834.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] my [..., my] strength [...] (his) heart was prou[d ...] he forgot [...] and [did not remember my] favo[r(s) ... (5´) ...] his own judgment and without [divine approval ... He] trusted [in his own strength] and [answered] with disrespect. [...]. He did [not] honor [...] and he [... He did] not [...] ... the gods [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1006

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-02-04, 0286. RINAP 5 Asb. 1006; Oracc Q003835.

Obverse

(No translation possible) Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna ... [...] of the citad[el of ...]. Through supplications [...] with power, viril[ity, ...] (rev. 5´) by the command of the god Aššur [...] with gold, silver, [...], large horses, [...], in (the midst of) joyous celebration [...]. The Elamites who trusted in the mass(ed might) of ... and [...].

Ashurbanipal 1007

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04496. RINAP 5 Asb. 1007; Oracc Q003836.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] in ... [..., who] had sent his troops [to fight with (the troops of) ..., the k]ing of Assyria, [... Egy]pt and Kush [...] to me, the land of Sumer and Akkad, (5´) [saying: “... of Karduni]aš (Babylonia), all of it, we will deliver into your hand.” [...] (who) did not remember my kindness, [...], abandoned [the ...]s of the gods, and [...]. He forgot my ... and (10´) [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1008

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 16776. RINAP 5 Asb. 1008; Oracc Q003837.

Lacuna [...] ... [...]. He forgot [the kindness that I had do]ne for him and sinned against me. [... B]abylon ... [...] to/for [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1009

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 19448. RINAP 5 Asb. 1009; Oracc Q003838.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] before ... [...] for [my] troops [...] were constantly searching for [...]. They [cam]e to me and k[issed my feet. ...], the magnani[mous (and) forbearing one, ...]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1010

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06868 + K 09248. RINAP 5 Asb. 1010; Oracc Q003839.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] (the god) Aššur [...] ... [... the goddess Išta]r, the lady who loves me, ... [...] ... to/for [... from] my childhood until I became an adult, I took hold of the he[m of] her [divinit]y (and) I constantly followed [... (5´) ...] she guarded (me) with her benevole[nt] protection [...] I made [..., h]er hand, which [sustains] my life, guided me [...] she constantly kept sending [me message(s) from] my ecstatics [...] I killed my enemies (and) flattened ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [...] I went ... [...] ... [... i]nside the mountains, his watering place, [..., I captured] him alive. [...]. [At] that [t]ime, I made that curtain (and) [...]s that bring in the yield of [mountain and sea ... a st]atue of the goddess Ištar, my lady, ... [... (and) I had] my [dee]ds [written] upon [it]. [O Ištar, ...], look with pleasure upo[n ... and ...] ... the mobil[e ...] in [your sweet] embra[ce ...] his life ... [...]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1011

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 18219. RINAP 5 Asb. 1011; Oracc Q009279.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] in [...], the king of the land Ela[m, ...] I brought [out and ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1012

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 19386. RINAP 5 Asb. 1012; Oracc Q009280.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] I sent to him and [...]. [RN, (...,) his brothers], his [fa]mily, (and) the seed of hi[s] father’s house [... the eun]uch of mine whom [I had sent] to inquire abo[ut his well-being ... (5´) ..., whom ...] ... had confined [in prison, ... they] cra[wled naked upon] their [belli]es [and ...]. Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1013

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 0283. RINAP 5 Asb. 1013; Oracc Q009281.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...]s and the noble(s), who(m) my ancestors ... [... to d]eliver payment, which [...] yearly [...] trusted [...], like an eagle [whose dwelling] is situated in a mountain cleft, [...] whose settlements are [s]ituated [...], whose forces are organized (and) [whose] troo[ps are ...]. [The deities ...], Nabû, Sîn, Ištar, (and) Nergal, who march at [my] side, [...] ... the assault of troops (and) the setting of an atta[ck] in motion, [...] and they became terrified. They foolishly forgot [...] royal ..., including all of his extens[ive] troops, (10´) [...], (and) his fighter(s), together with horses, mules, (and) harness-b[roken (steeds), ...]. They grasped [the fe]et of my royal majesty (and) made appeals to [my] lordly majes[ty]. [... (of) the land Pars]umaš and the land Dilmun, whose location(s) are remote, as many as ... [...].

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 1014

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 03150. RINAP 5 Asb. 1014; Oracc Q009282.

Lacuna

Fragment A (a separate, non-adjoining fragment of the same tablet): [...] (the god) Aššur ... [...] the one who holds god and king [..., ...], his [..., ...] in the assembly of [..., ...] the command(s) of [the god Š]amaš and the god Adad ... [... (A 5´) ..., who ...] the four quarters (of the world) as on[e, ..., the one who] ... [the kin]gship of Assyria [...]. [...] his furious [...] in a cr[afty] maneuver [...] to save his (own) life, to [..., he ... the w]ill of his great divinity [... (A 10´) ... the bo]rder of the city Ḫarrān ... [...] his benevolent [protecti]on (and) [his beneficent] aegis [...] the son of the king, who(m)ever [...]. (No translation possible) Lacuna Lacuna (Traces of 1 or 2 signs in 9 lines) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1015

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06370. RINAP 5 Asb. 1015; Oracc Q009283.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] he [...] my [lord]ly/[roy]al [...] ...s without [... he] was regularly receivin[g ... my] furious m[ood was not paci]fied [...]. I sent him a messag[e of ...] Chaldeans [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1016

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 16021. RINAP 5 Asb. 1016; Oracc Q009284.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] he did not [...] without divine approval [...]. I myself, by the command of (the god) A[ššur, ...] ... [his/my] weapons [...] who/they were eating [his/their] fo[od ...] for m[y] troops [...] ... [...].

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 1017

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 17809. RINAP 5 Asb. 1017; Oracc Q009285.

Obverse

The Elamite [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna On account of the evil deed(s), [may he/they ...] from his progeny, [...] the thr[one (of) ... May he/they ...] through his gaze. (Ruling)

Ashurbanipal 1018

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 17999. RINAP 5 Asb. 1018; Oracc Q009286.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... he incited to become hostile ... [... to wag]e armed battle and wa[r ..., the gods/deities ...], (and) Nabû, the great gods, [... (5´) ...] who/they stood [... I did not fo]rget and [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1019

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 22138. RINAP 5 Asb. 1019; Oracc Q009287.

Lacuna

Fragment A (a separate, non-adjoining fragment of the same tablet): [... the god E]nlil [...] ... [...] prize bul[l(s) ... he] fled an[d ... A­shur]­ba­ni­pal [...] him. Lacuna Lacuna

Fragment B (a separate, non-adjoining fragment of the same tablet): (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1020

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 2, 467. RINAP 5 Asb. 1020; Oracc Q009288.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] I did [n]ot say [...]. In/from ... [... he se]nt [his mounted messenger] to inquire about [my] wel[l-being ...] ... which ... he blocked/decided [... (5´) ...] ... not ... [... he p]l[a]ced them [...] arranged [...] ... lie[s ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1021

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13749. RINAP 5 Asb. 1021; Oracc Q009289.

