The Royal Inscriptions of Esarhaddon — Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period 4

RINAP 4 — King of Assyria (680–669 BC)

Esarhaddon, king of Assyria from 680 to 669 BC, ruled an empire that reached from the Nile to the Zagros, campaigned into Egypt, and rebuilt Babylon after his father Sennacherib had destroyed it. This edition gathers 183 of his official inscriptions as edited by Erle Leichty for the Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period (RINAP) project: annalistic prisms and cylinders recounting his building projects and, more briefly, his campaigns; display inscriptions on stone slabs, steles, and monumental sculpture; and short dedicatory texts on bricks, door sockets, vessels, beads, and other small objects, from sites across the Assyrian and Babylonian heartland and beyond. Ten further inscriptions at the end of this edition — RINAP's own appendix to the Esarhaddon corpus — speak in the voice of two women of his court: his queen Ešarra-ḫammat and his mother, the dowager queen Naqī'a.

The texts below are grouped by the site where each was found, following the contiguous run of numbers the print edition itself assigns as its texts move from Nineveh to Aššur, Kalhu, the western cities of Til Barsip and Samʾal, Babylon and the cities of Babylonia, and a scatter of outlying finds, then by RINAP 4's own two further numbering tiers: a "minor inscriptions" series (Esarhaddon 1001–1030) recording additional genuine building and dedicatory texts outside the main run, and the Ešarra-ḫammat/Naqī'a appendix (Esarhaddon 2001–2010). Esarhaddon's longer inscriptions — his prisms especially — survive in many exemplars, since scribes recopied the same composition, updating its closing date formula, year after year as building work continued; where those exemplars disagree at a single line, RINAP's own reading edition records each variant separately, and this edition reproduces every one under RINAP's own line label.

The English below is RINAP's own published translation, reproduced complete and verbatim as continuous reading prose; nothing has been added, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers are RINAP's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform exactly as its editors published it. Six of the 183 texts carry no English translation at all in RINAP's own edition: five are noted by RINAP itself as unavailable for study, left unpublished in the field, or awaiting a later editor, and one — a set of inscriptions in non-linguistic Assyrian "hieroglyphs" — has nothing to translate in principle; RINAP's own notes are reproduced verbatim in place of a translation for each. Beyond RINAP's own noted "Lacuna" breaks, 45 lines across six texts are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in the source edition; each such gap is disclosed in place rather than filled.

Nineveh — Esarhaddon 001–056
Aššur — Esarhaddon 057–076
Kalhu (Nimrud) and Tarbiṣu — Esarhaddon 077–096
Til Barsip and Samʾal — Esarhaddon 097–098
Nineveh (Continued) — Esarhaddon 099–101
Ḥama and the Nahr el-Kalb — Esarhaddon 102–103
Babylon and Babylonia — Esarhaddon 104–139
Final Varia — Esarhaddon 140–143
Minor Inscriptions — Esarhaddon 1001–1030
Appendix — Ešarra-ḫammat and Naqī’a — Esarhaddon 2001–2010

Nineveh

Esarhaddon 001–056. 56 texts.

Esarhaddon 001 — Nineveh A

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 33 exemplars. Dated 673, 672 BC. CDLI P462851. Esarhaddon 001; Oracc Q003230.

Column i

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four quarters, true shepherd, favorite of the great gods, (i 5) whom from his childhood the gods Aššur, Šamaš, Bēl, and Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela named for the kingship of Assyria — I am my older brothers’ youngest brother (and) by the command of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, and Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, (my) father, who engendered me, elevated me firmly in the assembly of my brothers, saying: ‘This is the son who will succeed me.’ He questioned the gods Šamaš and Adad by divination, and they answered him with a firm ‘yes,’ saying: ‘He is your replacement.’ (i 15) He heeded their important word(s) and gathered together the people of Assyria, young (and) old, (and) my brothers, the seed of the house of my father. Before the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nabû, (and) Marduk, the gods of Assyria, the gods who live in heaven and netherworld, he made them swear their solemn oath(s) concerning the safe-guarding of my succession. (i 20) In a favorable month, on a propitious day, in accordance with their sublime command, I joyfully entered the House of Succession, an awe-inspiring place within which the appointing to kingship (takes place). Persecution (and) jealousy fell over my brothers and they forsook (the will) of the gods. They trusted in their arrogant deeds, and they were plotting evil. They started evil rumors, calumnies, (and) slander about me against the will of the gods, and they were constantly telling insincere lies, hostile things, behind my back. They alienated the well-meaning heart of my father from me, against the will of the gods, (but) deep down he was compassionate and his eyes were permanently fixed on my exercising kingship. I pondered and thought thus: ‘Their deeds are arrogant and they trust (only) in their (own) counsel. What will they (not) do against the will of the gods?’ (i 35) I prayed to the god Aššur, king of the gods, (and) the merciful god Marduk, to whom treacherous talk is an abomination, with benedictions, supplications, and expressions of humility, and they accepted my words. By the command of the great gods, my lords, they (the gods) settled me in a secret place away from the evil deeds, (i 40) stretched out their pleasant protection over me, and kept me safe for (exercising) kingship. Afterwards, my brothers went out of their minds and did everything that is displeasing to the gods and mankind, and they plotted evil, girt (their) weapons, and in Nineveh, without the gods, they butted each other like kids for (the right to) exercise kingship. The gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela saw the deeds of the usurpers which had been done wrongly against the will of the gods and they did not support them. They changed their strength to weakness and forced them to bow down to me. (i 50) The people of Assyria, who swore by oil and water to the treaty, an oath bound by the great gods, to protect my (right to exercise) kingship, did not come to their aid. I, Esarhaddon, who with the help of the great gods, his lords, does not turn back in the heat of battle, quickly heard of their evil deeds. I said ‘Woe!’ and rent my princely garment. I cried out in mourning, I raged like a lion, and my mood became furious. In order to exercise kingship (over) the house of my father I beat my hands together. I prayed to the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, and Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela (i 60) and they accepted my word(s). With their firm ‘yes,’ they were sending me reliable omen(s), (saying): ‘Go! Do not hold back! We will go and kill your enemies.’ I did not hesitate one day (or) two days. I did not wait for my army. I did not look for my rear guard. I did not check the assignment of horses harnessed to the yoke (i 65) nor that of my battle equipment. I did not stock up travel provisions for my campaign. I was not afraid of the snow (and) cold of Šabāṭu (XI), the severest cold season. Like a flying eagle I spread my wings to drive back my enemies. With difficulty and haste, I followed the road to Nineveh and (i 70) before my (arrival) in the territory of the land Ḫanigalbat all of their crack troops blocked my advance; they were sharpening their weapons. Fear of the great gods, my lords, overwhelmed them, (and when) they saw my mighty battle array, they became like crazed women. The goddess Ištar, the lady of war and battle, who loves my priestly duties, stood at my side, broke their bows, (and) she split open their tight battle ranks. In their assembly, they said thus: ‘This is our king!’ Through her sublime command they began coming over to my side (and) marching behind me. They were gamboling like lambs (and) begging my sovereignty. (i 80) The people of Assyria, who had sworn by the treaty, an oath bound by the great gods, concerning me, came before me and kissed my feet. Moreover, those rebels, the ones engaged in revolt and rebellion, when they heard of the advance of my campaign, they deserted the army they relied on and fled to an unknown land. I reached the embankment of the Tigris River and (i 85) by the command of the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš, the divine lord(s) of the embankment, I made all of my troops hop over the wide Tigris River as if it were a small canal. In Addaru (XII), a favorable month, on the eighth day, the eššēšu-festival of the god Nabû, I joyfully entered Nineveh, my capital city, and I sat happily on the throne of my father. The south wind, the breeze of the god Ea, the wind whose blowing is favorable for exercising kingship, blew upon me. (ii 5) Favorable signs came in good time to me in heaven and on earth. They (the gods) continually and regularly encouraged me with oracles through ecstatics, the message(s) of the gods and goddess(es). I sought out every one of the guilty soldiers, who wrongly incited my brothers to exercise kingship over Assyria, and imposed a grievous punishment on them: I exterminated their offspring.

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I am Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, valiant warrior, foremost of all rulers, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, (ii 15) descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria, creation of the god Aššur (and) the goddess Mullissu, beloved of the gods Sîn and Šamaš, chosen by the gods Nabû (and) Marduk, favorite of the goddess Ištar — the queen — desired by the great gods, capable, able, intelligent, learned, the one whom the great gods (ii 20) raised to be king in order to restore the great gods and to complete the shrines of all of the cult centers of the great gods; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, (and) restored the gods and goddess(es) who (live) in it; the one who returned the plundered gods of the lands from the city Aššur to their (proper) place and let (them) dwell in security — As soon as I had completed the temples (and) had installed (them) on their daises as (their) eternal dwelling(s), with their great help I marched triumphantly from the rising sun to the setting sun and I had no rival (therein). I made the rulers of the four quarters bow down at my feet (and) they (the gods) entrusted to me (any) land that had sinned against the god Aššur. The god Aššur, the father of the gods, gave me (the power) to let (cities) fall into ruins and to (re)populate (them, and) to enlarge Assyrian territory; the god Sîn, lord of the crown, decreed heroic strength (and) robust force as my fate; the god Šamaš, the light of the gods, elevated my important name to the highest rank; the god Marduk, king of the gods, made the fear of my kingship (ii 35) sweep over the mountain regions like a dense fog; the god Nergal, mightiest of the gods, gave me fierceness, splendor, and terror as a gift; (and) the goddess Ištar, the lady of battle and war, gave me a mighty bow (and) a fierce arrow as a present. At that time, Nabû-zēr-kitti-līšir, son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), governor of the Sealand, who did not keep his treaty nor remember the agreement of Assyria, forgot the good relations of my father. During the disturbance(s) in Assyria, he mustered his army and his camp, besieged Ningal-iddin, the governor of Ur, a servant who was loyal to me, and (ii 45) cut off his escape route. After the gods Aššur, Šamaš, Bēl and Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela joyously seated me, Esarhaddon, on the throne of my father and handed over to me the lordship of the lands, he was not respectful, did not stop (his evil deeds), and would not leave my servant alone. Moreover, he did not send his messenger before me and did not ask after the well-being of my kingship. I heard of his evil deeds (while) in Nineveh; my heart became angry and my liver was inflamed. I sent my officials, the governors on the border of his land, against him. Furthermore, he, Nabû-zēr-kitti-līšir, the rebel, the traitor, heard of the approach of my army and (ii 55) fled like a fox to the land Elam. Because of the oath of the great gods which he had transgressed, the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, and Nabû imposed a grievous punishment on him and they killed him with the sword in the midst of the land Elam. Naʾid-Marduk, his brother, saw the deeds that they had done to his brother in Elam, fled from the land Elam, (ii 60) came to Assyria to serve me, and beseeched my lordship. I made the entire Sealand, the domain of his brother, subject to him. (Now) he comes yearly, without ceasing, to Nineveh with his heavy audience gift and kisses my feet. (As for) Abdi-Milkūti, king of Sidon, (who) did not fear my lordship (and) did not listen to the words of my lips, who trusted in the rolling sea and threw off the yoke of the god Aššur — I leveled Sidon, his stronghold, which is situated in the midst of the sea, like a flood, tore out its wall(s) and its dwelling(s), and (ii 70) threw (them) into the sea; and I (even) made the site where it stood disappear. Abdi-Milkūti, its king, in the face of my weapons, fled into the midst of the sea. By the command of the god Aššur, my lord, I caught him like a fish from the midst of the sea and cut off his head. I carried off his wife, his sons, his daughters, (ii 75) his palace retainers, gold, silver, goods, property, precious stones, garments with trimming and linen(s), elephant hide(s), ivory, ebony, boxwood, everything of value from his palace in huge quantities, (and) took away his far-flung people who were beyond counting, oxen, sheep and goats, and donkeys in huge numbers (ii 80) to Assyria. I gathered the kings of Ḫatti (Syria-Palestine) and the seacoast, all of them, and had (them) build a city in another place, and I named it Kār-Esarhaddon.

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(The inhabitants of) the cities Bīt-Ṣupūri, Sikkû, Giʾ, Inimme, Ḫildūa, Qartimme, Biʾrû, Kilmê, Bitirume, Sagû, Ampa, (iii 5) Bīt-Gisimeya, Birgiʾ, Gambūlu, Dalaimme, (and) Isiḫimme, cities in the environs of Sidon, places of pasturing and watering for his stronghold, which I captured with the help of the god Aššur, my lord, I settled in it (iii 10) (together with) the people plundered by my bow from the eastern mountains and sea and I restored (the city) to Assyrian territory. I reorganized that province, placed my official as a governor over them, and increased and imposed upon it tribute and payment greater than before. (iii 15b) From among those cities of his I handed over the cities Maʾrubbu (and) Ṣarepta to Baʾalu, king of Tyre. I increased my lordly tribute beyond his earlier, annual giving and imposed (it) on him. Moreover, Sanda-uarri, king of the cities Kundu and Sissû, a dangerous enemy, who did not fear my lordship (and) abandoned the gods, trusted in the impregnable mountains. He (and) Abdi-Milkūti, king of Sidon, (iii 25) agreed to help one another, swore an oath by their gods with one another, and trusted in their own strength. I trusted in the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, and Nabû, the great gods, my lords, (iii 30) besieged him, caught him like a bird from the midst of the mountains, and cut off his head. “In Tašrītu (VII) — the head of Abdi-Milkūti! In Addaru (XII) — the head of Sanda-uarri!” I beheaded (both) in the same year: (iii 35) With the former I did not delay, with the latter I was quick. To show the people the might of the god Aššur, my lord, I hung (the heads) around the necks of their nobles and I paraded in the squares of Nineveh with singer(s) and lyre(s). I plundered the city Arzâ, which is in the district of the Brook of Egypt, and threw Asuḫīli, its king, into fetters and brought (him) to Assyria. I seated him (text: “them”), bound, near the citadel gate of (the city of) Nineveh along with bear(s), dog(s), and pig(s). Moreover, I struck with the sword Teušpâ, a Cimmerian, a barbarian whose home is remote, together with his entire army, in the territory of the land Ḫubušnu. I trod on the necks of the people of Cilicia, mountain dwellers who live in inaccessible mountains in the neighborhood of the land Tabal, evil Hittites, (iii 50) who trusted in their mighty mountains and who from earliest days had not been submissive to the yoke. I surrounded, conquered, plundered, demolished, destroyed, (and) burned with fire twenty-one of their fortified cities and small cities in their environs. (As for) the rest of them, who were not guilty of (any) sin or crime, I imposed the heavy yoke of my lordship upon them. I crushed the wicked Parnaki, who live in the land Tīl-Aššurri, which is called Pittānu in the language of the people of the land Meḫrānu. I scattered the Mannean people, undisciplined Gutians, and its army; I put to the sword Išpakāia, a Scythian, an ally who could not save himself. I plundered the land Bīt-Dakkūri, which is in Chaldea, an enemy of Babylon. I captured Šamaš-ibni, its king, a rogue (and) outlaw, who did not respect the oath of the lord of lords (and) who took away fields of the citizens of Babylon (iii 65) and Borsippa by force and turned (them) over to himself. Because I know the fear of the gods Bēl and Nabû, I returned those fields and entrusted (them) to the citizens of Babylon and Borsippa. I placed Nabû-šallim, the son of Balāssu, on his throne and he (now) pulls my yoke. (As for) Bēl-iqīša, son of Bunnannū, a Gambulian whose residence is located twelve leagues distance in water and canebrakes, by the command of the god Aššur, my lord, unprovoked fear fell upon him and (iii 75) of his own free will he took tribute and payment, uncastrated bulls, (and) teams of white mules from the land Elam and came to Nineveh, before me, and he kissed my feet. I had pity on him and encouraged him. (iii 80) I strengthened the city Ša-pī-Bēl, the city (which is) his strong fortress, and I put him together with his archers therein as a garrison and (thus) locked it (the fortress) up like a door against the land Elam.