Lacuna [... upon] it. [...] ... [... an]d silver [... (5´) ... in] its [e]ntirety. [...] ... I made [...] reside [...]. [...] great [..., ...] I filled (it) with [splen]dor. [...] I had [...] made and [... (10´) ...] its [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1022

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1881-07-27, 0280. RINAP 5 Asb. 1022; Oracc Q009290.

Lacuna [... (of)] my [...], which [..., which] he (Sennacherib) had built [...] the terrace [... (5´) ...] I covere[d tall columns with shi]ny [copper (and) ...]. [Eḫ]ulḫul, the templ[e of the god Sîn, which ..., the s]on of [..., had built, ...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1023

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 16899 + Sm 1048. RINAP 5 Asb. 1023; Oracc Q009291.

Lacuna (No translation possible) [... l]apis lazuli, (and) pappardilû-stone, pre­[ci­ous] stone(s), [... (5´) ...] cypress, sweet reed(s), all of the aromatics, which [... the goddess Šer]ūa, the queen, and the god Nabû [..., ... whose horns and h]ooves are perfect, fattened sheep, [...]. I offered sumptuous offerings ... [...] ... of (the god) Aššur [...] to/for Esagil, which [... (10´) ...] ... [...], his creator, the da[is of ... who is en]trusted with al[l of ...]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1024

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Rm 0337 + Rm 0451. RINAP 5 Asb. 1024; Oracc Q009292.

Obverse

[For the goddess Zarpanītu, ...] ... of the goddesses, the heroic o[ne of the gods ..., the one who] is endowed with [sexual cha]rm (and) who bears the awe-inspir[ing radiance, ..., who pu]rifies all the lord[s ..., for]emost of the earth, whose pre[cious] cultic rites [are ..., (5) ... the pr]aise of all [...] ... deliberation and counsel, the daug[hter of ...] that was given to her (lit: “him”), the totality (of) [...]; [...] exalted [lady], goddess of pleasure who [...] to/for [...] — the holy shrine — [... (10) ... who does] not [... the de]cision of the gods Anu, Enlil, and Ea [... who gathers to herself] (all) divine offices of the highest rank [...]; [...], at [w]hose manifestation at sunrise [...], at whose appearance at sunset [...], who, from baltu-plant(s), makes [...] manifest, [... (15) ...], at whose appearance at sunset [...] ..., who [...] human[ity] in a sacred building, [..., who does] not [...] in the east and west, [..., the one w]ho restores abundance, the one w[ho ...], who [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] let him speak [...] to you an[d ...] my prayers [...]. [... when this ...] becomes dilapidated and o[ld, may he ..., may he not] change [...], and [...]. [(As for) the one who ...] changes [the ... of the goddess Zarp]anītu and ... [... remov]es [the ...] and [...] the mention of m[y] name [...] may she curse him with [an i]rreversible [curse] and [...] may she constantly [speak inauspicious words about him before the g]od Marduk, her husba, (and) [...]. Blank

Ashurbanipal 1025

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04498. RINAP 5 Asb. 1025; Oracc Q009293.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [...] may she [... the men]tion of his venerated name [...] the pleasure bed at night that [... may] she grant me [progeny] and expa[nd my offspring ... (rev. 5´) ...] may she strengthen my [...] and may she [...] may she have [...]s written [...] daily may she remi[nd ...] ... may th[ey] constantly bless [...] good thing(s) [...]. Subscript completely missing

Ashurbanipal 1026

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 08361. RINAP 5 Asb. 1026; Oracc Q009294.

Obverse

Lacuna [... the me]ntion of his lordly majesty ... [...] ... [...] they (the gods) were constantly [im]ploring him for (my) life ... [...] I had [... of the go]ds written therein and [...].

Reverse

[... o]n you, may your divinity accept (and) [may your] m[ind desire ...] a singer with a lyre, the abode of the god Dunga, (in) the month Addaru (XII), [... (rev. 5) ...] may [(the command for) ...] come forth [from] your [lips]. Always remem[ber ..., ...], make firm the foundation(s) of [my royal] throne. [...]. May your holy [...]. [...] may [... a] pleasure bed [...] ... [... (rev. 10) ...] ... and ... [...] the goddess Zarpanīt[u ...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ashurbanipal 1027

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06681. RINAP 5 Asb. 1027; Oracc Q009295.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...], the priest, the true vice-regent, who provides for Ez[ida, ...], the capable ruler who comprehends the wisdom of the god Nabû, [...]; (to) who(m) the great gods [...] to dire[ct ..., (...)], (5´) and to restore the work of temple[(s), ...], a just scepter (and) a true staff [for ...]; (for whom) the gods Aššur, Bel (Marduk), and Nabû [...] h[is] aid; the one who carries out in full the instruction(s) of (the god) Aššur and the god Mar[duk ...], the one who (re)-established your privileged status, the one who [...]; (10´) who, at the name of the god Nabû, his god, your ... and [...; w]ho ... your faces, the one who [...], the one who exacts r[evenge ...] and for the people of Borsippa, [..., ...] the throne-dais, the seat of [his (Marduk’s) exalted divinity, ...] Lacuna

Reverse

Reverse completely missing

Ashurbanipal 1028

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06806. RINAP 5 Asb. 1028; Oracc Q009296.

Obverse

Obverse completely missing

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] may he ... [...]. That which (is written) upon the wild bulls of Borsippa [(...)].

Ashurbanipal 1029

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Bu 1891-05-09, 0204. RINAP 5 Asb. 1029; Oracc Q009297.

Obverse

[For the god Nergal, perfect warrior, mightiest of the gods, foremost hero, powerful lord, (...)] ..., [king of battle, lord of strength and power, lord of the Deluge that brings abo]ut devas[tation, the exalted son of the god Enlil, powerful one among the gods, his brothers, child of the goddess Kutuša]r (Mullissu), the gr[eat] queen, [who marches at the side of the king, his favorite, and kills his foes, (who) cuts d]own the en[emy, (5) (who) spares the ruler who reveres him from plague, (who) grant]s him mighty vic[tor]ie[s], who resides in Emeslam, the holy shrine that is inside Cutha], the great lord, hi[s] lord — [I, Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of A]ssyria, kin[g of the four quarte]rs (of the world)]; [son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria; grandson of Sennacherib], king of the world, [king of] Assyria; [the eternal seed of kingship] — the great g[od]s desired me [to secure the regular offerings (and) to provide for the shrines. (10) The deities Aššur, Mullissu, and Nergal, the great gods, made the foundation(s) of my royal throne firm], (and) they made my lordship more surpassing (and) made my [weapon]s greater [than (those of) all my enemies in order to exact revenge for the kings, my fathers]: [...] they (the Elamites) did n[ot re]vere their (the gods’) pronouncement(s), [...] ... and [...] above and below. (15) [...] the appropria[te] time [d]rew near, [... For 1,635 years, the Elamite destruction] (that) their assembly had declared [...] was decreed as [my] fate, [...] (and) they (the gods) had m[y] hand take up the merciless [weapon. ...] inauspicious omens [about him ... (20) ...] strong ... the destruction of the city [...] together [...] her command [...] land [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) [(As for) the one who ... (and)] writ[es his name ...], (or) makes (it) disa[ppear ...], may he (the god Nergal) [cons]tantly establish enduring pestilence in his land (so that) it may slaughter [...]. Subscript completely missing?

Ashurbanipal 1030

Rock face; stone; Shikaft-i Gulgul. Shikaft-i Gulgul rock relief. RINAP 5 Asb. 1030; Oracc Q009298.

The god Aššur and the [grea]t gods [w]ho [sta]nd at the side of the king, their fav[or]ite, and [who] cut down [(all of)] his [en]emies: [...], king of the world, [...], ... [...], (5) son of [..., ...]: The god [Aššur, the father of the go]ds, ... determined [a roya]l destiny as my lot [(while I was) in my mother’s wo]m[b (and) ...]; the god Enlil [nominated] me for ruling over the land and people; the gods Sîn and Šamaš discussed with each other favorable omens concerning the stability of my r[eign]; (and) the gods Nabû (and) Marduk granted me a broad mind (and) extensive knowledge as a gift. The great gods in their assembly gladly made [me] si[t on the] throne of my father (and) they entrust[ed m]e with dominion over the land [and] (its) people. (As for) the city [...]da [...] ... [...]. [(I ... and) I f]ashioned [...], my [..., up]on it. [I had] the pr[aise of] the deeds that I had performed [written] on it [and] I left (it) [for the fu]ture, for the admiration of the kings, [my] descendants. May a future ruler, one of [the kings], my [descendants], whose name the god Aššur and the great gods call for rul[ing over the land and] peop[le], find (this) monument (and) the pr[aise] of the great gods; and (then) anoint (it) with oil (and) make an offering. (As for) the one who changes this image from its position, may the god Aššur and the great gods, as many as are named [on] this monume[nt], gl[ar]e at him angrily [(and) n]ot stand [by his side in a cl]ash of weapons in the midst of a pitc[hed] battle. May they lead him [in bondag]e under [his] enemy. (35) May they overthrow [his] roy[al] dynasty and [m]ake his name (and) seed [di]sappear from the land.

Chapter Four. Ashurbanipal — Inscriptions from Ur

Asb. 2001–2018. Reigned 668–ca. 631 BC.

Ashurbanipal 2001

Stele; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 15756. RINAP 5 Asb. 2001; Oracc Q003840.

[I]mage of Libbāli-šar[rat], que[en] of Ashurbani[pal], king of the world, ki[ng] of As[syria].

Ashurbanipal 2002

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1883-01-18, 0332. RINAP 5 Asb. 2002; Oracc Q003841.

Obverse

[For the goddess ..., (...) the grea]t [lady], her lady: [..., the queen of Ashurba]nipal, king of the world, king of Assyria, [had a ... made of] reddish gold. She set up and presented (this object) [for the life of] Ashurbanipal — her beloved — [to prolong his days (and) to length]en (his time on) his throne, and, for her very own life, to lengthen her days, (and) to firmly establish her reign, (so that) you (the goddess to whom this object is dedicated) make her (the queen’s) speech pleasing to the king, her husband, and allow (them both) grow old with each other.

Reverse

Blank

Ashurbanipal 2003

Door socket; stone; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). BM 119065 (1927-10-03, 0060; U 02674); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2001. RINAP 5 Asb. 2003; Oracc Q003842.

For the god Sîn of heaven, lion of the gods (and) king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, son of Ningal-iddin, (who was also) governor of Ur, who provides for Ekišnugal — (With regard to) Etemennigurru, whose (enclosure) wall had collapsed in the distant past, whose foundation terrace had lain waste, (and) whose foundations were covered over, I sought the location of (15) its forgotten gate(s). I put its foundation inscription inside a box and raised its (the temple’s) top. I inlaid with silver (20) a door of boxwood, wood of finest quality from a distant mountain, fixed with a copper peg, whose band(s) were strong, (whose) bottom was of gold, (25) (whose) door bolt was of shining silver, (and whose) bar and pivot were of strong copper, in order that it might stand forever in the doorway of Esagdili (“House of Secrets”), the house built in secret. May the god Sîn (and) the goddess Ningal, the god(s), my helpers, destroy the name of anyone who erases my inscription or changes its position!

Ashurbanipal 2004

Cone; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). BM 116987 (1924-09-20, 0250; U 01262); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2002. RINAP 5 Asb. 2004; Oracc Q003843.

For the god Sîn of heaven, lion of the gods (and) king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, son of Ningal-iddin, (10) (who was also) governor of Ur, built anew Etemennigurru, his beloved temple.

Ashurbanipal 2005

Cone; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 9 exemplars (principal: BM 119021 (1927-10-03, 0016); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2014. RINAP 5 Asb. 2005; Oracc Q003844.

For the goddess Ningal, queen of Ekišnugal, divine Ninmenna (“Lady-of-the-Crown”), beloved of Ur, his lady: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, built anew the Gipāru, the house of the supreme goddess, beloved wife of the god Sîn. After he constructed a statue, a (re-)creation of the goddess Ningal, (and) brought it into the house of the wise god, she took up residence in Enun, (which was) built (to be) her lordly abode.

Ashurbanipal 2006

Disk; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 10 exemplars (principal: BM 124351 (1933-10-13, 0004); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2015. RINAP 5 Asb. 2006; Oracc Q003845.

For the goddess Ningal, exalted lady, queen of the goddesses, (most) valiant of the great gods: In order to ensure the good health of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, strong king, (and) king of the world, his lord, Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, son of Ningal-iddin, governor of Ur, Eridu and the Gurasimmu (tribe), (10) opened up (its) emplacement, built (the well named) Puḫilituma, and established (it) for all time. He made inexhaustible spring water appear in it. With regard to any (future) ruler who (re)opens this well, may his days be long (and) his offspring extensive!

Ashurbanipal 2007

Drum-shaped object; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). BM 119014 (1927-10-03, 0009; U 02757); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2016. RINAP 5 Asb. 2007; Oracc Q003846.