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(As for) the city Adumutu, the fortress of the Arabs, which Sennacherib, king of Assyria, (my) father, who engendered me, conquered and whose goods, possessions, (and) gods, together with Apkallatu, the queen of the Arabs, (iv 5) he plundered and brought to Assyria — Hazael, the king of the Arabs, came to Nineveh, my capital city, with his heavy audience gift and kissed my feet. He implored me to give (back) his gods, and I had pity on him. (iv 10) I refurbished the gods Atar-samayin, Dāya, Nuḫāya, Ruldāwu, Abirillu, (and) Atar-qurumâ, the gods of the Arabs, and I inscribed the might of the god Aššur, my lord, and (an inscription) written in my name on them and gave (them) back to him. (iv 15) I placed the lady Tabūʾa, who was raised in the palace of my father, as ruler over them and returned her to her land with her gods. I added sixty-five camels (and) ten donkeys to the previous tribute and imposed (it) on him. Hazael died and I placed Iataʾ, his son, (iv 20) on his throne. I added ten minas of gold, one thousand choice stones, fifty camels, (and) one hundred bags of aromatics to the tribute of his father and imposed (it) on him. Later, Uabu, to exercise kingship, incited all of the Arabs to rebel against Iataʾ. I, Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters, who loves loyalty and abhors treachery, sent my battle troops to the aid of Iataʾ, and they trampled all of the Arabs, threw Uabu, together with the soldiers who were with him, into fetters, and brought (them) to me. I placed them in neck stocks and tied them to the side of my gate. (As for) Uppis, chieftain of the city Partakka, Zanasana, chieftain of the city Partukka, (and) Ramateia, chieftain of the city Urakazabarna, (iv 35) Medes whose country is remote (and) who had not crossed the boundary of Assyria nor trodden on its soil in (the time of) the kings, my ancestors — the awesome fear of the god Aššur, my lord, overwhelmed them (and) they brought to Nineveh, my capital city, large thoroughbreds (and) blocks of lapis lazuli, hewn from its mountain, and they kissed my feet. (iv 40) Because of the chieftains who had threatened them, they implored my lordship and begged me for help. I sent my officials, the governors of the boundary areas of their land, with them and they trampled the people living in those cities and made (them) bow down at their feet. I imposed the tribute (and) payment of my lordship upon them. (As for) the land Patušarra, a district in the area of the salt desert, which is in the midst of the land of the distant Medes, borders Mount Bikni, the lapis lazuli mountain, (and) upon the soil of whose land none of the kings, my ancestors, had walked — I carried off to Assyria Šidir-parna (and) E-parna, mighty chieftains, (iv 50) who were not submissive to (my) yoke, together with their people, their riding horses, oxen, sheep and goats, (and) Bactrian camels, their heavy plunder. (As for) the land Bāzu, a district in a remote place, a forgotten place of dry land, saline ground, a place of thirst, (iv 55) one hundred and twenty leagues of desert, thistles, and gazelle-tooth stones, where snakes and scorpions fill the plain like ants — I left Mount Ḫazû, the mountain of saggilmud-stone, twenty leagues behind me and crossed over to that district to which (iv 60) no king before me had gone since earliest days. By the command of the god Aššur, my lord, I marched triumphantly in its midst. I defeated Kīsu, king of the city Ḫaldisu (Ḫandasu), Akbaru, king of the city Ilpiʾatu (Alpiyana), Mansāku, king of the city Magalānu, Iapaʾ, queen of the city Diḫrānu, (iv 65) Ḫabīsu, king of the city Qadabaʾ (Qatabuʾ), Niḫaru, king of the city Gaʾuani, Baslu, queen of the city Iḫilu, (and) Ḫabaziru, king of the city Pudaʾ (Padê), eight kings from that district (iv 70) (and) laid out the bodies of their warriors like (drying) malt. I carried off their gods, their goods, their possessions, and their people to Assyria. (As for) Laialê, king of the city Yadiʾ, who had fled before my weapons, unprovoked fear fell upon him, and he came to Nineveh, before me, and kissed my feet. I had pity on him and put that province of Bāzu under him. Through the strength of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nabû, Marduk, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, I conquered all of (my) arrogant enemies. (iv 80) At the words of their divinity the rulers, my enemies, trembled like reeds in a storm. The kings who live in the sea, whose (inner) walls are the sea and whose outer walls are the waves, who ride in boats instead of chariots, (and) who harness rowers instead of horses, were seized by fear; their hearts were pounding and (v 1) they were vomiting gall. There was no rival that my weapons could not face and there was no one among the rulers who came before me who could equal me. Those who used to ignore the kings, my ancestors, or answer (them) constantly with hostility, by the command of the god Aššur, my lord, were delivered into my hands. (v 5) I smashed their hard stone walls like a potter’s vessel (and) let the vultures eat the unburied bodies of their warriors. I carried off their heaped-up possessions to Assyria (and) counted the gods, their helpers, as booty. I led their prosperous people away like sheep and goats.

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The one who fled into the sea to save his (own) life did not escape my net and did not save himself. The swift (runner) who took to the stepped ridges of remote mountains, I caught him like a bird from the midst of the mountains and bound his arms. I made their blood flow like floodwater in mountain gullies. I ripped out the roots of the Sutû, who live in tents in a remote place, like the onslaught of a raging storm. Neither he who made the sea his fortress nor he who made the mountain his stronghold escaped my net (or) succeeded in escaping. (v 20) I ordered the (re)settling of those of the sea to the mountains (and) those of the mountains to the sea. At the command of the god Aššur, my lord, who can rival me in kingship? Moreover, who among the kings, my ancestors, was there whose dominion was as great as mine? From the midst of the sea, my enemies spoke thus: ‘Where can the fox go to get away from the sun?’ The Elamites (and) Gutians, obstinate rulers, who used to answer the kings, my ancestors, with hostility, heard of what the might of the god Aššur, my lord, had done among all of (my) enemies, and fear and terror poured over them. So that there would be no trespassing on the borders of their countries they sent their messengers (with messages) of friendship and peace to Nineveh, before me, and they swore an oath by the great gods. After the gods Aššur, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, and Ištar of Arbela made me stand victoriously over my enemies and I attained everything I wanted, with the booty of the vast enemies which my hands had captured through the help of the great gods, my lords, I had the shrines of cult centers built in Assyria and Akkad; I decorated (them) with silver (and) gold and made (them) shine like daylight. At that time, the armory of Nineveh which the kings who came before (me), my ancestors, had built to maintain the camp (and) to keep thoroughbreds, mules, chariots, military equipment, implements of war, and the plunder of enemies, everything (v 45) that the god Aššur, king of the gods, gave me as my royal share — that place had become too small for me to have horses show their mettle (and) to train with chariots. I made the people of the lands plundered by my bow take up hoe (and) basket, and they made bricks. I razed that small palace in its entirety, took a large area from the fields for an addition, and added (it) to it (the palace). I laid its foundations with limestone, strong stone from the mountains, and raised the terrace. I summoned the kings of Ḫatti and Across the River (Syria-Palestine): (v 55) Baʾalu, king of Tyre, Manasseh, king of Judah, Qaʾuš-gabri, king of Edom, Muṣurī, king of Moab, Ṣil-Bēl, king of Gaza, Mitinti, king of Ashkelon, Ikausu, king of Ekron, Milki-ašapa, king of Byblos, (v 60) Mattan-Baʾal, king of Arvad, Abī-Baʾal, king of Samsimurruna, Būdi-il, king of Bīt-Ammon, Aḫī-Milki, king of Ashdod — twelve kings from the shore of the sea; Ekištūra, king of Idalion, Pilagurâ, king of Kitrusi, (v 65) Kīsu, king of Salamis, Itūandar, king of Paphos, Erēsu, king of Soloi, Damāsu, king of Curium, Admēsu, king of Tamassos, Damysos, king of Qarti-ḫadasti, (v 70) Unasagusu, king of Lidir, Buṣusu, king of Nuria — ten kings of Yadnana (Cyprus) in the midst of the sea; in total, twenty-two kings of Ḫatti (Syria-Palestine), the seacoast, and the midst of the sea. I sent orders to all of them for large beams, tall columns, (and) very long planks (v 75) of cedar (and) cypress, grown on Mount Sirāra and Mount Lebanon, which from early days grew thick and tall, (and) they had bull colossi (made of) pendû-stone, lamassu-statues, zebus, paving stones, slabs of marble, pendû-stone, breccia, colored marble, brownish limestone, (and) girimḫilibû-stone, (everything that was) needed for my palace, dragged with much trouble (and) effort from the midst of the mountains, the place of their origin, to Nineveh, my capital city.

Column vi

In a favorable month, on a propitious day, I built great palatial halls upon that terrace for my lordly residence. (vi 5) I built a royal house ninety-five large cubits long (and) thirty-one large cubits wide, something none of the kings, my ancestors, had done. I had its lower courses surrounded with limestone paving stones and I roofed it with magnificent cedar beams. I had a room of white alabaster and palatial halls of ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, (and) cypress skillfully built for my royal residence and my lordly leisure. I roofed it with magnificent cedar beams. I fastened bands of silver and copper on doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, and installed (them) in their gates. (vi 15) I had placed to the right and left of their gate(s) bull colossi (and) zebus (made) of pendû-stone (and) whose appearance repels evil, large stone bull colossi, lions that are facing one another, (and) zebus that are facing one another, (and) twin lamassu-statues, that I cast in shining copper, and bull colossi (made) of white limestone. I placed crossbeams on large copper columns (and) tall cedar columns, (thus forming) a cornice in their gates. I had the frieze(s) (and) coping(s) of the whole of that palace made of black and blue (glazed bricks) and I put (them) around (it) like a wreath. I surrounded all of the gates with an arch and a vault like a rainbow. I embedded nails of silver, gold, and shining copper in them. Through the craft of the sculptor, I depicted on it (the frieze of the palace) the might of the god Aššur, my lord, (and) the deeds that I had accomplished in enemy lands. I planted alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, with all kinds of aromatic plants and fruit trees. I greatly enlarged its courtyard and made its approach much wider. I led a canal into it (the park) as a watering place for horses and I made (it) murmur (with running water) like an irrigation ditch. After I built (and) completed that palace from its foundations to its parapets (and) filled (it) with splendor, its mortar was mixed with fine beer, its kalakku-clay was mixed with wine. The bearers of the spade, the hoe, (and) the basket, the workers who carry baskets of brick(s), passed their time in joyous song, in rejoicing, with pleasure, (and) with radiant mien. I finished its work with rejoicing, jubilation, (and) melodious songs, and I named it Ešgalšiddudua, ‘The palace that administers everything.’ I invited the gods Aššur, Bēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, (vi 45) the gods of Assyria, all of them, into it. I made sumptuous pure offerings before them and presented (them) with my gifts. Those gods, in their steadfast hearts, blessed my kingship. I seated all of the officials and people of my country in it (vi 50) at festive tables, ceremonial meals, and banquets, and I made their mood jubilant. I watered their insides with wine and kurunnu-wine. I had (my servants) drench their (the guests’) heads with fine oil (and) perfumed oil. By the command of the god Aššur, the king of the gods, and the gods of Assyria, all of them, (vi 55) let me dwell in it forever in good health, happiness, bright spirit(s), (and) with the satisfaction of growing old, and let me be sated with its splendor. At new year, in the first month, yearly, without ceasing, let me inspect in it all of the thoroughbreds, mules, camels, military equipment, implements of war, (and) (vi 60) all of the captured enemy soldiers. Let the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu, who guard my royal path (and) who make me happy, last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it. In the future, may one of the kings, my descendants, whom the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar name to rule the land and people, renovate the dilapidated section(s) of that palace when it becomes old and dilapidated. Just as I placed an inscription written in the name of the king, (my) father, who engendered me, (vi 70) beside an inscription written in my name, so you (too) should be like me (and) read an inscription written in my name, anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, and place (it) beside an inscription written in your name. The god Aššur and the goddess Ištar will (then) hear your prayers.

vi 75A

Addaru (XII), eponymy of Atar-ili, governor of the land Laḫīru (673 BC).

vi 75B

Month “Opening of the Door,” eponymy of Atar-ili, governor of the land Laḫīru (673 BC).

vi 75C

Month “Opening of the Door,” eponymy of Atar-ili, governor of the land Laḫīru (673 BC).

vi 75D

Month of the goddess Bēlet-ilī, epo[nymy of ...], in the year when [...] its booty.

vi 75E

Addaru (XII), eponymy of Idri (Atar-ili) governor of the land Laḫīru (673 BC).

vi 75F

Addaru (XII), eponymy of Atar-ili, gover[nor of the land Laḫīru (673 BC)].

vi 75G

Nisannu (I), eponymy of Nabû-bēlu-uṣur, [governor of Dūr-Šarrukku (672 BC)].

Esarhaddon 002 — Nineveh B

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 7 exemplars. Dated 676 BC. CDLI P462852. Esarhaddon 002; Oracc Q003231.

Column i

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, (i 5) son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, the king who with the help of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nabû, Marduk, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, (i 10) the great gods, his lords, marched from the rising sun to the setting sun and had no equal (therein); the one who conquered the city Sidon, which is in the midst of the sea, (i 15) (and) the one who leveled all of its dwellings — I tore out its wall(s) and its dwelling(s), and threw (them) into the sea; and I (even) made the site where it stood disappear. I caught Abdi-Milkūti, its king, (i 20) who had fled in the face of my weapons into the midst of the sea, like a fish from the midst of the sea and cut off his head. I carried off his amassed possessions, gold, silver, precious stones, (i 25) elephant hide(s), ivory, ebony, boxwood, garments with trimming and linen(s), everything of value from his palace in huge quantities, (and) took away his far-flung people who were beyond counting, oxen, sheep and goats, (and) donkeys (i 30) to Assyria. I gathered the kings of Ḫatti (Syria-Palestine) and the seacoast, all of them, and had (them) build a city in another place, and I named it Kār-Esarhaddon. (i 35) I settled in it people plundered by my bow from the eastern mountains and sea (and) I placed my official as governor over them. Moreover, Sanda-uarri, king of the cities Kundu (and) Sissû, a dangerous enemy, who did not fear my lordship (and) abandoned the gods, trusted in the impregnable mountains. Furthermore, Abdi-Milkūti, king of Sidon, agreed to help him (i 45) and they swore an oath by the great gods with one another and trusted in their own strength. I trusted in the god Aššur, my lord, caught him like a bird from the midst of the mountains, and cut off his head. (i 50) To show the people the might of the god Aššur, my lord, I hung the heads of Sanda-uarri and Abdi-Milkūti around the necks of their nobles and (i 55) I paraded in the squares of Nineveh with singers and lyre(s). The one who plundered the land Arzâ, which is in the district of the Brook of Egypt — I threw Asuḫīli, its king, into fetters along with his counselors and (i 60) brought (them) to Assyria. I seated them, bound, near the citadel gate of (the city of) Nineveh along with bear(s), dog(s), and pig(s).

Column ii

Moreover, I struck with the sword Teušpâ, a Cimmerian, a barbarian whose home is remote, together with his entire army, in the territory of the land Ḫubušnu. The one who treads on the necks of the people of Cilicia, mountain dwellers who live in mountains in the neighborhood of Tabal, who trusted in their mountains and who from earliest days had not been submissive to the yoke — I surrounded, conquered, plundered, demolished, destroyed, (and) burned with fire (ii 10) twenty-one of their cities together with small cities in their environs. (As for) the rest of them, who were not guilty of (any) sin or crime, I imposed the heavy yoke of my lordship upon them. The one who crushed the Parnaki, a dangerous enemy, who live in the land Tīl-Aššurri, which is called Pittānu in the language of the people of the city Meḫrānu; the one who scattered the Mannean people, undisciplined Gutians, who put to the sword the army of Išpakāia, a Scythian, an ally who could not save himself; the one who drove out Nabû-zēr-kitti-līšir, son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), who had put his trust in the king of the land Elam, but could not save his life — Naʾid-Marduk, his brother, fled from the land Elam to serve me, (ii 30) came to Nineveh, my capital city, and kissed my feet. I made the entire Sealand, the domain of his brother, subject to him. The one who sacked the land Bīt-Dakkūri, which is in Chaldea, an enemy of Babylon; the one who captured Šamaš-ibni, its king, a rogue (and) outlaw, who did not respect the oath of the lord of lords (and) who took away fields of the citizens of Babylon and Borsippa by force — (ii 40) because I know the fear of the gods Bēl and Nabû, I returned those fields and entrusted (them) to the citizens of Babylon and Borsippa. I placed Nabû-šallim, the son of Balāssu, on his throne and he (now) pulls my yoke. (As for) the city Adumutu, the fortress of the Arabs, which Sennacherib, king of Assyria, (my) father, who engendered me, conquered and whose goods, possessions, (and) gods, together with Apkallatu, the queen of the Arabs, he plundered and brought to Assyria — Hazael, the king of the Arabs, came to Nineveh, my capital city, with his heavy audience gift and kissed my feet. (ii 55) He implored me to give (back) his gods, and I had pity on him. I refurbished those gods and I had the might of the god Aššur, my lord, and (an inscription) written in my name inscribed on them and I gave (them) back to him. (ii 60) I placed the lady Tabūʾa, who was raised in my palace, as ruler over them and returned her to her land with her gods.