(Lines 1-28 [= col. i–iii], which contain an inscription of Amar-Suen, are not edited here.) Col. iv Copy from a baked brick from the debris of Ur, the work of Amar-Suen, the king of Ur, (which) Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, the governor of Ur, had discovered while looking for the ground plan of Ekišnugal. Nabû-šuma-iddin, son of Iddin-Papsukkal, the lamentation-priest of the god Sîn, saw (it) and wrote (it) down for display. Top (No translation possible)

Ashurbanipal 2008

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 15 exemplars (principal: BM 114277 (1919-10-11, 4708)); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2003. RINAP 5 Asb. 2008; Oracc Q003847.

(For) the god Nanna, king of heaven (and) netherworld: in order to ensure the good health of Ashurbanipal, king of kings, his lord, (5) Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur (and) Eridu, who provides for Ekišnugal, the shining shrine of the Watery Abyss (apsû), built anew (10) Elugalgalgasisa, his beloved temple.

Ashurbanipal 2009

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). BM 119278 (1927-10-03, 0273; U 06341); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2004. RINAP 5 Asb. 2009; Oracc Q003848.

[(For) the god Nanna], his [lo]rd, [... of As]hurbanipal, [king] of the world, [Sî]n-balāssu-iqbi, (5) governor of Ur (and) Eridu, for the sake of his life (re)built Elugalgalgasisa [an]ew.

Ashurbanipal 2010

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). CBS 16483 (U 03250); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2005. RINAP 5 Asb. 2010; Oracc Q003849.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eušumgalana, the station of the goddess Ninkasi.

Ashurbanipal 2011

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). CBS 16484 (U 03326); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2006. RINAP 5 Asb. 2011; Oracc Q003850.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle) of gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, the governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eešbanda, the abode of the goddess Šuzianna.

Ashurbanipal 2012

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). CBS 16485 (U 03296); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2007. RINAP 5 Asb. 2012; Oracc Q003851.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eankikuga, the station of the god Kusu.

Ashurbanipal 2013

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). CBS 16489 (U 03300); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2008. RINAP 5 Asb. 2013; Oracc Q003852.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eadgigi, the abode of the god Nusku.

Ashurbanipal 2014

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). CBS 16490 (U 03301); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2009. RINAP 5 Asb. 2014; Oracc Q003853.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Ekišibgalekura, the abode of the god Ninimma.

Ashurbanipal 2015

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). BM 119277 (1927-10-03, 0272; U 03148); CBS 16559; known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2010. RINAP 5 Asb. 2015; Oracc Q003854.

[(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods], his [lord: Sîn-balāssu-iq]bi, [governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eri]du, built [E...]kuga, [the abode/station] of the god Ennugi.

Ashurbanipal 2016

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 7 exemplars (principal: BM 119279 (1927-10-03, 0274); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2011. RINAP 5 Asb. 2016; Oracc Q003855.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eanšar, his royal abode.

Ashurbanipal 2017

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 5 exemplars (principal: BM 119271 (1927-10-03, 0266); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2012. RINAP 5 Asb. 2017; Oracc Q007639.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, viceroy of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Ešaduga, the abode of his Enlilship.

Ashurbanipal 2018

Brick; clay; Tell Muqayyar (Ur). 4 exemplars (principal: BM 119274 (1927-10-03, 0269); known as RIMB 2 B.6.32.2013. RINAP 5 Asb. 2018; Oracc Q007640.

(For) the god Nanna, king of the Enlil (circle of) gods, his lord: Sîn-balāssu-iqbi, governor of Ur, (5) who provides for Eridu, built Eašanamar, the abode of the god Enlil.

Chapter Five. Aššur-etel-ilāni

Aet. 01–06. Reigned ca. 630–627 BC.

Aššur-etel-ilāni 01

Brick; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). 19 exemplars (principal: BM 090184 (1979-12-20, 0100)); known as 1R pl. 8 no. 3. RINAP 5 Aei 01; Oracc Q003856.

I, Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of the world, king of Assyria; son of Ashurbanipal, king of the world, king of Assyria; son of Esarhaddon, king of the world, (who was) also king of Assyria; had baked brick(s) made for (re)building Ezida, which is inside Kalḫu. I dedicated (this brick) for the preservation of my life.

Aššur-etel-ilāni 02

Tablet; clay; Babylonia. PTS 2253; known as B.6.35.1. RINAP 5 Aei 02; Oracc Q003857.

Obverse

[To the god] Marduk, venerable, splendid, the Enlil of the gods, most exalted of [the] gods, the one who directs all of the gods (and) holds the link between the Igīgū- [and] Anunnakū-gods, controller of the heavenly abode, king of the totality of heaven and netherworld, at whose mention the great gods fearfully attend his command, (3 blank lines) respectful, large of stature, one who grew up in the Watery Abyss (apsû), (whose) dignity is splendid, (whose) body is superior, (and whose) features are perfect, most capable of all (of the gods), one who knows everything, understands the will of the Watery Abyss, (and) comprehends the secret(s) of the lalgar, lord of Babylon, who dwells in Esagil, great lord, his lord: Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, in order to ensure his good health, so that his prayers be heard, and to overthrow his enemies presented (this) table of musukkannu-wood, a durable wood, which is mounted with red ṣāriru-gold ... artistically made by the skill of craftsmen, (and) suitable for the fitting things of pure food offerings.

Reverse

O god Marduk, great lord, when you look upon this table with pleasure, (and) when (this) table is set (and) regular, ceaseless offerings are presented, may the god Šulpaea, the lord of the table, speak well of Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of Assyria (and) your favorite ruler, before you! (Erased line) (Blank line) Two qû (and) the three and one-third akalu (as) offerings; one pānu (and) one sūtu of dried figs from the maššartu-deliveries of the month Tašrītu (VII). Nādin, son of Bēl-aḫḫē-iqīša. Ulūlu (VI), eleventh day, third year.

Aššur-etel-ilāni 03

Tablet; clay; Babylonia. VAT 13142 (BE 42262); known as B.6.35.2. RINAP 5 Aei 03; Oracc Q003858.

For the god Marduk, supreme lord, exalted hero, lord of lords, exalted, wh(ose) figure is splendid (and who) is vastly superior to all of the (other) gods, bearer of the awe-inspiring, terrible radiance, clothed in splendor, (5) who drove [off] the god Kingu, defeated the angry sea, (and) overcame the evil ones, who dwells in Eešerke — which is inside Sippar-Aruru — great lord, his lord: Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, son of Ashurbanipal, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, (10) had a scepter of red gold made which was (then) presented for his (Marduk’s) pure hands to grasp. He (Aššur-etel-ilāni) set (it) up forever inside Eešerke in order to ensure his good health, to prolong his days, to confirm his reign, to ensure the well-being of his descendant(s), to make his royal throne secure, (and) to ensure that his prayers are heard (and) his supplication(s) granted. Moreover, he established for (all) future days the freedom from taxation of those privileged to enter the temple, the collegium, those people, as many as there are, who look after his (Marduk’s) ways. That which is (written) upon the gold scepter of the god Marduk.

Aššur-etel-ilāni 04

Brick; clay; Deilam (Dilbat). Ash 1922.190 (W-B 190); known as B.6.35.3. RINAP 5 Aei 04; Oracc Q003859.

For the god Uraš, exalted lord, foremost of the great gods of E-ibbi-Anum — the shrine (which is) worthy of honor — great lord, his lord: Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of Assyria, who renovated the shrine(s) of the great gods, son of Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, shepherd of the black-headed, renovated E-ibbi-Anum, the holy place which is inside Dilbat, the abode of the god Uraš and the goddess Ninegal. He built (it) anew with baked bricks, the craft of the god Baḫar and, with regard to the foundation of the well, he (re-)established its position just as (it had been) in ancient times. He cleaned this entire well for all time (in order to make its water as pure) as (that of) the Tigris and Rivers, and (5) he established its water for the meals of the great gods. That water should be brought every day in good time for (their) meals. May they say good things about Aššur-etel-ilāni, the king, their favorite, to the deities Nabû, Marduk, Uraš, and Ninegal, who dwell in that temple (so that) his reign may be long!

Aššur-etel-ilāni 05

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). HS 1958 (former HS 0042); known as B.6.35.4. RINAP 5 Aei 05; Oracc Q003860.

For [the god Enlil, lord of the la]nds, his [lord: Aššu]r-etel-ilāni, (5) his obedient [shephe]rd, who provides for Nippur, supporter of Ekur, mighty king, king of the four quarters (of the world), (re)built (10) Ekur, his beloved temple with baked bricks.

Aššur-etel-ilāni 06

Cylinder, tablet; clay; Babylonia. YBC 02151; NBC 06069; NBC 06070; known as B.6.35.5. RINAP 5 Aei 06; Oracc Q003861.

The tomb of Šamaš-ibni, the Dakkurian, upon whom Aššur-etel-ilāni, king of Assyria, had pity, brought from Assyria to Bīt-Dakkūri, his (own) country, and laid to rest in a tomb inside his home of Dūru-ša-Ladīni (“Fortress of Ladīnu”). Whoever you are, whether governor or commander or judge or prince, who is appointed in the land, do not harm this tomb or (its) bone(s)! (But rather) look after its position (and) extend (your) good protection over it! For (doing) this, may the god Marduk, the great lord, lengthen your reign, establish his good protection over you, (and) bless your name, your descendant(s), and your long life for all time! (But) if that prince or governor or commandant or judge or governor who appears in the land harms this tomb or (its) bone(s), (or) changes its position, taking (it) to another place, (15) or (if) another person incites him to plan wicked things (against this tomb) and he listens (to him), may the god Marduk, the great lord, make his name, his descendant(s), his offspring, and his seed disappear from (mention by) the mouth(s) of the people! May the god Nabû, who makes opposing forces agree, cut short the number of his days (lit. “the number of his long days”)! May the god Nergal not spare his life from malaria, plague, or slaughter!

Chapter Six. Sîn-šarra-iškun

Ssi. 01–21 and 2001. Reigned ca. 626–612 BC.

Sîn-šarru-iškun 01

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 5 exemplars (principal: Ki 1904-10-09, 0352 + Ki 1904-10-09, 0353 (BM 099320)); known as Cylinder C: Cylinders. RINAP 5 Ssi 01; Oracc Q003862.

I, Sîn-šarra-iškun, great king, stron[g] king, [king of the world, king of A]ssyria, favored by the deities Aššur, Enlil, (and) Mullissu; pio[us] governor, [...] of Ešarra, humble ruler; chosen by the steadfast hearts of the deities Sîn, Ni[ngal, Šamaš, and Aya; beloved of the deities Marduk, Zarpa]nītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu; the one chosen by the goddess Ištar who resides in Nineveh (and) the goddess Ištar who resides in [Arbela, favorite of the gods Nergal] and Nusku; (5) [the one whom (the god) Aššur, the goddess Mul]lissu, and the grea[t] gods, [my lords, steadfastly looked upon am]ong m[y] brothers and [selected] for kingship; they commanded me [to per]form [the roles of provisioner of all cult centers, priest of all sanctuaries, (and) shepherd of the totality of the black-headed (people)]; [they guided me like a father and a mother, killed my foes, (and) cut down] my [adv]ersaries; [they gladly placed me on the royal throne of the father] who had engendered me; [the god Ea (and) the goddess Bēlet-ilī created me for dominion over the world] (and) [they made] my form [surpas]sing [among all ...; (10) the god Sîn, king of the crown, crowned me with the crown of lordship] (and) he made my hand grasp [the scepter of kingshi]p [to make the foundation of the land firm (and) to direct the people; the goddess Mullissu who resides in Nineveh, (the goddess) Antu, ... raised up] my head; [resplendent young man, superb man, who comprehends reason and counsel, who spea]ks eloquent (words), [magnanimous, discerning, whose words] are as sweet [to the people] as the armannu-fruit; [to whom ... assistance and succor ... as] his good fortune; (15) [...] their words; [...] his head; [son of Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, king of the f]our [quarters (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and] Akkad; [son of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, ruler who has no riv]al; [descendant of Sargon (II), great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akka]d; Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... I constantly revered the great gods, (and) I was assiduous towards their sanctuaries (and) beseeched [their] lordly maje[sties ...]. They stood by my [sid]e, carried out correct procedures for me, constantly answered (enemies) in my stead, killed m[y] foes, [...], bound my [en]emies, capture[d] the enemies of Assyria who had not bowed down to my royal majesty, [... (5´) ...] they broke the ...s of the assault against me, [...]; [At the beginnin]g of my [k]ingship, in my first regnal year when [I sat in greatness] on (my) royal throne, I constantly gave [thought to providi]ng for cult centers (and) completing the sanctuaries of fortresses (and) settlements of Assyria, [...] ... [The gre]at [gods], whose divinity I constantly revered, [... (10´) ...] rendered judgment on [those who had s]inned against me, and, in the open country, [...] me [...]. [At] that [t]ime, the Alabaster House, the western entrance which [...] to the palace [..., that S]ennacherib, king of [Assyri]a, the (grand)father of the father who had engendered m[e, had built, had become dilapidated and old — I] removed it[s dilapidated sectio]n(s). [I built (and) completed (it)] fro[m its foundation(s) to its crenellations, (15´) made] its structure [larger than the one bef]ore, [...]. May [a futu]re [ruler], one of the kings, [my] descendants, renovate its [dila]pidated section(s) [when that house becomes dilapidated and old. May he fi]nd [an inscribed object bearing] my [name] and an inscribed object bearing the name of Sen[nacherib, king of Assyria], the (grand)father of the father [who had engendered me], and (then) anoint (them) with [o]il, make an offering, (and) [pl]ace (them) with an inscribed obje[ct bearing his name. (20´) (The god) A]ššur (and) the goddess Mullissu [will (then) hear] h[is] prayers. Duʾūzu (IV), eponymy of Nabû-tappûtī-a[lik].