Column iii

I added sixty-five camels to the previous tribute (which was paid to) my father and imposed (it) on him. Later, Hazael died and I placed Iaʾlû (Iataʾ), his son, (iii 5) on his throne. I added ten minas of gold, one thousand choice stones, fifty camels, (and) one thousand bags of aromatics to the tribute of his father and imposed (it) on him. (As for) the land Bāzu, a district in a remote place, a forgotten place of dry land, saline ground, a place of thirst, one hundred and forty leagues of desert, thistles, and gazelle-tooth stones, twenty leagues of land where snakes and scorpions fill the plain like ants — (iii 15) I left mount Ḫazû, the mountain of saggilmud-stone, twenty leagues behind me and crossed over (to that district) to which no king before me had gone since earliest days. By the command of the god Aššur, my lord, (iii 20) I marched triumphantly in its midst. I defeated eight kings from that district (and) carried off their gods, their goods, their possessions, (and) their people to Assyria. Laialê, king of the city Yadiʾ, (iii 25) who had fled before my weapons, heard of the plundering of his gods and came to Nineveh, my capital city, before me, and kissed my feet. (iii 30) I had pity on him and said to him ‘Aḫulap!’ I inscribed the might of the god Aššur, my lord, on his gods that I had carried off and I gave (them) back to him. I put that province of Bāzu under him (and) imposed on him my lordly tribute (and) payment. (As for) Bēl-iqīša, son of Bunnannū, a Gambulian whose residence is located twelve leagues distance in water and swamps like (that of) a fish, (iii 40) by the command of the god Aššur, my lord, fear fell upon him and of his own free will he took tribute and payment, uncastrated bulls, (and) teams of white mules from the land Elam (and) brought (them) to Nineveh, before me, (iii 45) and he kissed my feet. I had pity on him and encouraged him. I strengthened the city Ša-pī-Bēl, the city (which is) his strong fortress, and (iii 50) I put him together with his archers therein as a garrison and (thus) locked it (the fortress) up like a door against the land Elam. (As for) the land Patušarra, a district in the area of the salt desert, which is in the midst of the land of the distant Medes, (iii 55) borders Mount Bikni, the lapis lazuli mountain, (and) upon the soil of whose land none of the kings, my ancestors, had walked — I carried off to Assyria Šidir-parna (and) E-parna, mighty chieftains, who were not submissive to (my) yoke, together with their people, their riding horses, oxen, sheep and goats, donkeys, (and) Bactrian camels, their heavy plunder.

Column iv

(As for) Uppis, chieftain of the city Partakka, Zanasana, chieftain of the city Partukka, (and) Ramateia, chieftain of the city Urakazabarna, Medes whose country is remote (iv 5) (and) who had not crossed the boundary of Assyria nor trodden on its soil in the time of the kings, my ancestors — the awesome fear of the god Aššur, my lord, overwhelmed them and they brought to Nineveh, my capital city, large thoroughbreds (and blocks of) lapis lazuli, hewn from its mountain, (iv 10) and they kissed my feet. Because of the chieftains who had threatened them, they implored my lordship and begged me for help. I sent my officials, the governors (iv 15) of the boundary areas of their land, with them and they trampled the people living in those cities and made (them) bow down at their feet. I imposed the tribute (and) payment of my lordship upon them yearly. After the gods Aššur, Šamaš, Bēl and Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela made me stand victoriously over my enemies and I attained everything I wanted, with the booty of the vast enemies which my hands had captured through the help of the great gods, my lords, I had the shrines of cult centers built in Assyria and Akkad; I decorated (them) with silver (and) gold and made (them) shine like daylight. At that time, the armory of Nineveh which the kings who came before (me), my ancestors, (iv 35) had built to maintain the camp (and) to keep thoroughbreds, mules, chariots, military equipment, implements of war, and the plunder of enemies, everything that the god Aššur, king of the gods, (iv 40) gave me as my royal share — that place had become too small for me to have horses show their mettle (and) to train with chariots. I made the people of the lands plundered by my bow (iv 45) take up hoe (and) basket, and they made bricks. I razed that small palace in its entirety, took a large area from the fields for an addition, and added (it) to it (the palace). I raised the terrace with limestone, strong stone from the mountains. I summoned twenty-two kings of Ḫatti (Syria-Palestine), the seacoast, and the midst of the sea, and I sent orders to all of them for large beams, tall columns, (and) planks of cedar (and) cypress from Mount Sirāra (and) Mount Lebanon, (and) they had lamassu-statues, zebus, paving stones, slabs (v 5) of marble, pendû-stone, breccia, colored marble, engišû-stone, brownish limestone, (and) girimḫilibû-stone, (v 10) (everything that was) needed for my palace, dragged with much trouble (and) effort from the midst of the mountains, the place of their origin, to Nineveh.

Column v

In a favorable month, on a propitious day, I built great palatial halls upon that terrace for my lordly residence. I built a great (royal) house ninety-five large cubits long (and) thirty-one large cubits wide, (v 20) something none of the kings who came before (me), my ancestors, had done. I roofed it with magnificent cedar beams. I fastened bands of silver and bronze on doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, and installed (them) in its gates. I had stone šēdus and lamassus, whose appearance repels evil, placed to the right and the left of their gate(s) as (v 30) protectors of the walk (and) guardians of the path of the king who made them. I had the palace (v 35) skillfully built of interlocking limestone and cedar for my lordly pleasure. I set up inside it twin copper lamassu-statues, with each pair looking (both) forward and backward. I placed crossbeams on tall cedar columns (thus forming) a cornice in their gates. I had the frieze(s) (and) coping(s) of the whole of that palace made of black (and) blue (glazed bricks) and I put (them) around (it) like a wreath. (v 45) I surrounded all of the gates with an arch (and) a vault like a rainbow. I embedded nails of pure silver and shining bronze in them. Through the craft of the sculptor, I depicted on it (the frieze of the palace) the might of the god Aššur, my lord, (the deeds) that I had accomplished in enemy lands. I set up alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, with all kinds of aromatic plants and fruit trees. I greatly enlarged its courtyard and made its approach much wider. (vi 1) I led a canal into it (the park) as a watering place for horses and I made (it) murmur (with running water) like an irrigation ditch.

Column vi

I built (and) completed that palace from its foundations to its parapets (and) filled (it) with splendor. I named it Ešgalšiddudua, ‘The palace that administers everything.’ I invited the god Aššur, the goddess Ištar of Nineveh, (and) the gods of Assyria, all of them, into it. I made sumptuous pure offerings before them and presented (them) with my gifts. Those gods, in their steadfast hearts, blessed my kingship. I seated all of the officials (and) people of my country in it at ceremonial meals and banquets, (and) at festive tables, and I made their mood jubilant. I watered their insides with wine (and) kurunnu-wine. I had (my servants) drench their (the guests’) heads with fine oil (and) perfumed oil. By the command of the god Aššur, the king of the gods, and the gods of Assyria, all of them, let me dwell in it forever in good health, happiness, bright spirit(s), (and) with the satisfaction of growing old, and let me be sated with its splendor. At new year, in the first month, yearly, without ceasing, let me inspect in it all of the thoroughbreds, mules, donkeys, camels, military equipment, implements of war, (and) (vi 35) all of the captured enemy soldiers. Let the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu, who guard my royal path (and) who make me happy, last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it.

vi 44A

Ayyāru (II), twenty-second day, eponymy of Banbâ, the deputy minister (sukkallu šanû) (676 BC).

vi 44B

[...].

Esarhaddon 003 — Nineveh C

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 091029 (K 01679 + K 08542 + Bu 1889-04-26, 0029). Dated 676-669 BC. CDLI P462853. Esarhaddon 003; Oracc Q003232.

Column i

Lacuna [...] ... [...] they reared [...] they ordered him to his [...]ship [...] ... they went and (No translation possible) [... Nabû-zēr-kitti-lī]šir, [...] ... [...] ... heard [of the approach of] my campaign and fled like [a fox t]o the land Ela[m]. (i 20′) [Be]cause of the oath of the great gods [which] he had transgressed, the gods [Aš]šur, Sîn, Šamaš, B[ēl], and Nabû imposed a grievous [punishme]nt on him and they [ki]lled him with the sword [in the mi]dst of the land Elam. Naʾid-Marduk, his brother, (i 25′) saw [the] deeds that they had done [to] his brother in Elam, fled from the land Ela[m], ca[me] to Nineveh to s[erv]e me, [...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

[1 line of Column i is not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Column ii

Lacuna [... Furthermore, A]bdi-Milk[ūti, king of Sidon], agreed to help him [and] they swore [an oath by the great gods] with one another and [trusted] in [their own strength]. I trust[ed] in the god Aššur, my lord, [and] caught him (ii 5′) like a bird from the midst of [the mountains], and cut off his head. To show the people the might of the god Aššur, [m]y lo[rd, I hung] the heads of Sanda-ua[rri and] Abdi-Milkūti around the necks of th[eir] nobles [an]d [I] paraded in [the squares of Nineveh] with singers and lyre(s). The one who plundered the city Ar[zâ, which is in the district of the Brook of] Egypt — I threw Asuḫīli, [its king], into fetters [along with] his [coun]selors [and] brought (them) [to Assyria]. I seated them, bound, near the cita[del] gate [of (the city of) Nineveh] along with bear(s), dog(s), and pig(s). [Moreover, I] struck with the sword Teu[šp]â, [a Cimmeria]n, a barbarian [whose home is remote], together with [his] e[ntire army, in the territory of the lan]d Ḫubušnu. The one who treads on the n[ecks of the people of] Cilicia, mountain dwellers who [live in mountains in the neighbor]hood of the land Tabal, (ii 20′) who tru[sted] in their mountains [and who from] earliest [d]ays had not been submissive to the yo[ke — I su]rrounded, conquered, plunde[red, demolished, destro]yed, (and) burned with fire [twenty-one of their for]tified [cities] together with small cities in [thei]r en[virons]. (As for) the rest [of them], who were not guilty of [(any) sin] or crime, I [imposed the heavy yoke of] my lordship [upon them]. [The] one who crushed the Parnaki, [a dangerous] enemy, [who live in] the city Tīl-Aššurri, which is called Pittānu in the language of [the people of the city Meḫrānu]; [the one who scat]tered the Mannean people, [undisciplined] G[utians, who put to the sword the army of Iš]pakāia, a [Scythian, an ally who could not save himself]; Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna I had [the might of the god Aššur, my lord, and (an inscription) wri]tten in my name inscribed [on them] and I gave (them) back to him. I placed the lady Tabūʾa, who was raised in my palace, as ruler over them and returned her to her land with her gods. I added sixty-five camels to the previous tribute (which was paid to) my father and imposed (it) on him. Later, Hazael died and I put Iaʾlû (Iataʾ), his son, on his throne. (iii 10′) I added ten minas of gold, one thousand choice stones, fifty camels, (and) one thousand bags of aromatics to the tribute of his father and imposed (it) on him. (As for) the land Bāzu, a district in a remote place, a forgotten place of dry land, s[al]ine [grou]nd, a place of thirst, (iii 15′) one hundred and twenty leagues of desert, thistles, and gazelle-tooth stones, where snakes and scorpions fill the plain like ants — [I le]ft Mount Ḫazû, the [mountai]n of saggilmud-stone, twenty leagues behind me and crossed over (iii 20′) (to that district) to which [no] king before me [had go]ne since earl[iest] days. By the command of the god Aššur, m[y] lord, I marched [triumph]antly [in its midst]. I defeated eight kings from that [district (and) carried o]ff [thei]r [gods], their goods, [their possessions], (and) their people to Assyria. (iii 25′) [L]aial[ê, king of the city Y]adiʾ, [who had] fled [before my weapons, heard of the plundering of his gods and came to Nineveh], my capital city, [before me], and kissed [my feet. I had pity on him an]d said to him [‘Aḫulap!’ I put] that [province of Bā]zu [un]der him (and) imposed on [him] my [lordly tribute (and) payment]. [(As for) Bēl-iqīša, son of Bunn]annū, a [Gambulian ...]

Column iv

Lacuna I carried off to Assyria [...], their riding horses, oxen, [sheep and goats, donkeys], (and) Bactrian camels, their heavy plunder. (As for) Uppis, chieftain of the city Partakka, Zanasana, chieftain of the city Partukka, (and) (iv 5′) Ramateia, chieftain of the city Urakazabarna, Medes whose country is remote (and) who had not crossed the boundary of Assyria nor trodden on its soil in the time of the kings, my [ances]tors — the awesome fear of the god Aššur, my lord, overwhelmed them and (iv 10′) they brought to Nineveh, my capital city, large thoroughbreds (and blocks of) lapis lazuli, hewn from its mountain, and they kissed my feet. Because of the chieftains who had threatened them, they implored my lordship and begged me for help. I sent my officials, (iv 15′) the governors of the boundary areas of their [lan]d, with them and they trampled the people living in those cities and made (them) bow down at their feet. I [imposed] the tribute (and) [payment] of my lordship [upo]n them yearly. After the gods Aššur, Šam[aš, B]ēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Išt[ar of] Arbela made me stand [victorious]ly over [my] enemies and I attain[ed everything] I wanted, with the b[ooty of the va]st [enemies] which my hands had captured (iv 25′) through the help of [the grea]t [gods], my lords, I had the shrines of cult centers built in [Assyria] and Akkad; I decorated (them) with silver (and) go[l]d and made (them) shine like daylight. At that time, the armory of Nineveh which the kings who came before (me), my ancestors, had built [t]o maintain the camp (and) to keep thoroughbreds, mules, chariots, military equipment, implements of war, [and] (iv 35′) the plunder of enemies, everything [that the god Aš]šur, king of the gods, gave me as my royal share — [that place had become too small for me to have] horses show their mettle (and) to train with chariots.

Column v

Lacuna [They had ... girimḫilibû]-stone, [(everything that was) needed for my palace], dragged with much trouble (and) [effort from the midst of the mountains], the place of [their] origin, to Nineveh. In a favorable month, on a propitious day, I built great palatial halls upon that terrace for my lordly residence. I built a great (royal) house ninety-five large cubits long (and) thirty-one large cubits wide, (v 10′) something none of kings who came before (me), my ancestors, had done. I roofed it with magnificent cedar beams. [I faste]ned bands of silver and bro[nze] on doors of cypress, whose [fragrance] is sweet, and installed (them) in its [gat]es. [I had stone] šēdus [and lamass]us, [whose appearance re]pels [evil, placed to the right and the left of their gate(s) as protectors of the walk (and) guardia]ns of [the path of the king who made th]em. [I had] the palace skillfully [built of interlocking lime]stone [and cedar], for [my lordly] pleasure. I set [up] inside it tw[in] copper lamassu-statues, with each pair looking (both) forward and back[ward]. I placed crossbeams on tall cedar columns (thus forming) a cornice in their gates. I had the frieze(s) (and) coping(s) of the whole of that palace made of black (and) blue (glazed bricks) and I put (them) around (it) like a wreath. I surrounded all of the gates with an arch (and) a vault like a rainbow. I embedded nails of pure silver and shin[ing] bronze in [them]. Through the craft of the sculptor, I depicted on it (the frieze of the palace) the might of the god Aššur, my lord, (the deeds) that I had accomplished in enemy lands. I set up alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, with all kinds of aromatic plants and fruit trees.

Column vi

Lacuna [I seated ... at] fes[tive tables, and] I made [their mood] jubil[ant. I watered their insides with] wine (and) kurunnu-wine. [I had (my servants) drench their (the guests’)] heads with fine oil (and) perfumed oil. By the command of the god Aššur, the king of [the gods], and the gods of Assyria, all of th[em], let me dwell in it forever in good health, happi[ness], bright spirit(s), (and) with the satisfaction of growing old, and (vi 10′) let me be sated with its splendor. At new year, in the first month, yearly, without ceasing, let me inspect in [it] all of the thoroughbreds, mules, donkeys, camels, military equipment, implements of [war], (and) all of the captured ene[my] soldiers. (vi 17′) Let the good lamassu (and) the good šēdu, who guard [my] royal path (and) [who] make me happy, la[st forever] and ever in th[at] palace. [May they] never lea[ve] it. In the futu[re, may one of the kings, my descendants], whom the god Aššur and the goddess [Ištar] name [to rule the land and people, renovate] the dilapidated section(s) of [that] palace when it becomes old and [dilapidated]. Just as I [place]d an inscription wr[itten in the name of the king, (my) father, who enge]ndered me, beside an inscription [written in my name], so you (too) should be like m[e and read] an inscription written in [m]y name, anoint (it) with oil, [make] an of[fering, (and) place (it) beside] an inscription written [in your name]. The god Aššur and [the goddess Ištar will (then) hear] your prayers. Abu (V), eighteenth day, [...].

Esarhaddon 004 — IM 059047/A (+) IM 059047/B

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). IM 059047/A (+) IM 059047/B. Dated 676-669 BC. CDLI P462854. Esarhaddon 004; Oracc Q003233.