Sîn-šarru-iškun 02

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 02744; known as K 2744 (Cylinder D). RINAP 5 Ssi 02; Oracc Q003863.

Lacuna [...] firmly established; [...] cultic rites (and) kidudû-rites [... cons]tantly shepherded the people; [whom the light of heaven, the god Sîn], crow[ned] with the crown of lordship; [whose hand] the god Mardu[k, ..., made grasp a just scepter] (and) a true [s]taff for shepherding a widespread population; [magnanim]ous, discerning, who [...] for the good health of the people; (5´) [who comprehen]ds reason, who learned deliberation; the one to whom [the god Ea, ...], taught his wisdom; pious [r]uler, capable governor, true shepherd, exalted vice-regent, [...]; the one who, with the support of the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu [...] from sunrise [to sunset]; who, by the exalted command of their divinity, binds his foes, cuts down his adversaries, flattens all of his enemies, [...]; at the mention of whose venerated name, which the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu gave to him, the rulers of/who [...]; the capable one who knows how to make Assyria dwel[l] in a peaceful abode [...]; who reveres the deities, Aššur, Mullissu, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Bēltiya (Zarpanītu), Nabû, Tašmētu, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arb[ela, the great gods, (his lords)]; who, from his childhood until he became an adult, constantly followed after them (the great gods), beseeched their lordly majesties, (and) with supplication[s ...]; who guards truth, who loves justice, who renders assistance, who goes to the ai[d of the weak, ...]; the pious (and) judicious one, who [constantly speaks] the praise of the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Sîn, Šamaš, Marduk, Zarpanītu, Na[bû, (and) Tašmētu]; (15´) who makes the foundation of his land firm, who pleases the hearts of his troops, who [...] in truth and justice like [...]; who protects the privileged people, as many as there are; who maintains the purity of regu[lar offerings; ...]. The deities Aššur, Mullissu, Bēl (Marduk), (and) Nabû lo[oked] with pleasure upon my [good] deeds [and ... They ...] than (those of all other) kings who sit on (royal) dais[es. ...] Lacuna

Sîn-šarru-iškun 03

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 122613 (1930-05-08, 0002). RINAP 5 Ssi 03; Oracc Q003864.

[I, Sîn-šarra-iškun, ... king of] the world, king of Assyria, [... of the god Marduk (and) the goddess Zarp]anītu, beloved of the god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu, [...; son of Ashurbanipal, ..., king of Assyria], king of the land of Sumer [and] Akkad; son of Esarhaddon, ... [...; son of Sennacherib, ...; descendant of Sargon (II), ..., governor of B]abylon, king of the land of Sumer and [Akkad]: [...] ... whom they (the gods) made pre-emine[nt, ...] ..., they held [my] for[m] in high esteem [...] ... for king[ship ...]. [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...], the sage of the gods, [...] in the midst of the ch[aos ...] ... [...] Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... happiness ... [...] ... my side ... my enemies [...] happiness, good health, (and) a [bright] spiri[t ...]. [May a future ruler, one of the kings], my [descendant]s, [renovate its dilapidated section(s)] when tha[t] terrace be[co]m[es dilapidated and] old. [M]ay he find [an inscribed object bearing my name] and (then) anoin[t (it)] with o[i]l, [make an offering, (and) place (it) wi]th an inscribed object bea[ring his name. The deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Zarpanīt]u, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu [will (then) hear his prayers]. [(As for) the one who] removes [an inscribed object bearing m]y [name, ...] m[y] handiwork, [...] my ..., (10´) may [the deities ...] not be pres[ent] for his prayers and not heed his supplications. May they curse him an[g]rily and [make his name (and) seed disappear from the land]. [..., ... day, eponymy of] Sîn-šarru-uṣur, governor of [the city] Ḫi[ndānu].

Sîn-šarru-iškun 04

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1880-07-19, 0013. RINAP 5 Ssi 04; Oracc Q003865.

Lacuna [... the] Tigr[is Ri]ver [... who]s[e s]ite [... which ...] bui[lt ... I bui]lt (and) com[pleted (it) ... I] filled [...] Lacuna

Sîn-šarru-iškun 05

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 08540 + 1882-05-22, 0028. RINAP 5 Ssi 05; Oracc Q003866.

Lacuna [...] ... [... that ..., king of A]ssyria, [... had bu]ilt became dilapidated [and] o[ld ...] I built (and) [completed (it) from] its [fo]undation(s) to [its] crenellatio[ns. ... I enlarged] its struc[tu]re. [...] ... [...] [... when that] house [...] Lacuna

Sîn-šarru-iškun 06

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). IM 003209 + IM 003249; known as Cylinder C: Tablet. RINAP 5 Ssi 06; Oracc Q003867.

Obverse

[I, Sîn-šar]ra-iškun, great king, strong king, king of the world, k[ing of Assyria, favored by the deities Aššur], Enlil, (and) Mullissu; pious governor, [... of Ešarra, humble ruler; chos]en by the steadfast hearts of the deities Sîn, Ningal, Šamaš, and Aya; beloved of [the deities Marduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu; the one chosen by the goddess Ištar who res]ides in Nineveh (and) the goddess Ištar who resides in Arbela, favorit[e of the gods Nergal and Nusku; (5) the one whom (the god) Aššur, the goddess Mulliss]u, and the great gods, my lords, steadfastly l[ooked upon] among my brothers [and selected for kingship]; they [command]ed me to perf[orm] the roles of pro[vision]er of all cult centers, priest [of all san]ctua[ri]es, (and) she[p]her[d of] the totalit[y of] the black-headed (people); they guided me like a father and [a mother], th[ey] killed [my foes (and) cut down], my adversaries; they g[l]adl[y] placed me on the [royal throne of the father who had enge]ndered me; (10) the god Ea (and) the goddess Bēlet-ilī created m[e] for dominion over the world (and) they [made] my form [surpassing among all ...]; the god Sîn, king of the crown, crowned m[e] with [the crown of lordsh]ip (and) [he made] m[y] hand [grasp] the scepter of kingship to make the foundation of the land firm (and) to di[rect the people; the goddess Mullissu who resides in Nineveh, (the goddess) Antu, [... raised up] my hea[d]; resplendent [yo]ung man, sup[erb] man, [who comprehends reason and counsel, who speak]s elo[qu]ent (words), (15) [magn]animous, discerning, [whose words] are as sweet [to the people as the arm]annu-fruit; [to whom ...] assistance and succ[or ... as] his [good fo]rtune; [...] ... [...] their [wor]ds; [...] ... [...] ... [...] his [head]; [son of Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the l]and of Sumer and A[kkad, king of] the [fou]r quarte[rs (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer] and Akkad; Lacuna

Reverse

Lacuna [May a future ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, renovate its dilapidated section(s) when that wall becomes dilap]id[a]ted a[nd old]. May he find [an inscribed obje]ct [bea]ring my name [and an inscribed object bearing the name of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the (grand)father of the father who had enge]ndered me, and (then) anoint (them) with o[i]l, [make an offering], (and) place (them) [with an inscribed obje]ct bearing his name. (rev. 5´) (The god) Aššur (and) the goddess M[ullissu] will (then) hear his [pray]ers. (As for) the one who removes an inscribed object bear[ing my name f]rom its place (and) does not place (it) with an inscribed object be[aring] his name, may the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Sîn, Šamaš, [Mardu]k, Zarpanītu, Nabû, Tašmētu, Ištar of Nineveh, Šarrat-Kidmuri, (and) Ištar of A[rb]ela, the great gods of heaven and netherworld, (rev. 10´) overthrow his throne, curse his reign, take away his scepter, bind his arms, (and) make him [s]it bound at the feet of his enemy. May they curse him angrily and make his name, his offspring, his dynasty, (and) his progeny disappe[ar] from al[l of the la]nds. Inscription concerning the wall of Nineveh. Ulūlu (VI), eponymy of Bēl-aḫu-uṣur, [pala]ce overseer.

Sîn-šarru-iškun 07

Prism; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 5 exemplars (principal: VA 07501 (Ass 00948)); known as Cylinder A: Prisms. RINAP 5 Ssi 07; Oracc Q003868.

Column i

Lacuna of 3 or 4 lines [I, Sîn-šarra-iškun, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; the one whom the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Zarpanītu], Nabû, (and) [Tašmētu] steadfastly looked [upon] with [their benevolent] glance [and] selected for [kingship]; whom the light of he[aven, the god Sîn, cr]owned with the cro[wn of lordship] (i 5´) to make the foundation of [the land] firm, to direct the peop[le], t put in o[rder] what is confused, (and) to repair [what is de]stroyed; [whose hand] the god N[abû, overseer of the world], made gra[sp (i 10´) a just scepter (and)] a tr[ue] st[a]ff for sh[epherding a] wi[despread populati]on; magnani[mous, discerning], (i 15´) who comprehends r[eason] and [counsel], who learned d[eliberation; reliable] judge, who speaks about trut[h and justice; (i 20´) to wh]om [treacherous talk] is anathema (and) l[ies an abominat]ion; [pious ruler, capable] gov[ernor, true shepherd, leader of a widespread popula]tion; [whose] kingship [the great gods made as pleasing] in al[l of the lands as the finest oil];

Column ii

son of Ashurban[ipal, great king, strong king], king of the world, king of Assyria, [king of the land of Sumer] and Akkad, king of the [fo]u[r] quarters (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (ii 10) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; son of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of [Assyri]a, ruler who has no rival; [descendant of Sarg]on (II), gr[eat] king, [strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and] Akkad; [At the beginning of my kingship, af]ter the gods Aššur, [Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Sîn], Šamaš, [Ninurta, Nergal, and] Nusku [ch]ose me [among my brothers] and (ii 20) [desired (me)] as king, guided me [like a father and a moth]er, and [killed] my [f]oes, [cut down] my [e]nemies, performed [good deeds] for me, (and) (ii 25) [gladly p]laced me [on the roya]l [throne] of the father who had engendered me; [I constantly gave thought to providing for cu]lt centers, [...] ... Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [... it became o]ld. [For a] long [tim]e, [it fell] into dis[repair and beca]me level [with] the groun[d]. (iii 5´) The god Na[bû] (and) the goddess Tašmētu, m[y] lords, [took up residence] the temple of the Assyria[n Ištar and] (there) they receiv[ed] str[ewn offerings]. The kings, [my ancestors] who came be[fore me], (iii 10´) did not th[ink about] (re)building that temple [and] they did not pay (it any) attention. I, Sîn-šarra-iškun, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who reveres the great gods, (iii 15´) who is assiduous towards their places (of worship), conceived in my heart to (re)build that temple and wanted (to carry it out). According to its original plan, (iii 20´) [on] its former [sit]e, [in a favorable month], (on) an auspicious day, [according to the craft of the incantation priest, I filled in (its) foundation with] limestone Lacuna of 1 or 2 lines

Column iv

Lacuna of 1 or 2 lines [I built (and) complet]ed (it) [from its foundations to its crenellations. ... m]y [...] and [made (it) s]hine [like daylight. I brou]ght [the god Nabû (and) the goddess Ta]šmētu, [the great gods], my lords, out [of the temple of] the Assyrian Ištar and, [in a favorab]le [month], (on) an auspicious day, (iv 10´) I made (them) enter [in]side [it] and made (them) dwell on (their) eternal dais(es). I offered prime quality [pr]ize bulls (and) fattened fat-tailed sheep as pure food offerings before the god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu, my lords, and (thus) I lavishly provided (for them) inside (that) temple. The god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu (iv 20´) looked with pleasure upon my good deeds and constantly blessed my kingship. [May] a future ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, [reno]vate its dilapidated section(s) [w]hen that temple becomes dilapidated and [o]ld. May he find an inscribed object [bearing] my [na]me, and (then) anoint (it) with [oil], m[a]k[e an offering (and) (v 1) place (it) with an inscribed object] be[aring his name]. The deities Ašš[ur, Mullissu], Mard[uk, Zarpanītu], Nabû, (and) [Tašmētu will (then) hear] his prayers.

Column v

(As for) the one who removes an inscribed object be[aring my name and] does not place (it) with an inscribed object bearing his name and does not write my name with his name, may the deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu not be present for his prayers and (v 15) not heed his supplications. May they curse him angrily and [make] his name, his seed, (and) his offspring [dis]appear [from the land].

Exemplar A (its own closing date-formula, where this physical copy diverges from the composite text above): [...], ...th [day, eponymy of ...].

Exemplar B (its own closing date-formula, where this physical copy diverges from the composite text above): [..., ...th day], epony[my of ...].

Exemplar C (its own closing date-formula, where this physical copy diverges from the composite text above): Tašrītu (VII), [...th day], eponymy of [...].