Column i'

Lacuna (No translation warranted) [Moreover, I struck with] the sword [Teušpa, a Cimmeri]an, [a barbarian whose home is remote, together with his entire army, in the territory of the land Ḫub]ušnu. [The one who treads on the necks of the people of Cili]cia, [mountain dwellers who live in inaccessible mountains in the neighborhood] of the land Tabal, [evil Hittites, who from earliest days had not been] submissive to the yoke — [I surrounded, conquered, plundered, demolished, destroy]ed, (and) burned with fire [twenty-one of their fortified cities and small cities in] their environs. [(As for) the rest of them, who w]ere [not guilty of (any) sin or crime, I imposed the heavy yoke of my lordship upon them]. Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna [...] my [yok]e. [(As for) the city Adumutu, the fortress of the A]rabs, [which Sennacherib, king of Assyria], (my) father, who engendered me, [conquered and whose goods, possessions], (and) gods, [together with Apkallatu, the qu]een of the Arabs, [he plundered and] brought [to Assyri]a — [Hazael, the king of] the Arabs, (ii′ 10′) [came to Nineveh], my capital [city, with his] heavy [audience gift and kissed] my feet. [He implored me to give (back) his gods and] I had [pity on him. I] refurbished [...] ... [...] and [I inscribed the might of the god Aššur], my [lo]rd, Lacuna [I added ... fifty] ca[mels, (and) one thousand bags of aromatics] to the tribute [of his father and imposed (it) on him]. [(As for) the lan]d Bāzu, a dis[trict in a remote place, a] forgotten place of dry land, [saline ground, a place of thirst], one hundred and forty leagues of de[sert, thistles], and ga[zelle]-tooth stones, [where snakes and scorpions fill the plain] like ant[s — I left] (ii′ 30′) Mount Ḫaz[û, the mountain of saggilmud-stone], twenty leagues behind me [and crossed over to that district] to which no [king before me] had gone since [earliest] days. By the command of the god Ašš[ur, my lord], I marched [triumphantly in its midst. I defeated] eight ki[ngs from that district (and) carried off] their gods, [their] goods, [their possessions, (and) their people to Assyria]. Lacuna

Column iii'

Lacuna [I locked it (the fortress) up] like [a door against the land Elam]. (As for) the land Pat[ušarra, a district in the area of the salt desert], which is in [the midst of the land of the distant Medes], borders [on Mount Bikni, the lapis lazuli mountain], (iii′ 5′) (and) upon the soil of who[se] land [none] of the ki[ngs, my ancestors, had walked] — I carried off to [Assyria Šidir-parna] (and) E-parna, [mighty] chiefta[ins], who were not submissive to (my) yo[ke, together with their people, their] riding horses, [oxen, sheep and goats], donkeys, (and) Bactrian cam[els, their heavy plunder]. (As for) Uppis, chiefta[in of the city Partakka], Zanasana, chief[tain of the city Partukka], (and) Ramateia, ch[ieftain of the city Urakazabarna, Me]des whose co[untry is remote (and) who had not crossed the boundary of] Assyria [nor trodden on its soil in the time of the kings, my ancestors] — Lacuna

Esarhaddon 005 — Nineveh F / Nineveh S

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). AH 1882-05-22, 0013. Dated 671-670 BC. CDLI P462855. Esarhaddon 005; Oracc Q003234.

Column i

Lacuna [I am my older] bro[thers’ youngest brother] (and) by the command of the gods Aššur, [Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl and Nabû], Ištar of N[ineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela], (my) father, who engendered me, [elevated me firmly] in the assembly [of my brothers], (i 5′) saying: ‘This is [the son who will succeed me.’ He questioned] the gods Šamaš and Adad by divi[nation, and] they answered him with [a firm ‘yes,’] saying: [‘He is your replacement.’] He he[eded] their important word(s) [and gathered together the people of Assyria, young (and) old], (and) my brothers, the seed of the house of [my] father. Before the gods Aššur, Sîn, [Šamaš, Nabû, (and) Marduk, the gods of Assyria], the gods who live in heaven [and netherworld, he made them swear] their solemn oath(s) [concerning the safe-guarding of my succession]. In a favorable month, on a propitious day, [in accordance with their sublime command, I joyfully entered] the House of Succession, [an awe-inspiring] plac[e within wh]ich [the appointing to kingship (takes place)]. Lacuna Cols. ii–vii (not preserved)

Column viii

Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, [w]ho knows how to greatly revere the gods and goddesses, the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur (and) (re)built Esagil (and) Babylon; son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of Sumer and Akkad — [...] from former days in the courtyard of Emašmaš [...] its area was too small; moreover, the temple of the god Šamaš [...] ... [...] Lacuna ... [...] ... [...] may a future ruler, [whom ...] name to shepherd the land and people, read an inscription written in my name when [those] shri[nes be]come old and (5′) dilapidated, and may he anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, write my name with his name, (and) return (it) to its place. (Then) may the gods Sîn and Šamaš order good things for him monthly, without ceasing. U[l]ūlu (VI), twentieth day, eponymy of Abi-rāmu, grand vizier (sukkallu rabû) (677 BC).

Esarhaddon 011 — Nineveh H

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462861. Esarhaddon 011; Oracc Q003240.

[Esarhaddon, ... king, ... kin]g of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, [pious prince, humble, ... who] knows how [to revere] all of [the gods and goddess]es, [...] ... Lacuna [...] ... [...] (and) the immutable words from their l[ip]s [may they (Sîn and Šamaš) discuss with one another ...] (my) heart, [(my) reaching extreme old age, the abundanc]e of (my) offspring, the increase of my progeny, [...] ... [May they kill my enemies, flatten my enemies, cut down] my [foes, (and) allow me to stand] over my enemies in victory (and) triumph [so that] I may rule (and) govern wherever my heart wishes. [In future days], may [one of the kings], my [descendants], whom the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš select and name to rule the lands and people, renovate the dilapidated section(s) of these shrines when they [bec]ome old and dilapidated, (10′) read [an inscription written in] my name, and may he anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, write my name with his name, [(and) return (it) to its place]. (Then) may the gods Sîn and Šamaš order good things for him monthly, without ceasing. [...], governor of the land Ḫanigalbat.

Esarhaddon 012 — Nineveh I

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462862. Esarhaddon 012; Oracc Q003241.

Esarhaddon, [...] ki[ng, ... king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad], pious prince, humble, [... who knows how to revere all of the gods and goddesses], of fine intellect, ... [...] who from [his] you[th ...] (5) whom [...] to renew [...] the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, [...] respectful king, the one who complet[ed ...]; son of Sennacherib, ki[ng of ...] the images of the gods Sîn, Ninga[l, ...] m[a]de and ... [...] the cella, [which] he did not bui[ld] as their lordly living quarters, [...] — I, Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, [...] the temple of the gods [S]în, Ningal, Šamaš, (and) Aya [...] in the citadel of (the city of) Nineveh as residenc[e of ...]. (15) In a favorable month, on a propitious day, I laid its foundations upon that terrace with limestone, [strong] stone from the mountains, [...]. I built (and) [completed] that temple in its entirety. [...]. I roof[ed it] with magnificent cedar beams [... (and) I fastened bands of silver and copper on] doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, [and installed (them) in its gates. (20) I ...] whatever utensils were needed for the temple, whether silver (or) go[ld ...]. When I had completed that temple (and) br[ought its construction to an end ...] the gods Sîn, Ningal, Šamaš, (and) Aya, the great gods, [...] monthly, without ceasing. Thereupon, may the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš, the great lords, ... [...] me — Esarhaddon, the king, favor[ite ...]; in the(ir) appearance at the height of heaven and (in) the month Nisannu (I), [...] good omen(s) concerning the lengthening of (my) days ... [...]; (and) by [their immutable] command discuss with one another (my) reaching extreme old age, the abundance of (my) offspring, the incr[ease of my progeny, ...]. (30) May they kill [my enemies], flatten my enemies, cut down [my] foes, (and) allow me to stand [over] my enemies [in victory (and) triumph so that I may rule (and) govern] wherever [my] hea[rt wishes]. [In future days, may] one of the kings, my descendants, [whom the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš select and] na[me to rul]e the land and people, [renovate the dilapidated section(s) of these shrines when] they [become ol]d and dilapidated, [read an inscript]ion written in my name, [and may he anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, write] my name with his name, [(and) return (it) to its place. (Then) may] the gods Sîn and Šamaš [order good things for him] mont[hly, without ceasing]. Month [...].

Esarhaddon 013 — Nineveh J

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Dated 688-681 BC. CDLI P462863. Esarhaddon 013; Oracc Q003242.

[Aššur-etel-ilāni-mu]kīn-apli, the senior son of the king, who (resides in) the House of Succession, [... ... is co]mplete, surpassing in intelligence, [...] whose mind has learned ... of all of the experts, [(...); son of Sennacherib, king of the world] (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of A[ssyria] — [... i]n the city Bāṣ[i (Bāzu) ...] Lacuna [... when I bro]ught its construction to an end, [...] I invited [...] into it, and I offered [sumptuous pure] offerings [before] them and I presented (them) with my gifts. [Those gods, in] their steadfast [hearts], truly blessed me. [...] ... in that small palace. [May ... l]ast [forever and ever]. May they never leave it (the palace). [...].

Esarhaddon 014 — BM 127964

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 127964 (1929-10-12, 0620). Dated 688-681 BC. CDLI P462864. Esarhaddon 014; Oracc Q003243.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] its [site] had become too small and not ... [...] ... my wish [...] a small [palac]e for [my] pri[ncely] residence [... (5′) ... I built (and) completed (it) from] its foundations to [its] para[pets ...] ... he returned ... [...] ... days ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 015 — Fragment K

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Bu 1891-05-09, 0134. Dated 671-670 BC. CDLI P462865. Esarhaddon 015; Oracc Q003244.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] situated [... a]ll of my army ... [...] ... army of the enemy, I called and ... [...] (5′) which I constantly did ... [... Taharqa, king of] Kush, together with [his] entire army [... I counted] his [wives], his concubines, his sons, [... everything] else, which was without number, [as] boo[ty ...] I assigned [...] to my servants. A march of [...] my ... [...] Assyria [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 016 — Fragment M

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1883-01-18, 0836. Dated 671-670 BC. CDLI P462866. Esarhaddon 016; Oracc Q003245.

[...] Esarhaddon [... cho]sen by the god Aššur, [my] lo[rd, ...] a good šēdu, which is in [...] Egypt and Melu[ḫḫa ...] palace of Se[nnacherib, ... Sa]rgon (II), king of the [four] qua[rters, ...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 017 — MMA 86.11.055

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). MMA 86.11.055. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462867. Esarhaddon 017; Oracc Q003246.

Lacuna king of the wor[ld, king of Assyria]; son of Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria — (As for) the temple of the goddess Ištar of Nineveh, his lady, the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur (and) (re)built Esagil and Babylon, for the preservation of his life, the lengthening of his days, the well-being of his offspring, (and) the overthrow of his enemies, he (Esarhaddon) ordered the dilapidated (temple) torn down [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 018 — Aššur-Babylon D

Cylinder; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 01654. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462868. Esarhaddon 018; Oracc Q003247.

Lacuna [...] ope[ned ...; whom [she selected] and rais[ed for kingship; ... king of the four quart]ers, favor[ite of the great gods, ...]; the one who is assiduous towards the sh[rines of their great divinity; ... (5′) ...] ... the god Ea, king of the ap[sû, ...] shrines; who [...; who re]turned [the plundered gods of the lands to their places] and seated [(them) on (their) eternal daises; ...; who (re)confirmed [sattukku- (and) gi]nû-offerings [in them; ...] their [...] the great gods [... (10′) ... made] (them) enter (and) sit [...; who ...] all of the people under my protection, as many as th[ere are; ... without cea]sing; who observ[es the days of the god (and) the eššēšu-festival ...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 019 — AOC 037

Uncertain; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). AOC 037. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462869. Esarhaddon 019; Oracc Q003248.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] [... the gods Nin]urta, Adad, [... the gods of] Assyria, al[l of them, into it. I made sumptuous pure offerings before them and pre]sented (them) with my gifts. [... I seated all of the officials and people of my country] in it [at festive tables, ceremonial meals, and banqu]ets [...] ... [... I had (my servants) drench their (the guests’) heads with fine oil (and) per]fumed oil. [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 020 — BM 022465

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 022465. Dated 671-670 BC. CDLI P462870. Esarhaddon 020; Oracc Q003249.

The palace of Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the kings of (Lower) Egypt, Upper Egypt, (and) Kush, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 021 — Nineveh L

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1 R pl. 48 no. 2. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462871. Esarhaddon 021; Oracc Q003250.

The palace of Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 022 — Nineveh M

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462872. Esarhaddon 022; Oracc Q003251.

The palace of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 023 — Nineveh O

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 137482 (1932-12-10, 0024). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462873. Esarhaddon 023; Oracc Q003252.

I, Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Ass[yria], built anew an annex onto the House of Succession in the midst of the city of Nineveh.

Esarhaddon 024 — Nineveh K

Gaming board; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 6 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462874. Esarhaddon 024; Oracc Q003253.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 025 — Nineveh N

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1 R pl. 48 no. 7. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462875. Esarhaddon 025; Oracc Q003254.

The palace of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of Karduniaš (Babylonia).

Esarhaddon 026 — Nineveh Q

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Thompson, Archaeologia 79 no. 48. Dated 671-670 BC. CDLI P462876. Esarhaddon 026; Oracc Q003255.

[... Es]arhaddon [... boo]ty from K[ush (...)].

Esarhaddon 027 — Nineveh R

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Thompson, AAA 20 no. 102. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462877. Esarhaddon 027; Oracc Q003256.

[The palace of Esarhaddon, ... kin]g of the world, king of Assyria, son of Sen[nacherib, ...].

Esarhaddon 028 — 1855-12-05, 0007+

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1855-12-05, 0007 + Rm 0647 (+) 1855-12-05, 0007 + BM 127174. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462878. Esarhaddon 028; Oracc Q003257.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, migh king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Bab[ylon, king of the land of] Sumer and Akkad, king of Kardun[iaš (Babylonia), ...].

Esarhaddon 029 — 1855-12-05, 0005

Esarhaddon 036 — Fragment G

Column i'

[...] his ally [...] I trusted [...] ... [...] ... in his city (5) [... Abdi]-Milkūti, king of S[id]on, [... were] fixed (and) they were listening [...] Sidon [...] he heard [the mention of] my [na]me [...] overwhelmed him [...] ... [...] ... Lacuna

Column ii'

... [...] herald [...] my heart became angry [...] against Abdi-Mi[lkūti ...] (5) not fearing the lord of lord[s ...], who like a bear [...] the lordship of the god Aššur, my lord, [...] to the god Aššur, my lord, [...] the king of Sidon [...] the god Aššur, m[y] lord, ... [...] to appease [his] divine heart [...] awesome [sheen ... I] sent [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 041 — Aššur-Babylon F

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 10057. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462891. Esarhaddon 041; Oracc Q003270.

Lacuna [...] to perform th[at] work [...] their eternal [protec]tion ... [...] evil [year]s, [...] day(s) [... plot]ting murder, not [... (5′) ...] in confusion [...] their ... [...] and they dyed red ... [...] ... gods to ... [... to ex]ercise my kingship [... E]sarhaddon, who trusts him, [...] their exal[ted divinity ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 042 — K 13753

Lacuna foremost [so]n of [Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; gra]ndson of Sarg[on (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, gover]nor of Babylon, k[ing of Sumer and Akkad; des]cendant of the eternal line [of Bēl-bāni, king of Assyria, (5′) an]cient stock, [whose place of ultimate origin is Baltil (Aššur), gov]ernor of Babylon, [... wh]o holds the nose-rop[es of ... shep]herd of the black-headed [people ...]. [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 048 — Aššur-Babylon A

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462898. Esarhaddon 048; Oracc Q003277.