Sîn-šarru-iškun 08

Prism; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VAT 09524 (+) Ist A 00494; known as Frahm, KAL 3 no. 43. RINAP 5 Ssi 08; Oracc Q003869.

Column i'

Lacuna [conceiv]ed [in] my [heart to (re)buil]d [t]hat [temple] and [want]ed (to carry it out). [According to] its [original pla]n, [on] its [form]er [sit]e, [in a favorable month, (on) an au]spicious [day, according to the craft of the incantation pri]est, [... I fille]d in its [foundat]ion [with limesto]ne and [made (it) as high] as [a mount]ain. [I built (and) complet]ed (it) [from] its [foundation(s) to] its [crenellations. ...] Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna [I] offered [prime quality prize bulls (and) f]atten[ed fat-t]ai[led sheep] as pu[re] food offe[rings] befo[re] the god Nabû (and) the goddess [Tašmētu, my] lords, and (thus) I lavis[hly provided (for them) [insi]de (that) temp[le. The god Na]bû (and) the goddess Taš[mētu loo]ke[d with pleasure upon my good deed]s [and] Lacuna

Sîn-šarru-iškun 09

Prism; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VA 07506 (+) VA 07518; known as Ass 03518 (+) Ass 03830. RINAP 5 Ssi 09; Oracc Q003870.

Column i

Lacuna As[syria]; the one who[m (the god) Aššur], the king [of the gods], with [his] benevol[ent] g[lance], looked [with] ple[asure upon and] selecte[d] for king[ship; to] ma[ke firm] Lacuna

Column ii

[...] ... [to make the foundation of] the land [f]irm, [to dir]ect [the peo]ple of [As]syria, [...] ... Lacuna

Column iii

governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sum[er] and Akk[ad]; (5) son of Sennac[herib], grea[t] king, stro[ng] king, king of [the world], Lacuna

Column iv

they (the gods) [guided me and] ... [...] Lacuna

Column v

Lacuna

Column vi

Lacuna [May they (the gods) make his name, his seed], (and) his offspring [disa]ppear [from the land]. [..., ... day], eponymy of [Aššur-mātu]-taqqin, [gover]nor of [the city (Up)pummu].

Sîn-šarru-iškun 10

Cylinder; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VA 05060 (Ass 13595) (+) LB 1323; VA Ass 02316 (Ass 13158 (+) Ass 13158a); Ist A 03634 (Ass 19423); known as Cylinder A: Cylinders. RINAP 5 Ssi 10; Oracc Q003871.

I, [Sîn-šarra-i]škun, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria; the one whom the deities Aššur, [Mullissu, M]arduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu steadfastly looked upon with their benevolent glance and selected for kingship; whom the light of heaven, the god Sîn, crowned with the crown of lordship to make the foundation of the land firm, to direct the people, to put in order what is confused, (5) (and) to repair what is destroyed; whose hand the god Nabû, overseer of the world, made grasp a just scepter (and) a true staff for shepherding a widespread population; magnanimous, discerning, who comprehends reason and counsel, who learned deliberation; reliable judge, who speaks about truth and justice; to whom treacherous talk is anathema (and) lies an abomination; (10) pious ruler, capable governor, true shepherd, leader of a widespread population; whose kingship the great gods made as pleasing in all of the lands as the finest oil; son of Ashurbanipal, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four quarters (of the world); son of Esarhaddon, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; son of Sennacheri[b], great [k]ing, strong king, king of the world, (15) king of Assyria, ruler who has no rival; descendant of Sargon (II), great king, [s]trong ki[ng], king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; At the beginning of my kingship, a[f]ter the gods Aššur, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Sîn, Šamaš, Ninurta, Nergal, and Nusku chose me among my brothers and desired (me) as king, guided me like a father and a mother, killed my foes, c[u]t down my enemies, performed good deeds for me, (and) gladly placed me o[n the] royal [thro]ne of the father who had engendered me; (20) I constantly gave thought to providing for cult centers, completing sanctuaries, (and) putting in order p[ell]udû-rites; I was assiduous towards the sanctuaries of the great gods, my lords, and wanted to do whatev[er] was suitable [for] their great [divinit]y. At that time, the temple of the god Nabû that is inside B[altil (Aššur), which Sha]lmaneser (I) — the builder of the temple of (the god) Aššur — had built, became dilapidated and Aššur-rēša-iši (I), son of Mu[takkil-Nusku (re)built (it) (and)] it became dilapidated (again); and Adad-nārārī (III), son of Šamšī-Adad (V) (re)built (it) and it became dilap[idated and old. For a lo]ng [time], it fell into disrepair and became level with the ground. (25) [The god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu] took up residence [in the temple of the Assyrian Ištar] and (there) they received strewn offerings. [The kings, my ancestors who came before me], did not think about [(re)building] that temple and [they did not pay (it any) attention]. [I, Sîn-šarra-iškun, king of] the world, king of Assyria, the one who reveres the great gods, [who is assiduous towards their places (of worship)], conceived [in] my [hear]t [to (re)build that temple] and wanted (to carry it out). [According to its original plan, on its former site, in a favorab]le [month], (on) an auspicious day, according to the craft of the incantation priest, (30) [I filled in its foundation] with limestone [and made (it) as high] as [a mounta]in. I built (and) completed (it) from its foundations to its crenellations. [... my ... a]nd made (it) shine like daylight. [I brought] the god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu, the great gods, my lord, out [of the temple of the Assyrian Ištar] and, in a favorable month, (on) an auspicious day, I made (them) enter inside it and [made them dwell on (their) eternal dais(es)]. [I offe]red prime quality [prize bulls] (and) fattened fat-tailed sheep as pure food offerings [before the god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu, my lords], and (thus) I lavishly provided (for them) inside (that) temple. The god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu (35) [looke]d [with pleasure upon my good deeds] and constantly blessed my kingship. May [a future ruler, one of the kings, m]y [descendants], renovate [it]s [dilapidated section(s)] when that temple becomes dilapidated and [old. May he find] an inscribed object bearing my name, [and (then) anoint (it) with oil], make [an offering], (and) place (it) with an inscribed object bearing his name. [The deities Aššur, Mullissu, Marduk, Za]rpanī[tu, Na]bû, (and) Tašmētu will (then) hear his prayers. [(As for) the one who] removes [an inscribed object bear]ing my name and does not place (it) [with an inscribed object bearin]g his name and [does not write] my name with his name, may [the deities Aššur, Mullis]su, Marduk, Zarpanītu, Nabû, (and) Tašmētu not be present [for h]is [pra]yers and not heed his supplications. [M]ay they curse him [angrily] and make his name, his seed, (and) his offspring disappear from the land.