Obverse

When the god Aššur, king of the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, father of the gods, lord of the lands; the god Anu, the powerful, the foremost, whose spoken order no god can alter; the god Enlil, greatest lord, the one who decrees the fates of heaven and netherworld (and) makes the dwellings secure; the god Ea, the wise, lord of wisdom, creator of (all) creatures, the one who fashions everything, whatever its name; (5) the god Sîn, the one who constantly renews himself, the pure god, the one who determines decisions (and) reveals signs; the god Šamaš, the great judge of the gods, the one who illuminates darkness, whose lordly splendor overwhelms the lands; the god Adad, the canal inspector of heaven and netherworld, the one who brings abundant rains (and) sustains (all) living things; the god Marduk, firstborn son, the Enlil of the gods, the one who has the power to depopulate and (re)settle (a region); [the god Nabû], scribe of the universe, the one who directs the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods (and) who is entrusted with the entire universe; (10) [the god Ner]gal, the almighty, endowed with [strength and power, the one who cap]tures enemies, the Enlil of the vast netherworld; the goddess Agušāya (Ištar), mistress of [war] and battle, the one who starts fighting (and) causes conflict; the Sebitti, valiant gods, who hold bow (and) arrow, whose assault is combat (and) warfare; (and) the great gods, who reside in heaven and netherworld, whose favorable words cannot be changed, truly selected me, [Esarhaddon], with their pure, upraised eyes, to shep[herd] their [people], they raised [...], they decreed a favorable fate for me, [...], (and) they elevated me to the kingship [(so I could) pla]cate their mood; [... tru]ly they stretched out over me; [...] they truly called my name; they gave me [...] (and) broad [wisdom]; they opened my mind [...] to refurbish the great gods, [...] of the cults. [Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of] the world, king of Assyria, commander for the god Enlil, priest of the god Aššur, [..., governor of] Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, [...], great [... of] the goddess Tašmētu, judicious prince, (25) [...] chosen by the goddess Ištar of Nineveh — the great queen — the one required by the goddes[ses, whom the goddess Ištar of] Arbela selected with her shining, upraised eyes and [...]; king of Subartu, Amurru, the Gutians, (and) widespread Ḫatti; [...], king of the kings of the lands Dilmun, Magan, (and) Meluḫḫa; king of the four quarters; [favorite of the] great [gods; (30) the one who] reveres the word of the gods Aššur, Nabû, (and) Marduk; the one who sustains the sacred things of the gods Enlil, Sîn, Šamaš, (and) Adad; [..., grea]t [...], the one who reveres the great gods; the one who is assiduous towards the shrines of their great divinity; [the king, who from] his childhood until his adulthood, heeded their rule and praised their valor; the king, during whose reign, the great gods became reconciled towards the shrines of their cult centers (and) returned; the sun of all of the people, the pleasant protection, trusted shepherd, herdsman of the black-headed people, (35) eternal royal seed, precious offspring of Baltil (Aššur), the one required by Ešarra, whose hands are pure, the purification priest who purifies the statues of the great gods; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, returned [the] plundered [god]s of the lands to their (proper) place, and made (them) dwell on (their) eternal daises in the shrines of all of the cult centers; who clothed (them) daily in silver (and) gold, (and) (re)confirmed the sattukku (and) ginû offerings in them; the one who completed the rites, (re)confirmed sattukku offerings, (and) gave gifts, great food offerings to all of the temples; (40) [...] who does not fail to make offerings (and) fulfill rites; who observes the days of the god (and) the eššēšu-festival; [the one who] arranged the privileged status of Baltil (Aššur) (and) established freedom for Nippur, Babylon, Borsippa, (and) Sippar; ... [all of the people] who live in them; the one who repaid their losses; who gathered the [scattered] people of [Babylon] (and) (re)settled (them) in peaceful dwellings; [valiant] warrior, [clothed] with numinous splendor; whom the god Aššur, king of the gods, made take up his weapons to overthrow the enemies of Assyria; light of the (four) quar[ters]; the hero with whom the gods, his helpers, go constantly for the conquest of the enemy; foremost of all rulers; who marched freely from the rising sun to the setting sun and has no rival (therein); son of [Sennach]erib, [great king], mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad; royal descendant of Bēl-bāni, king of Assyria, ancient stock, whose place of ultimate origin is Baltil (Aššur); (and) who(se dynasty) from earliest times, by the command of the god Marduk, (50) (was called) to rule the land and people, all of it, was suitable for kingship, whose governing status was pleasing to the god Aššur, (and) whose food offerings the gods of heaven (and) netherworld desired — At the beginning of my kingship, in my first year, when the god Aššur, king of the gods, kindly placed me on the throne of my father, the god Anu granted me his crown, the god Enlil his throne, the god Ninurta his weapon, (and) the god Nergal his awesome splendor, good signs were established for me in heaven and on earth concerning the refurbishing of the gods and the (re)building of shrines.

Reverse

Jupiter shone brightly and came near in Simānu (III) and stood in the place where the sun shines. It reached (its) hypsoma for a second time in the month “Opening of the Door” and stayed in its place. In order to triumph (and) to show overpowering strength, he (the god Marduk) revealed to me good omen(s) concerning the (re-)entering of Esagil. The stars of heaven stood in their positions and took the correct path (and) left the incorrect path. Every month, the gods Sîn and Šamaš together, (60) at their appearance, answered me with a firm ‘yes’ concerning the renewing of the gods, the completion of the shrines of cult centers, the lasting stability of my reign, (and) the securing of the throne of my priestly office. At that time, I, Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one selected (and) chosen by the god Aššur, the one required by the great gods, with the broad wisdom (and) vast comprehension that the sage of the gods, the prince, the god Nudimmud (Ea), gave to me, (and) through the great wisdom that the gods Aššur and Marduk imparted to me (lit. “opened my ears”) for refurbishing the great gods, (65) I prayed to the divinity of the god Aššur, king of the gods, and the great lord, the god Marduk, with raised hands, prayers, and expressions of humility, (saying): “With whom, O great gods, will you continually send me to create gods and goddesses, difficult work (performed) in an inaccessible place? (Can I undertake) the renovation work with people who are deaf (and) blind, who do not know themselves (and) whose future is (still) undecided? The creation of gods and goddesses is in your hands, so build yourselves a cella for your majestic divinity! [What]ever is in your heart, let it be done! Through the unalterable (words) spoken by your lips, (70) give the skilled craftsmen, whom you ordered to perform this work, sublime knowledge like the god Ea, their creator, and teach them the skills (needed). By your exalted command, let them make all of their handiwork succeed (while doing) the work of the god Ninšiku.” I kneeled reverently (seeking) the judgment of the gods Šamaš and Adad, and I stationed diviners to (ascertain) their true decisions. I had an extispicy performed concerning (the selection of the) use of the workshop in Baltil (Aššur), Babylon, or Nineveh, and I placed (before the diviners) separate lists of craftsmen who should do the work and be allowed to enter the secret place. (75) The omens were unanimous: they answered me with a firm ‘yes,’ (and) told me (it should be) in Baltil (Aššur), (my) dynastic city, the residence of the father of the gods, the god Aššur. They indicated to me the workshop to use (and) the craftsmen to perform the work. Through truthful, trustworthy portents, diviners told me to perform that work, (saying) thus: “Do (it) quickly, pay attention, (and) be careful! Do not procrastinate! You should not turn your attention to anything else!” I trusted their immutable, firm ‘yes,’ and I felt confident. In a favorable month, on a propitious day, in Šabāṭu (XI), the favorite month of the god Enlil, (exactly) as they (the gods) wished, I entered the workshop where the renovations (would be done) and I brought carpenters, jewelers, copper smiths, seal cutters, skilled craftsmen, who know the secrets, into the temple that the gods Šamaš and Adad had selected by divination, (and) I installed them (there). (As for) red gold, an ore from its mountain which nobody had (yet) cast into a work of art, (and) countless precious stones, that have not (yet) seen (the light of) day, the creation of the mountains where the god Ea greatly decreed their fate to be the radiance for the artwork of lordship, I had (them) greatly prepared and delivered to their (the craftsmen’s) pure hands for the shrines of the great gods, [my] lords, [and] for the ornamentation of their divinity. I had an artfully (designed) crown, which is befitting the lordship (85) of the god Aššur, king of the gods, my lord, made of red gold and precious stones, and I restored it. The god Aššur, the great lord, accepted magnanimously that crown, (which is) clothed in splendorous radiance, full of dignity, radiating a glow, (and) wrapped in brilliance, and his spirit was pleased (and) his countenance shone. The gods Bēl, Bēltīya, Bēlet-Bābili, Ea, (and) Mandānu, the great gods, were truly created in Ešarra, the temple of their progenitor, and they grew beautiful in figure. I sumptuously adorned their features with red ṣāriru-gold, the creation of Mount Arallu (and) an ore from its mountain. I adorned their necks and covered their chests with magnificent ornaments (and) precious jewelry, all that the great lord, the god Marduk, had in mind (and) that the queen, the goddess Zarpanītu, wanted. They fashioned images of their great divinity more artfully than before (and) greatly adorned them. They provided (them) with awe-inspiring vigor (and) made (them) shine like the sun. I made anew a seat of everlasting musukkannu-wood together with a footstool, covered with red gold, for the goddess Tašmētu, the great lady, who lives in Eumuša, the cella of the god Marduk, which is in Babylon. I refurbished the god Amurru, the one who cleanses heaven and netherworld, the one who purifies Esagil, (and) who lives in Enamtaggadua. I renewed the gods Abšušu (and) Abtagigi, who live in Egišḫurankia, the temple of the divine lady of Nineveh, and all of the gods (and) goddesses (that) the gods Aššur and Marduk ordered (me to), and I returned (them) to their (proper) places: I returned the gods Great-Anu, Šarrat-Dēri, Niraḫ, Bēlet-balāṭi, Kurunītum, Sakkud of the city Bubê, (and) Mār-bīti to Dēr, their city; (95) I returned the goddess Uṣur-amāssa, the one who gives counsel, the intercessor, to Uruk, her city; (and) I returned the god Šamaš of Larsa to Larsa (and) the gods Ḫumḫumiya, Šuqamuna, (and) Šimaliya [to] Sippar-Aruru. I mustered all of my workmen from Karduniaš (Babylonia) in its entirety, and I made them to take up hoe (and) basket. I had (them) make bricks in brick[molds] of ivory, ebony, boxwood, (and) musukkannu-wood. I mixed mortar with fine oil, honey, ghee, kurunnu-wine, muttinnu-wine, (and) mountain beer. In a favorable month, (on) a propitious day, in the same manner, I laid the foundations of Eḫursaggalkurkura — the bond of heaven and netherworld, the residence of (the god) Aššur, the king of the gods, my lord — and [E]sagil — the palace of the gods, the dwelling of the great divine lord, the god Marduk — (and) Babylon — the city of the residence of his divin[ity] — on gold, silver, desirable aromatics, honey, ghee, wine, kurunnu-wine, (and) ... (and) I secured [their] brickwork. The god Marduk, the great lord, was mindful of the work on the dais of his sublime divinity, all of it, and in order to show the people the might of his nature and to teach humanity the glory of his divinity, in ... [...] I had a lifelike (engraving) of a ferocious dragon couchant made on an alallu-stone, a stone for speaking and acceptance. [...] whose limbs had not been fashioned (before) by the work of the craftsmen and a stone for placing locks on the sea [...] work [...] its worked [...] made (it) catch fire and (105) made its features dirty ... [...] good house ... [...] craftsmen for the work of the lord of the gods [...] (No translation warranted) (Inscription) that is on a stele, on the left, first excerpt.

Ex.2

(No translation possible)

Esarhaddon 049 — Aššur-Babylon C

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1089. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462899. Esarhaddon 049; Oracc Q003278.

Lacuna [...] the goddess Tašmētu, the god(dess) [... great] queen [...] whom [she selected] and raised for [kingship ... king of the fo]ur [quarters], favorite of the [great] gods, [... (5′) ... the one who (re)bui]lt Esagil and Babylon, [..., who] made (them) dwell on (their) eternal daises, [...], who (re)confirmed the [satt]ukku (and) ginû offerings in them, [... who does not fai]l [to make offerings (and) fulfill rites], who observes the days of the god (and) the eššē[šu-festival, ...] made take up [his] weapons [to overthrow the enemies of] Assyria, [... (10′) ...], who had [...] (and) who found no riv[al ..., who marched freely from the rising] sun to the setting [sun and ...] before him ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 050 — K 10025

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 10025. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462900. Esarhaddon 050; Oracc Q003279.

Lacuna [...] ... [... the Enlil] of the gods, [... the sun] of all of the people, [... eternal royal seed, precious] offspring of Baltil (Aššur) [... who] sets straight [...] ... [...] Lacuna

[1 line is not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Esarhaddon 051 — Aššur-Babylon B

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04845. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462901. Esarhaddon 051; Oracc Q003280.

Column iii

(No translation possible) Lacuna

Column iv

[the great gods were truly created in Ešarra, the temple of their progenitor], and they grew beautiful in figure. I sumptuously adorned the[ir] features [with red ṣāriru-gold, the creation of Mount Arallu (and) an ore from] its mountain. [I adorned] their necks [and cover]ed their chests [with magnificent ornaments (and) precious jewelry, (iv 5) all that the great lord, the god Marduk, had in mind (and) that the queen, the goddess] Zarpanītu, [wa]nted. They fashioned [images of their great divinity more] artfully [than before (and) greatly adorned them]. They [provided (them) with awe-inspiring vigor] (and) made (them) shine like the sun. [... for the goddess Tašmētu, the great lady, who lives i]n Eumuša. (iv 10) [... who lives i]n Esabad [... the gods Abšušu (and) Abtagig]i of Egišḫurankia [...] ... who live in Esagil [...] established and gave [...] ... Babyl[on] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 052 — Aššur-Babylon H

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Sm 1079. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462902. Esarhaddon 052; Oracc Q003281.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] the gods of Sumer and Akkad [took] the roa[d to Babylon]. Like tired foals which ... [...] together in their assembly ... [...] (5′) splendid [...]. As for me, Esarhaddon, the one who renewed the [great] god[s], they decreed [my fate (and) I made them enter] Ba[bylon] in joy and rejoicing. I doc[ked Maumuša (“Boat of Command”)] at the quay of Babylon. (10′) [They entered] the orchards, groves, canals (and) g[ardens] of Ekarzagina, [a pure place] (where) the craft of the exorcist, “the washing of the mouth,” (and) “[the opening of] the mouth” (are recited) before the stars of heaven: the gods E[a, ...] Lacuna

[1 line is not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Esarhaddon 053 — Aššur-Babylon G

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 05382b. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462903. Esarhaddon 053; Oracc Q003282.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] the god(dess) Nin[...] ... [... his] important city [... (5′) ...] his ..., the contributions of (his) eter[nal] dais; [I] brought before him [choice oxen], fattened sheep, strings of fish [and birds, the abundance of the apsû] which never lessens, [...] honey, ghee, suitable for his pure sattukku offerings. (10′) I gave [Šamaš]-šuma-ukīn, (my) son, my offspring, as a present to the god Marduk and the goddess Zarpanītu. I presented (them) with tribute, payment, abundant gifts, (and) unceasing contributions as my [gifts], and I looked after Adediḫegal (Edadiḫegal). [I placed at their service ramku-priests], pašīšu-priests, ecstatics, those initiated in secret rites, [purification priests], āšipu-priests, lamentation priests, (and) [singers, who have] mas[tered (their) entire] craft.

Reverse

(No translation possible) Lacuna

Esarhaddon 054 — Collective Text

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462904. Esarhaddon 054; Oracc Q003283.

Obverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] let him see their design. [... I] measured [their] cords [...] I installed (them) in their gates. [...] its twins, like the heavens [...] ... its lower course (10′) [...] ... and [...] to the god Aššur (and) the goddess Mullissu [...] lock. I placed before him [...] chief musicians, lamentation priests [... I] decided [...] ... like [...] and [...] [...] sheep [...] I imposed [... of] my [... (20′) ...] I imposed on the city Kār-Esarhaddon. [...] three barley-homers of honey, [...] which I imposed [...] groats, [...] homers of chufa from the city Kār-Aššur; of [...] sheep, twenty-four homers of groats (25′) [from the city] Kār-bēl-mātāti, which is called [Sais] in Egypt. Six homers of pinigu-flour, 70 homers of [...] three barley-homers of honey, 612 [...] from those lands which the god Aššur, the great lord, handed over to me, I imposed. I decorated [the sanctuaries] of Sumer and Akkad with [...] ..., gold, silver (and) (precious) stones, [my] plunder, and the booty of Egypt and Kush, [which I] cap[tured with the] help of the god Aššur, my lord, and I made (them) shine like daylight. (30′) [I ma]de [...] and placed inside them. [... of] the god Dagān, firstborn (son) of the king of the gods, the god Aššur, [... skilled architects] who lay out plans [...] I laid out its foundations as a [replica of] Pegasus. I gathered together [...] as one and [I] clothed [...]. I established the remission of their debts. I encouraged them [...] (and) to plant orchards. I fashioned [...] through the refining techniques of the god Ninagal in shining [bro]nze. [...] ... and gave (it) to the god Ea, my lord, as a gift. [...] ..., which had become old, [... with] skilled [crafts]men, I laid its foundations.

Reverse

I gave [...] as a gift to the god Nabû, my lord. I built (and) completed [...]. The gods living in them [... of] shining [...] and a spade of red gold [...] that had become [old], I had built anew. (rev. 5) [...] I had [...] made of silver and [...] in Emašmaš, the chapel of the goddess Mullissu, my lady. I renewed what was old of [the ... of] the god Nabû (and) the goddess Tašmētu, (and) repaired what had fallen off. [...] ... in it and I made kneel before them. [(As for) ...] which had not been built (previously) in Nineveh, near the citadel gate, I had [...] ... lions, anzû-birds, (and) laḫmu-monsters made of silver (and) shining copper and [...]. (As for) Ezida, the temple of the god Nabû, which is in Borsippa, I skillfully created [go]ld [...], two wild bulls of silver, two wild bulls of bronze, two goat-fish of bronze, [... according to the techni]que(s) of the gods Kusibanda (and) Ninagal. [(As for) ... the dais of destin]y, the place of council of the god Nabû, the caretaker of all of heaven (and) netherworld, I skillfully fashioned [... of] shining [sil]ver and [...] a chariot of bright bronze. [...] I skillfully fashioned [...] ..., wild bulls of shining bronze and [...]. [(As for) Egašankalama, the temple of the goddess Ištar], which is in Arbela, I overlaid (it) with silver (and) gold and made (it) shine like daylight. I had [...] made of bronze and installed locks on its gates. I built [...] ... inside it and surrounded its exterior [...]. After the goddess Ištar, my lady, made my kingship greater than that of the kings, my ancestors, (rev. 20) [... I] expanded its features. (As for) the akītu-house of the steppe, the house of joyful singing, [...] and I was restoring its rites, [...]. I built that [...] with black (and) blue (glazed) baked bricks, [...] timber, magnificent cedars and [...] its load. [...] Ulūlu (VI), seventeenth day, [...] before them [...] they were bringing their offerings in good time [... with] far-reaching intelligence (and) vast understanding [...] I seated them inside the akītu-house (and) [...] their ... (rev. 30) I placed before [them insi]de the akītu-house [...]s, ten sheep, ten fowl, seven homers of wine, four homers of [...] ..., groats, this image, for [their] divine meal, [...]. ... of my lord ... [...] I made [offerings] to their [... (rev. 35) ... I laid its foundations] and secured [its] brickwork. [...] ... I brought in; like [...] ... residence of relaxation of [...] returning ... together with the gods, her counselors, [... I br]ought her in and placed her in a [peaceful] dwelling. [...] I laid [its foundations] and secured its brickwork. I brought [...] into [...] and Ešeriga and I made (them) reside in (their) dwellings. [...] ... of the god Nergal [...] I made [...] ... from silver, gold, and iron. [...] the city Muṣaṣir which ... [...] which Sennacherib [... I] skil[lfully fashioned from] shining [br]onze [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 055 — DT 082

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). DT 082. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462905. Esarhaddon 055; Oracc Q003284.

Lacuna [...] his ... [...] to establish my reign, to keep [...] intact, [...] my good [deeds], the god(dess) [...] wide [...], the statue, socle, and ... [... Es]arhaddon, tr[ue] shepherd [...] the akītu-[hou]se, images [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 056 — K 13648

Esarhaddon 060 — Aššur-Babylon E

Tablet; clay, stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462910. Esarhaddon 060; Oracc Q003289.

Obverse

Lacuna Moreover, I struck with the sword Teušpâ, [a Cimmerian, together with his entire army, in the territory of the land Ḫubušnu]; I conquered [Sidon, which is in the midst of the sea, caught [Abdi-Milkūti, its king], like a fish, and cut off his head; I conqu[ered the city Arzâ, which is in the neighborhood of the] Brook of Egypt, threw Asuḫīli, its king, into fetters and took [him to Assyria; I con]quered the city Bāsu (Bāzu), a district in a remote place; I fixed the tribute of my lordship on Qanâ, king of Dilmun; I conquered the land Šubria to its full extent; I killed with the sword Ik-Teššup, its king, who would not listen to the words of my command; I conquered Tyre, which is in the midst of the sea, (and) took away all of the cities (and) possessions of Baʾalu, its king, who had trusted in Taharqa, king of Kush; (and) I conquered (Lower) Egypt, Upper Egypt, and Kush, struck Taharqa, its king, five times with arrows, and ruled his entire land. I wrote to all of the kings who are in the midst of the sea, from Yadnana (Cyprus) (and) Ionia to Tarsus, (and) they bowed down at my feet. I received [their] heavy tribute. I achieved victory over the rulers of the four quarters and I sprinkled the venom of death over all of (my) enemies. I carried off gold, silver, goods, possessions, people — young (and) old — horses, oxen, (and) sheep and goats, their heavy booty that was beyond counting, to Assyria. I placed kings, governors, officials, (and) harbormasters over their lands, and I imposed the yoke of the god [Aššur], my lord, upon them. I confirmed sattukku (and) ginû offerings for the god Aššur [and] the great gods, [m]y lords, forever. I imposed upon them, yearly, without ceas[ing], the tribute (and) payment of my lordship (and) they (now) pull my yoke. At that time, the former temple of the god Aššur that [Sh]almaneser (I), son of Adad-nārā[rī (I)], son of Arik-dēn-il[i], my ancestor, had built earlier, [be]came dilapidated (and) old. I razed that temple (and) (20′) reached its foundation pit. I la[id] its foundations with limestone, a strong mountain stone, (making it) like bedrock. I built (and) completed (it) from its foundation to its parapets. I roofed it with magnificent cedar beams, grown on Mount Sir[āra], which I had cut down in the course of a campaign of mine. I fastened bands of gold on doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, and installed (them) in its gates. I overlaid the cella of the god Aššur, my lord, with gold (and) set up side by side laḫmu-monsters (and) kurību-genii (made) of red ṣāriru-gold. I set up golden statues of creatures from the apsû on the ri[ght] and left of the chapel of the god Aššur, my lord, (and) I covered (its) walls with g[ol]d as if (it were) plaster.

Reverse

The dais of destiny, the lofty dais on which the god Aššur lives (and) where they (the gods) decree the destiny of heaven and netherworld, which the kings, my ancestors, had made of baked bricks and covered with silver (zaḫalû), I (now) had (it) skillfully made of 180 talents of [ca]st ešmarû-silver. I fashioned on it (the dais) my royal image (shown) praying to their divinity (and) imploring (them) constantly to give me life, and an image of Ashurbanipal, my crown prince. I cast from shining bronze two bison positioned opposite each other, (with) their faces looking forward and backward, to bear (the columns which support) crossbeams (forming) the cornice in (its) gate and I set (them) up in the Gate of the Path of the Enlil-Stars. I had two fierce Deluge monsters made with skillf[ul] craftsmanship and I placed (them) in the Ro[ya]l Gate, to the rig[ht and] left of the gate. I (also) set up twin Deluge monsters cast of shining silver (zaḫalû) [...] the Kamsu-Igīgū [Ga]te. In that (same) year, I built an[ew] Esagil, the pala[ce of the god]s, Imgur-Enlil, its (Babylon’s) wall, (and) N[ēmed-En]lil, its (Babylon’s) outer wall, from their (text: “its”) foundations to their (text: “its”) battl[ement]s, and made (them) much bigger than b[efor]e. The god Bēl and the goddess Bēltīya, the divine lovers, were created [in] the city Aššur by their own command and were truly born in Eḫursaggalkurkura. The gods Bēlet-Bābili, Ea, (and) Mandānu were made in the city Aššur, place of the creation of gods, and I completed their figures. I sumptuously adorned their feature(s) with fifty talents of red ṣāriru-gold, the creation of Mount Arallu (and) an ore from its mountain that had not been refined. I adorned their necks (and) covered their chests with magnificent adornments (and) precious [je]welry that greatly befitted their lordship. They moved forward and went out from Eḫursaggalkurkura radiantly, like the sun to the land. They took the road to Šuanna (Babylon), a joyful path. From Baltil (Aššur) to [the quay] of Babylon, (piles) of brushwood were lit every third of a league (and) they slew (45′) fattened bulls at each league. Moreover, I, Esarhad[don], took [the] hand of his great divinity and ... before him. I had them joyfully enter into Babylon, th[eir] home city. They (the gods) entered the orchards, groves, canals, (and) gardens of Ekarzagina, a pure place (where) the craft of the sage, “the washing of the mouth,” “the opening of the mouth,” “bathing,” (and) “purification” (were recited) before the sta[rs of heaven: the gods Ea], Šamaš, Asalluḫi, Bēlet-ilī, Kusu, Ningirima, [Ninkurra, Ninagal, Kusibanda, Ninildu, (and) Ninzadim]. ... [...] ... Lacuna

Esarhaddon 061 — Aššur G

Brick; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 10 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462911. Esarhaddon 061; Oracc Q003290.

The palace of Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria — I had the gatehouse, which is in the palace in Baltil (Aššur), built anew for coming and going (and) I firmly founded its foundation with white limestone.

Esarhaddon 062 — Aššur G

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462912. Esarhaddon 062; Oracc Q003291.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria — I had the gatehouse, which is in the palace in Baltil (Aššur), built anew for coming and going (and) I firmly founded its foundation with white limestone.

Esarhaddon 063 — Aššur G

Series of blocks; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 04131a-e. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462913. Esarhaddon 063; Oracc Q003292.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria — I had the gatehouse, which is in the palace in Baltil (Aššur), built anew for coming and going (and) I firmly founded its foundation with white limestone.

Esarhaddon 064 — Aššur E

Series of blocks; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 5 exemplars. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462914. Esarhaddon 064; Oracc Q003293.

I, Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, [go]vernor [of] Bab[yl]on, king of Sumer and Akkad; the one who (re)constructed the temple of [the god Aššur], (re)built Esagil and Babylon, renewed the statues of the great gods; son of Senna[ch]erib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria — (5) [during] my [king]ship, when the god Aššur and the goddess Mullissu stretched out [their] protection [over me] and (when) the great gods called my name for lordship over the [land] and people, and (when) I made Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king, enter the House of Succession, (it was) [at] that time, (that) I raised that terrace (and) built a palace for my royal residence on [it].

Esarhaddon 065 — Ass 17290

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 17290. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462915. Esarhaddon 065; Oracc Q003294.

Esarha[ddon, king of the world, king of Assyria]; son of Sennache[rib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria]; the one who (re)constructed [the temple of the god Aššur], (re)built [Esagil] (5) and Bab[ylon, ...], re[stored the shrines] of cult [centers], completed the rites and [...], (10) (and) (re)confirmed the sattukku offer[ings ... of] the [great] gods, [am] I.

Esarhaddon 066 — Ass 16891

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 16891 (Ass ph 5330). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462916. Esarhaddon 066; Oracc Q003295.

Lacuna [...] Esarhaddon, king of the world, kin[g of ...] son of Sennacher[ib ...] the one who (re)constructed the temple of (the god) Aššur, (re)[built ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 067 — Ass 16150

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 16150. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462917. Esarhaddon 067; Oracc Q003296.

(This text was not available for study so no transliteration is available.)

Esarhaddon 068 — BM 115703 (Ass 05286)

Door socket; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462918. Esarhaddon 068; Oracc Q003297.

To the god Aššur, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of all of Karduniaš (Babylonia), king of the kings of (Lower) Egypt, Upper Egypt, (5) and Kush, king of the four quarters, placed and gave (this door socket) for his (long) life, the prolongation of his days, (and) the well-being of his offspring.

Esarhaddon 069 — Aššur H

Door socket; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ist EŞEM 07137 (Ass 14271). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462919. Esarhaddon 069; Oracc Q003298.

To the god Aššur, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of [Assyria], governor of Babylon, king of Karduni[aš] (Babylon[ia]), (5) king of the kings of (Lower) Eg[ypt], Upper Egy[pt], and Kush, [gave (this door socket)] for his (long) life (and) the well-[being of his] off[spring].

Esarhaddon 070 — Aššur D

Vessel; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462920. Esarhaddon 070; Oracc Q003299.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad — an amphora filled with oil fit for princes, [which] was with the vast possessions (and) goods without number, the treasures of the palace of Abdi-Milkūti, the king of Sidon — which is in the midst of the sea — that my great hand(s) captured with the help of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela.

Esarhaddon 071 — Aššur D

Vessel; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VA Ass 02258 (Ass 00187). Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462921. Esarhaddon 071; Oracc Q003300.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, skilled in battle and warfare, who leveled his enemies, son of [Sen]nacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad — an amphora filled with oil fit for princes, which was with the vast possessions (and) goods without number, the treasures of the palace of Abdi-Milkūti, the king of Sidon, that my great hand(s) captured with the help of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela.

Esarhaddon 072 — Ass 00137

Vessel; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462922. Esarhaddon 072; Oracc Q003301.

(This inscription is not visible in the published photograph and could not be collated, so no transliteration is available.)

Esarhaddon 073 — Ass 00185a

Vessel; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ass 00185a. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462923. Esarhaddon 073; Oracc Q003302.

[... king of] Assyria, son of Sennach[erib, ...].

Esarhaddon 074 — Aššur F

Bead; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). VA 05668 (Ass 00999). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462924. Esarhaddon 074; Oracc Q003303.

I, Aššur-etel-ilāni-mukīn-apli, king of the world, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (5) (re)built Esagil and Babylon, restored the shrines of cult centers, completed the rites, (and) (re)confirmed the offerings of the great gods; I am also the one who knows how to greatly revere the gods and goddesses of heaven and netherworld.

Esarhaddon 075 — Aššur F

45B

Abu (V), twenty-first day, eponymy of Banbâ, deputy minister (sukkallu šanû) (676 BC).

45C

Abu (V), twenty-fifth day, eponymy of Banbâ, [deputy minister (sukkallu šanû)] (676 BC).

Esarhaddon 079 — ND 05404a+

Cylinder; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). ND 05404a + ND 04379b + ND 05404b (+) ND 04379a + ND 04379c + ND 04379d + ND 05404c. Dated 672 BC. CDLI P462929. Esarhaddon 079; Oracc Q003308.

[Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world], king of Assyria, [governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and] Akkad, [the true shepherd who reorganized the confused people (and) made] light [shine forth for th]em; [to whom the great gods gave as a] gift [(the ability) to create, build, (and) renew; (5) the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Bab]ylon, [completed all of the cult centers, renewed the statues] of the great [go]ds, (and) [who] returned [the plundered gods of the lands to] their (proper) place [from Assyria; who pla]ted [Egašankalama, the temple of the goddess Ištar of Arbela, his lady, with silver (zaḫalû)] and made (it) shine like daylight — [I had lions, screaming anzû-birds, laḫmu-monsters], (and) kurību-genii [fashioned from sil]ver [and copper and] set (them) up [in its entry doors]. The king, who with the help of the gods Aš[šur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nabû, Marduk, Ištar of Nineveh], (and) Ištar of Arbela, marched freely from the Up[per] Sea [to the Lower Sea] and made all of [his] enemies [and the rulers who were unsubmissive to him] bow down at his feet; the one who conquered the city Si[don, which is in the midst of the sea, (and) the one who lev]eled all of its dwellings; (15) the one who plundered the city A[rzâ, which is in the neighborhood of the Brook of Egypt, (and) who [threw] Asuḫīli, its king, [into fetters] along with [his counselors] (and) brought (them) to Assyria; moreover, (I am) [the one who struck wi]th the sword [Teušpâ, a Cimmerian], together with [his entire army, in the territory of] the land Ḫubušnu; the one who treads [on the unsubmissive people of Cilicia]; [the one who drove out Nabû-zēr-kitti-līšir, son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan)]; the one who sac[ked Bīt-Dakkūri, which is in Chaldea, an enemy of Babylon]; the one who cap[tured Šamaš-ibni, its king, a rogue (and) outlaw — I surrounded, captured, plundered], destroy[ed, devas]tated, (and) burned with fire the cities Ḫa[ndasu, Magalānu, Alpiyana, Diḫrānu, Qatabuʾ, Padê, (and) Udēru, fortified cities in the district of the land Bāzu], together with [smal]l c[ities in its environs]. The one who cru[shed the Parnaki, a dangerous enemy], who live [in the lan]d Tīl-Aššurri, [which] is called Pittānu [in the language of the people] of the land Meḫrānu; the one who scattered the Mannean people, [undisciplined] Gutians — (as for) the land Patušarra, a district in the area of the salt desert, [which is in the midst of the land of the distant Medes], (30) borders Mount Bikni, (and) upon the soil of [whose land] none o[f the kings, my ancestors], had walked, [I carried off to Assyria] Šidir-parna (and) E-parna, [mighty chieftains,] who were not submissive to (my) yoke, [together with their people (and) their heavy plunder]. Lacuna (No translation possible) [...] that ... [...] bedrooms [... for the pleasure of] Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king, [who (resides in) the House of Succession, my beloved son, whom the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela] called to exercise kingship — I greatly enlarged its small ... [...] I built (and) completed [that palace from its foundations to its parapets. I] roofed them [with magnificent cedar beams, grown on Mount Amanus (and) (10′) installed doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet], in their gates. I filled (it) [with splendor (making it) an object of wonder for all of the people]. [I had a foundation inscription written in my name and written in the name of Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king], who (resides in) the House of Succession, [my beloved son, and] placed (this inscription) [in it]. [... when that palace becomes] old and dilapidated. [...] ... [... and may he] anoint (it) [with oil, make an offering], (and) place (it) [with an inscription written in his name. The god Ninurta, son of the god Enlil], will (then) hear [his prayers]. [Month ..., ...th day, eponymy of Nabû-bēlu-uṣur, governor of Dūr-Šar]rukku (672 BC).

Esarhaddon 080 — ND 05470

Cylinder; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). ND 05470. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462930. Esarhaddon 080; Oracc Q003309.

Lacuna [Son of Sennacheri]b, [king of the world, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II)], king of the world, [king of Assyria, governor of Baby]lon, king of Sum[er and Akkad] — [... that I] had conqu[ered with the] help of the god Aššur, my lord, [... (5′) ... the armo]ry, which is in Kalḫu, [... — I made (it) greater] than before. [...] the previous kings, my ancestors, for the son [... a bīt]-ḫilāni, a place for his leisure ... [...] ... the sides of that building ... [... I incorporated] unused [la]nd as an ad[dition ...] of the city [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 081 — Fifty Years of Mesopotamian Discover p. 105

Series of blocks; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). Reade in Curtis, Fifty Years of Mesopotamian Discovery p. 105. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462931. Esarhaddon 081; Oracc Q003310.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria — (with regard to) the armory, which is in Kalḫu, that Shalmaneser (III), king of Assyria, son of Ashurnasirpal (II), a ruler who came before me, had built, I incorporated unused land as an addition (to it), raised the terrace with massive stones from the mountains, (and) built a palace for my lordly pleasure on it.

Esarhaddon 082 — Writing on the Wall fig. 46

Series of blocks; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). Russell, Writing on the Wall fig. 46. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462932. Esarhaddon 082; Oracc Q003311.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad — (with regard to) the armory, which is in Kalḫu, that Shalmaneser (III), king of Assyria, son of Ashurnasirpal (II), a ruler who came before me, had built, I incorporated unused land as an addition (to it), raised the terrace with massive stones from the mountains, (and) built palatial halls for my lordly pleasure on it — son of Sennacher[ib], king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 083 — Kalhu D

Bull colossus; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). 2 exemplars. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462933. Esarhaddon 083; Oracc Q003312.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the kings of (Lower) Egypt, Upper Egypt, (and) Kush, king of the four quarters.

Esarhaddon 084 — Kalhu D

Bull colossus; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). 2 exemplars. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462934. Esarhaddon 084; Oracc Q003313.

The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, (and) renewed the statues of the great gods; king of Egypt, the one who defeated the king of Meluḫḫa, king of the four quarters, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 085 — Kalhu D

Human-headed lion colossus; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). Layard, ICC pl. 19 no. 1, entrance a Lion 1. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462935. Esarhaddon 085; Oracc Q003314.

[The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king] of Assyria, governor of [Babylon, king] of Sumer and Akkad; [the one who (re)constructed] the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Bab[ylon], (and) renewed the statues of the great gods; king of Egypt, the one who defeated the king of Meluḫḫa, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 086 — Kalhu D

Slab; stone; Negub Tunnel. Savélieff, Mémoires de la société d'archéologie et de numismatique de St. Petersburg 2 pp. 139-142. Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462936. Esarhaddon 086; Oracc Q003315.

[The palace of Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of] Assyria, gover[nor of Babylon, king of Sumer] and Akkad, king of E[gypt, (...), the one who defeated the king of] Meluḫḫa, king of the [four] quarters, [(...); the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aš]šur, (re)built Esagil [and Babylon, (...) (5) (and) renewed] the statues of the great gods; [son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria], descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 087 — Kalhu C / Negub Inscription

Slab; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). VA 03315. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462937. Esarhaddon 087; Oracc Q003316.

[...] ... [... the one] who raised the downfallen, avenger of ... [...] capable [...], the one who provides pleasant protection over the people am I; son of Sennach[erib, great king], mighty [king], king of the world, king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of S[umer and Akkad]; descendant of Bēl-bāni, son of Adasi, king of Assyria, [ancient] stock — [...] the former Tebiltu canal that Ashurnasirpal (II), a ruler who came be[fore me], had dug from the (Upper) Zab over the plain of Kalḫu [...] — that canal, not turning ... [...] ... (clogged up with) loose earth, ..., path, track ... [... (10) ...] was filled with sediment deposits and (thus) became level with the ground. ... [...] became [...] and turned into an abandoned plot. All of the fruit and aromatics, as many as [there are, ...] ... its tall beams ... [...] ... was devastated and ... furrow ... upon it [...] not true ... [...].

Esarhaddon 088 — Nineveh M

Brick; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462938. Esarhaddon 088; Oracc Q003317.

The palace of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 089 — Mallowan, Nimrud 2 p. 389

Brick; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). Mallowan, Nimrud 2 p. 389. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462939. Esarhaddon 089; Oracc Q003318.

(This inscription was left in the field and was not published, so no transliteration is available.)

Esarhaddon 090 — IM 064186

Seal (impression); clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). IM 064186 (ND 07080). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462940. Esarhaddon 090; Oracc Q003319.

The palace of Esar[haddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria], son of Sennacherib, [king of Assyria], descendant of Sarg[on (II), king of Assyria].

Esarhaddon 091 — IM 061871

Vessel; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). IM 061871 (ND 08159). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462941. Esarhaddon 091; Oracc Q003320.

Palace of Esarhaddon, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 092 — IM 060590

Lump; clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). IM 060590 (ND 06224). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462942. Esarhaddon 092; Oracc Q003321.

[Proper]ty of [Esar]haddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, which was placed in the midst of the platform, more or less.

Esarhaddon 093 — Kalhu A / Tarbiṣu A

Cylinder; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ist EŞEM 06703 (Ass 01588 + Ass 01757a-b). Dated 672 BC. CDLI P462943. Esarhaddon 093; Oracc Q003322.

Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, the true shepherd who reorganized the confused people and made light shine forth for them; to whom the gods gave as a gift (the ability) to create, build, (and) renew; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, [compl]eted all of the cult centers, renewed the statues of the great gods, (and) [who returned] the plundered gods of the lands to their (proper) place from Assyria; who plated Egašankalama, the temple of the goddess Ištar of Arbela, his lady, with silver (zaḫalû) and made (it) shine like daylight — [I had] lions, screaming anzû-birds, laḫmu-monsters, (and) kurību-genii [fashioned from silver and copper] and set (them) up in its entry doors. The king, who with the help of the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nabû, Marduk, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, [marched] free[ly] from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea [and] made [all] of his enemies and the rulers who were unsubmissive to him bow down at his feet; the one who conquered the city Sidon, which is in the midst of the sea, (and) [the one who leveled all of] its [dwellings]; the one who plundered the city Arzâ, which is in the neighborhood of the Brook of Egypt, (and) who threw Asuḫīli, its ki[ng], into fetters along with his counselors (and) [brought (them) to Assyria; moreover], (I am) the one who [struck with the sword] Teušpâ, a Cimmerian, together with his entire army, in the territory of the land Ḫubuš[nu; the one who treads] on the unsubmis[sive] people of Cilicia; the one who drove out Nabû-zēr-kitti-līšir, [son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan); the one who sacked Bīt]-Dakkūri, which is in Chaldea, an enemy of Babylon; the one who captured Šamaš-[ibni, its king], a rogue (and) outlaw — I surrounded, captured, plundered, destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire the cities Ḫandasu, [Magalānu, Alpiyana, Di]ḫrānu, Qatabuʾ, Padê, (and) Udēru, fortified cities [in the] district of [the land Bāzu, together with small cities in] their [environs]. [The one who crushed the Parnaki, a dangerous enemy, who live in the land Tīl-A]ššurri, which is called Pittānu in the language of the people of the land Meḫrānu; [the one who scatter]ed the [Mannean] people, [undiscipl]ined [Gutians] — (as for) the land Patušarra, a district in the area of the salt desert, [which is in the mid]st of the land of the distant Medes, [bor]ders Mount Bikni, (and) upon the soil of [whose] land [none of] the kings, my ancestors, [had] walked, I carried off to Assyria [Šidi]r-parna (and) E-par[na], mighty chieftains, [who were not] submissive to (my) yoke, together with [their] people (and) their heavy plunder. [Son of] Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, [gover]nor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad — At that time the site of the small palace, which is in the city Tarbiṣu, had become too small. I added more land as an addition (making it) bigger than before and I completely raised (its) terrace. I built (and) completed a magnificent palace, whose site is very extensive, (25) for the pleasure of Ashurbanipal — senior son of the king, who (resides in) the House of Succession, my beloved son, whom the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela called to exercise kingship — from its foundations to its parapets. I roofed them with magnificent cedar beams, grown on Mount Amanus, (and) installed doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, in their gates. I filled (it) with splendor (making it) an object of wonder for all of the people. I had a foundation inscription written in my name and written in the name of Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king, who (resides in) the House of Succession, my beloved son, and placed (this inscription) in it. After I finished the work on that palace and completed its construction, I invited the god Nergal (and) the goddess Laṣ, (gods) who live in the city Tarbiṣu, into it. I made large, pure offerings before them (and) presented (them) with my gifts. May the god Nergal (and) the goddess Laṣ decree for me a blessing of long days (and) years of good health (and) happiness, and may they give (the same) to Ashurbanipal, my beloved son, as a gift. May a future ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, whom the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar name to rule the people, renovate the dilapidated section(s) of that palace when it becomes old and dilapidated. May he read a foundation inscription written in my name and written in the name of Ashurbanipal, the [senior] s[on of the king], who (resides in) the House of Succession, my beloved son, and may he anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, (and) place (it) [with] a foundation inscription written in his name. [The god Nerga]l (and) the goddess Laṣ will (then) hear [his] prayers. Ayyāru (II), eighteenth day, eponymy of Nabû-bēlu-uṣur, governor of (the city) Dūr-Šarrukku (672 BC), when the treaty concerning Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king, who (resides in) the House of Succession, was made.

Esarhaddon 094 — Tarbiṣu C

Slab; stone; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). BM 118919 (1999-01-22, 0003). Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462944. Esarhaddon 094; Oracc Q003323.

I, Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, built (and) completed a palace in the city Tarbiṣu as the residence of Ashurbanipal.

Esarhaddon 095 — Tarbiṣu B

Slab; stone; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). BM 118920 (1999-01-22, 0004). Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462945. Esarhaddon 095; Oracc Q003324.

I, Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the kings of (Lower) Egypt, (5) Upper Egypt, (and) Kush built (and) completed a palace in the city Tarbiṣu as the residence of Ashurbanipal, the senior son of the king, who (resides in) the House of Succession, my offspring.

Esarhaddon 096 — Tarbiṣu D

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] large [...] ... the left [... (rev. 5′) the gods ...], Nabû, Ištar of [...] ... shining face [...] ... [...] ... abundance of the [four] quarters [...] ... [...] to my reign [...] the bull colossus [an]d the deity who makes safe the path [of my royal person ...] (That) which is (written) on a bull colossus in a doorway ... [...]

Esarhaddon 100 — K 13649

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13649. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462950. Esarhaddon 100; Oracc Q003329.

Lacuna [... before] he (comes) it is a city, [when he leaves it is a tell. The assault] of his fierce battle [is a blazing flame], a [rest]less fire. [Son of] Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, [king of the world, king of Assyria, descendant of] Sargon (II), great king, mighty king, [king of the world, king of Assyria, gover]nor of Babylon, king of Sumer and [Akkad; royal descendant of] the eternal line of Bēl-[bāni, son of Adasi, founder of the kingship] of Assyria, [whose] place [of ultimate origin is Baltil (Aššur)] — Lacuna

Esarhaddon 101 — K 07967

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 07967. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462951. Esarhaddon 101; Oracc Q003330.

Reverse

Lacuna [...] ... [...]. I am mighty, I am almighty, I am lordly, I [am] proud, [I am strong], I am [important], I am glorious, (and) [I have no] equ[al] among all the kings. [Ch]osen by the gods Aššur, Nabû, (and) Marduk; called by the god Sîn, favorite of the god [Anu, (rev. 5′) beloved] of the queen — the goddess Ištar, goddess of every[thing] — (and) the merciless [weapon] that makes the ene[my] land tremble, [am I. A king, expe]rt in battle and war, the one who slaughters the set[tlements of his enemies, the one who kills] his [foe]s, the one who dissolves [his] ad[versaries, [the one who makes the unsub]missive [bow down, (and) the one who rules over] all of the peo[ple] of the world — [The gods Aššur, Šamaš, Nabû, and Marduk], my lofty lords, [whose word cannot be changed, decreed] as [my destiny] an [un]rivaled [kingship. ...] truth ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Ḥama and the Nahr el-Kalb

Esarhaddon 102–103. 2 texts.

Esarhaddon 102 — IAA 1974-565

Stele; stone; Kibbutz Hama-apil. IAA 1974-565. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462952. Esarhaddon 102; Oracc Q003331.

(This inscription will be published by E. Weissert.)

Esarhaddon 103 — Monument C / Nahr el-Kalb rock relief

Rock face; stone; Nahr el-Kelb. VAG 031 (cast). Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462953. Esarhaddon 103; Oracc Q003332.

[The gods Aššur, Anu, Enlil], Ea, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, [Ištar, (and) the Sebitti, the great gods], all of them, who decree destiny (and) give might and victory [to the king], their [favorite, Esarhaddon, great king], mighty [king], king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, [king of Sumer and Akkad], king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), (king of) all of them, king of the kings of [(Lower) Egypt, Upper Egypt, and] Kush, king of the four quarters; son of Sennacherib, [great king, migh]ty [king], king of the world, king of Assyria — With rejoicing and jubilation, I went into the city Memphis, his royal city, (and) I sat joyfully upon (his) gold-mounted stool. [...] my [...] weapons [...] ... was placed; a message (with) gold (and) silver ... [...] afterwards ... the march [... I] entered and I counted as [booty ... of] his palace, the gods (and) goddesses of Taharqa, king of Kush, together with their possessions [... I ... his] wi[fe], his [cou]rt ladies, Uš-Anaḫuru, his crown prince, [...] ... courtiers, his personal attendants, [...], posses[sions], goods, [...] ..., lapis lazuli, ivory, gold-mounted [...] their openings (15) [...] ditto, gold (and) silver utensils, and all kinds of stones [fit] for the palace, which were without (number, and) skillfully built [...]. I opened their [...] and a chest ... [...] his kingship ... [...] ... mirror [...] ... words [...] king whose bo[x, ...], possessions, ... [...] ... they left them, together with 15 cro[wns ...] 30 crowns of wives, ditto (20) [...] good [...], stone [...], baked bricks, stone ..., [in] great number, [... from] the treasury, gold, silver, anti[mony, ... which were] without [number], a saddinu-garment (made) of byssus, [...] which all ... [...] copper, tin, lead, ivory, [...] ... [...] ... [... pos]sessions, ..., [...] ..., his [..., his] in-laws, his clan, (25) [...] ... stone ..., his [...], and [the sons] of the kings [...] ... [...] ... [...] physicians, diviners, [...] ... [... carpenters], gold-smiths, metal-workers, [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] son of Binzūqi, [...] Ashkelon [...] which Taharqa [...] to their fortresses [...] Tyre [...] 32 kings [...] ... Lacuna

Babylon and Babylonia

Esarhaddon 104–139. 36 texts.

Esarhaddon 104 — Babylon A

Prism; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 5 exemplars. Dated 674-673 BC. CDLI P462954. Esarhaddon 104; Oracc Q003333.

Column i

[Esarhaddon, gre]at [king], mighty [king], king of the world, (i 5) king of [Assyria], governor of [Bab]ylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, true shepherd, favorite of the lord of lords, pious prince, (i 10) beloved of the goddess Zarpanītu — the queen, the goddess of the entire universe — reverent king who from the days of his childhood (i 15) was attentive to their rule and praised their valor, pious slave, humble, submissive, the one who reveres their great divinity — At that time, in the reign of a previous king, bad omens occurred (i 20) in Sumer and Akkad. The people living there were answering each other yes for no (and) were telling lies. (i 25) They led their gods away, neglected their goddesses, abandoned their rites, (and) embraced quite different (rites). They put their hands on the possessions of Esagil, the palace of the gods, (i 30) an inaccessible place, and they sold the silver, gold, (and) precious stones at market value to the land Elam. The Enlil of [the go]ds, the god Marduk, became angry and plotted evilly to level the land (and) to destroy its people. The river Araḫtu, (normally) a river of abundance, turned into an angry wave, (i 40) a raging tide, a huge flood like the deluge. It swept (its) waters destructively across the city (and) its dwellings and turned (them) into ruins. The gods dwelling in it (i 45) flew up to the heavens like birds; the people living in it [were h]idden in another place and took refuge in (ii 1) an [unknown] land. The merciful god Marduk [w]rote that the calculated time of its abandonment (should last) 70 years, (but) his heart was quickly soothed, and he reversed the numbers and (thus) ordered its (re)occupation to be (after) 11 years.

Column ii

You truly selected me, Esarhaddon, in the assembly of my older brothers t[o] put these matters right, and (ii 15) you (are the one) who placed your sweet [pro]tection over me, swept away all of my enemies like a flood, killed all of my foes and made me attain my wish, (and), (ii 20) to appease the heart of your great divinity (and) to please your spirit, you entrus[ted] me with shepherding Assyria. At the beginning of [my] kingship, in my first year, when I sat in greatness on (my) royal throne, [go]od signs [were] established for me; [in] heaven and on ear[th, he (the god Marduk) constantly sent me his] omen(s). (ii 30) The angry [gods] were recon[ciled] (and) they repeatedly discl[os]ed favorable signs concerning the (re)buil[di]ng of Bab[yl]on (and) the renovation of E[sag]il. Bright Jupiter, the giver of decisions on Akkad, came near in Simānu (III) and stood in the place where the sun shines. It was shining brightly (and) its appearance was red. It reached (its) hypsoma for a second time in the month “Opening of the Door” and stayed in its place. He (the god Marduk) ordered me to complete the cult centers, to renovate the shrines, (and) to organize well the rites of Esagil, the palace of the gods. (ii 45) Every month, the gods Sîn and Šamaš together, at their appearance, answered me with a firm ‘yes’ concerning the avenging of Akkad. By means of the great intelligence (and) va[st] understanding [that] the sage [of the gods], the prince, the god Nudimmu[d], gave to me, it occurred to me [to] (re)populate th[at] city, to re[novate] (iii 5) the shrines, (and) to make [the cult center shine, and] my heart [prom]pted (me) to perform that work.

Column iii

I was afraid (and) worried to preform that work (and) I knelt before the gods Šamaš, Adad, (and) Marduk, (iii 10) the great judge(s), the gods, my lords. In the divin[e]r’s bowl, trustwor[th]y oracles were established for me, and they had (their response) concerning the (re)building of (iii 15) Babylon (and) renovation of Esagil written on a liver. I trusted in their firm ‘yes’ and I mustered all of my craftsmen and the people of (iii 20) Karduniaš (Babylonia) to its full extent. I had them wield hoes and I imposed baskets (on them). I mixed (the mud for) [its re]vet[ment] with fine oil, honey, ghee, kurunnu-wine, muttinnu-wine, (and) pure mountain beer. [In order] to show [the people] his great [divinity and] to inspire awe (in) his lordship, I raised [a ba]sket (iii 30) onto [my] he[ad] and [carried] (it) myself. I [had its bricks made in brickmolds of musukkannu]-wood. I gather[ed together (iii 35) expert craftsmen (and) skilled master] builders, who lay ou[t plans], expo[sed the place where] Esagil [stands, and inspected] its structure. [In] a favorable month, on a propitious day, I laid its foundation platform over its previous foundations (iii 45) (and) in (exact) accordance with its earlier plan I did not diminish (it) by one cubit nor increase (it) by half a cubit. I built (and) completed Esagil, the palace of the gods, an image of the apsû, a replica of Ešarra, a likeness of (iii 50) the abode of the god Ea, (and) a replica of Pegasus; I had (Esagil) ingeniously built (and) I laid out (iv 1) (its) square. For its roof, I stretched out magnificent cedar beams, grown on Mount Amanus, the pure mountain, (and) fastened bands of gold (and) silver on (iv 5) doors of cypress, whose fragrance is sweet, and installed (them) in its gates.

Column iv

I repaired the woeful desecrated state of the gods and goddess who lived in it, who had been displaced by floods and storm, and whose appearances had become dim; I made their dimmed appearance bright, cleaned (iv 15) their dirty garments, (and) had them permanently installed on their daises. (As for) the šēdus, lamassus, (and) rābiṣu-demons of the temple, I repaired their dilapidated part(s), (and) [I (re)stationed] them ... wh[ere] their ... [are]. (No translation possible) Lacuna

Column v

With the large aslu-[cubit], I measured the dimensions of [Imgur-Enlil, its great wall] — each [length] (and) width was 30 ašlus. I had (it) built as it was before and (v 5) raised (its top) up like a mountain. I built (and) completed Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, (and) filled (it) with splendor (making it) an object of wonder for all of the people. I established anew the remission of debts of the wronged citizens of Babylon, people (entitled to) the privileged status (and) freedom (guaranteed by) the gods Anu and Enlil. I gathered the bought people who had become slaves (and) who had been distributed among the (foreign) riffraff and (v 20) counted (them once again) as Babylonians. I returned their looted possessions, provided the naked with clothing, (and) let them take the road to [Bab]ylon. (v 25) I encouraged them to (re)settle the city, build houses, plant orchards, (and) dig canals. I restored their interrupted privileged status that had fallen into disuse. I wrote anew the tablet of their exemptions. (v 35) [I] opened roads for them in all directions so that they [could establish an imp]ortant position by having [(commercial) relations] with all coun[tries]. [...] Lacuna

Column vi

Let [the seed of] my [priestly offi]ce endure (along) [wit]h [the foundations of Esagil and] Babylon; let (vi 5) (my) [kin]gship be sustaining to the people forev[er] like the pl[ant of] life so that I may shepherd (vi 10) [t]heir popula[ce] in truth and justice; (and) let me reach old age, at[ta]in extreme old age, (and) be sa[ted with] the prime [of li]fe [until far]-off [days]. Truly I am [the pr]ovider. [Let me enla]rge [my] fa[mily], [gath]er [my] rel[atives], (and) [ext]end [my progeny so that they br]anch out widely; (vi 20) [let him make] the foundations of the thro[ne of] my [priestly offi]ce [be] as secure a great mountain; let [my] reign endure as long as heaven [and ear]th; let me str[ide] beaming daily (vi 25) in joy, glad[ness], happine[ss], shining face, (and) happy mo[od]; (and) let a hap[py fate], (vi 30) a g[ood] fate, (one) for the lengthening of the days of [my reign], the protection of the thro[ne of my] priestly office, (and) the well-being of my offspring [be placed] in [their] (the gods’) mouths. May he allow [my hands] to grasp the righteo[us] scepter [that enlarges] the land (and) the [fierce] st[aff] that humbles the u[nsubmissive; may they cause] my weapons [to rise up] so that I may kill my [ene]mies; (and) [may he allow] me [to stand] over my enemies in victory (and) triumph. Let them a[ll]ow there to be [in] my [lan]d rains and floods, successful harvests, an abundance of grain, plenty, and [pros]perity, and let them sto[re] (it) in piles of gra[in].

Column vii

I had foun[dation inscriptions] made of silver, gold, bronze, [lapis lazuli], alabaster, basa[lt], pendû-stone, elallu-stone, (and) white limestone, (as well as) inscribed objects of baked clay, and (then) I depicted on them hieroglyphs representing the writing of my name. I wrote on them the might of the great hero, the god Marduk, (and) the deeds (vii 15) that I had done, my pious work, (and) I placed (these inscriptions) in the foundations (and) left (them) [f]or far-off days. In future days, in far-off days, may one of the kings, my descendants, whom the king of the gods, the god Marduk, names to rule the land and the people, read an inscription (vii 25) written in my name, and anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, (and) return (it) to its place. The god Marduk, king of the gods, will (then) hear his [pr]ayers. (As for) [the one who c]hanges (an inscription) written in my [name], defaces my [repr]esentations, annuls [the pri]vileged status of Babylon, (and) [bre]aks the covenant of the lord of lords, may (vii 35) the god Marduk, the Enlil of the gods, the lord of the lands, look with fury on him and order his destruction among all of the black-headed people. May he (the god Marduk) make his word bad in Ubšukkinnaku, (vii 40) the courtyard of the assembly of the gods, the place of council, (and) order that his life not last (even) a single day. Accession year of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 105 — Babylon C

Prism; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 2 exemplars. Dated 673-672 BC. CDLI P462955. Esarhaddon 105; Oracc Q003334.

Column i

[Esarhad]don, [gre]at [king, king of the wor]ld, [king of Assyria, gover]nor of (i 5) [Babylon, king of Sumer and] Akkad, [true shepherd, favor]ite of the lord of lords, pious [prince, b]eloved of [the goddess] Zarpa[nī]tu — (i 10) [the] queen, the goddess [of the entire] universe — reverent [king who f]rom the days of his childhood (i 15) was attentive to their rule and praised their valor, pious slave, humble, submissive, the one who reveres their great divinity — At that time, in the reign of a previous king, bad omens occurred in Sumer and Akkad. The people living there were answering each other yes (for) no (i 25) (and) were telling lies. They led their gods away, neglected their goddesses, abandoned their rites, (i 30) (and) embraced quite different (rites). They [put] their hands on the possessions of Esagil, the palace of the gods, an inaccessible place, and they sold the gold, silver, (and) [precious] stones [at market value to the land Elam]. [The Enlil of the go]ds, the god Marduk, became angry and [pl]otted [evilly to level the land (and) to d]estroy [its people. The river] Araḫtu, (ii 1) [(normally) a river of abundance], turned into [an angry wave, a raging tide, a huge flood like the deluge]. It swept (its) waters destructively across the city (ii 5) (and) its shrines and turned (them) into ruins. The gods and [goddesses] dwelling in [it (ii 10) f[lew] up [to the heavens] like birds; the people living in [it] were hidden [in another place and] (ii 15) took [refuge] in an [unkn]own lan[d]. The merciful god Marduk wrote that the calculated time of its abandonment (should last) 70 years, (but) his heart (ii 20) was quickly soothed, and he reversed the numbers and (thus) ordered its (re)occupation to be (after) 11 years.

Column ii

You truly selected me, Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, in the assembly of my older brothers, to put these matters right, and (ii 30) you (are the one) who placed your sweet protection over me, swept away all of my enemies like a flood, killed all of my foes and made me attain (ii 35) (my) wish, (and), to appease the heart of your great divinity (and) to please your spirit, you entrusted me with shepherding Assyria. At the beginning of my kingship, in my first year, when (iii 1) [I sat in greatness on] (my) royal throne, [good signs were established for me; in heaven and on earth, he (the god Marduk) constantly sent me his omen(s)]. The angry [gods] (iii 5) were reconciled (and) [they repeatedly] disclosed [fav]orable [signs] concerning the (re)building of Babylon (and) [the renovation of] Esagil.

Column iii

[Br]ight [Jupiter, the giver of decisions on Akkad, came near in Simānu (III) and stood in the place where the sun shines. It was shining brightly (and) its appearance] was red. It reached (its) hypsoma for a second [time] (iii 15) in the month “Opening of the Door” and stayed in its place. He (the god Marduk) ordered me to complete the cult centers, to renovate the shrines, (and) to organize well the rites of Esagil, the palace of the gods. Every month, the gods Sîn and Šamaš together, (iii 25) at their appearance, answered me with a firm ‘yes’ concerning the avenging of Akkad. By means of the great intelligence (and) vast understanding that the sage of the gods, the prince, the god Nudimmud, gave to me, it occurred to me to (re)populate that city, to renovate the shrines, (iii 35) (and) to make the cult center shine, and my heart prompted (me). I was afraid (and) worried to perform that work (and) [I knelt before] (iii 40) the gods Šamaš, Adad, and Marduk, the great judge(s), the gods, my lords. [In the diviner’s bowl, trustworthy oracles were established for me, and they had (their response) concerning the (re)building of (iv 5) Babylon (and) the renovation of Esagil written on a liver].

Column iv

[I trusted in their firm ‘yes’ and I mustered all of] (iv 10) my craftsmen and the people of Karduniaš (Babylonia) to its full extent. (iv 15) I had them wield hoes and I imposed baskets (on them). I mixed (the mud for) its revetment with fine oil, honey, ghee, kurunnu-wine, muttinnu-wine, (and) pure mountain beer. (iv 20) In order to show the people his great divinity and to inspire awe (in) his lordship, (iv 25) I raised a basket onto my head and carried (it) myself. I had [its bricks] mad[e] in brickmolds of musuk[kannu-wood]. I ga[th]ered together (iv 30) expert [crafts]men (and) skilled [master bu]ilders, who lay out p[l]ans, exposed the place where [Esa]gil stands, and inspected [its structure]. In a [favorable] month, [on a propitious day, (v 1) I laid its foundation platform] over [its] previous foun[dations (and) in (exact) accordance with its earlier plan I did not diminish (it)] by one [cubit] nor [increase (it)] by half a cubit. [I built (and) completed Esagil, the palace of the gods, an image of the apsû, a replica of Ešarra, a likeness of (v 5) the abode of the god Ea, (and) a replica of Pegasus; I had (Esagil) ingeniously built (and) I] laid out [(its) squa]re. [For] its r[oo]f, [I stretch]ed out [magnificent] cedar [beams, grown on Mount Amanus, the] pure mountain.

Column v

Moreover, I built (it) up ... with musukkannu-wood, cedar, (and) terebinth, natural wood, together with bricks, so that the temple would be made permanent, the bond(s) of the wall would not disintegrate, (and) none of Esagil’s ornaments would be neglected. At that time, I had the terrace, the place where the gods Marduk, Zarpanītu, (and) Nabû dwell, dug down 16 cubits, (where) I reached ground water. With bitumen and baked brick, (v 30) I enlarged its lower part beyond the water table and I built up its foundations as the god Nudimmud had instructed me. I raised (it) up and (v 35) heaped (it) up like a mountain for the residence of his great divinity. I built the home of the gods Marduk, Zarpanītu, and Nabû [in] their [midst]. [I fastened bands of gold], silver, (and) copper on doors of [cypr]ess, whose fragrance is sweet, and [instal]led (them) in its [gates]. I refurbished [the statues of the] great [gods (and) had (them) dwell (v 45) on] their [daises] as an eternal dwelling. [(As for) the šēdu]s, lamassus, (and) [rābiṣu-demons] of the temple, [I repaired the]ir [dilapidated part(s)], (and) I (re)stationed them [...] wh[ere] their ... are.

Column vi

I had whatever furnishings were needed for Esag[il] skillfully made with artful craftsmanship from gold (and) silver, each of whose weight is 50 minas. I restored the holy rites of Esagil (and) made them more splendid than before. (vi 20) I set out before them (the gods) their pure guqqû offerings, their pure nindabû offerings, (and) their interrupted sattukku offerings. (vi 25) I placed at their service the former ramku-priests, pašīšu-priests, (and) ecstatics, those initiated in secret rites. I set before them purification priests, āšipu-priests, lamentation priests, (and) [si]ngers, who have mastered (their) entire craft. I built anew Etemenanki, the ziqqurat, on the site where it previously stood — its length is one ašlu (and) one ṣuppān, (and) its width is one ašlu (and) one ṣuppān. With the large aslu-cubit, I measured the dimensions of Imgur-Enlil, its great wall — each length (and) width was 30 ašlus. I had (it) built as it was before and raised (its top) up like a mountain. I built (and) (vii 1) co[mpleted] Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, (and) filled (it) with [sple]ndor (making it) [an object of wonder] for [all of] the people.

Column vii

I returned the plundered gods of the lands [f]rom Assyria and the land Elam to their (proper) place(s), and I set up proper procedures in all of the cult centers. I established anew the remission of debts of the wronged citizens of Babylon, people (entitled to) the privileged status (and) freedom (guaranteed by) (vii 15) the gods Anu and Enlil. I gathered the bought people who had become slaves (vii 20) (and) who had been distributed among the (foreign) riffraff and counted (them once again) as Babylonians. (vii 25) I returned their looted possessions, provided the naked with clothing, (and) let them take the road to Babylon. I encouraged them to (re)settle the city, build houses, (vii 30) plant orchards, (and) dig canals. I restored their interrupted privileged status that had fallen into disuse. I wrote anew the tabl[et of] their exemptions. I opened roads for them in all directions so that they could establish an important position by having (commercial) relations with all countries. May the god Marduk and the goddess Zarpanītu, (viii 1) the gods, my helpers, look with joy upon my good deeds and bless (my) kingship in their steadfast heart(s). Let the seed of my priestly office endure (along) with the foundations of Esagil and Babylon; (viii 10) let (my) kingship be sustaining to the people forever like the plant of life (viii 15) so that I may shepherd their populace in truth and justice; (and) let me reach old age, attain extreme old age, (and) be sated with the prime of life until far-off days. Truly I am the provider.

Column viii

Let me enlarge my family, gather my relatives, (and) extend my progeny (viii 25) so that they branch out widely; let him make the foundations of the throne of my priestly office as secure as a great mountain; let my reign endure as long as heaven and earth; let me stride beaming daily (viii 30) in joy, gladness, happiness, shining face, and happy mood; (and) let (viii 35) a happy fate, a good fate, (one) for the lengthening of the days of my reign, the protection of the throne of my priestly office, (and) the well-being of my offspring be placed in their (the gods’) mouths.

Column ix

May he allow my hands to grasp the [righteous] s[cepter] that en[larges the land] (and) the fierce staff that humbles the unsubmissive; may they cause my weapons to rise up and kill my enemies; (and) may he allow me to stand over my enemies in victory (and) triumph. May they allow there to be in my land rains and floods, successful harvests, an abundance of grain, plenty, and prosperity, and let them store (it) in pil[es of] grain. I had foundation inscriptions made of silver, gold, bronze, lapis lazuli, alabaster, basalt, pendû-stone, alallu-stone (and) (ix 25) white limestone, (as well as) inscribed objects of baked clay, and (then) I depicted on them hieroglyphs representing the writing of my name. (ix 30) I wrote on them the might of the great hero, the god Marduk, (and) the deeds that I had done, my pious work, (and) I placed (these inscriptions) in the foundations (and) left (them) for far-off days. In future days, in far-off days, may one of the kings, (x 1) [my descendants, whom the king of the gods], the god Marduk, (x 5) names [to] rule the land and [the people], read an inscript[ion] written in [my name, and] (x 10) a[noint (it)] with oil, [make] an offering, (and) [return (it)] to its place. The god Marduk, king of the gods, will (then) h[e]ar his prayers.

Column x

(As for) the one who ch[ang]es (an inscription) written in my name, [def]aces my rep[resenta]tions, [annuls] the privileged status of (x 20) Babylon, (and) brea[ks the cove]nant of the lord of lords, may the god Mar[duk, the Enli]l of the gods, the lord of [the lands, look with] fury [on him] and [orde]r [his] destruction (x 25) among [all of the black-headed] people. May he (the god Marduk) make [his] w[ord bad] i[n Ubšukkinnak]u, the court[yard of the assembly of the gods], the place [of council, and] or[der that his] life not last (even) [a single] day. Acces[sion] year of Esarhaddon, [king of] Assyria.

Esarhaddon 106 — Babylon E

Prism, tablet; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 5 exemplars. Dated 672-670 BC. CDLI P462956. Esarhaddon 106; Oracc Q003335.

Column i

Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of (i 5) Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, pious prince who reveres the gods Nabû and Marduk — Before my time the great lord, the god Marduk, became angry, trembled (with rage), and was furious with Esagil (i 15) and Babylon; his [he]art was full of rage. Because of the wrath in his heart and his bad temper, Esagil and Babylon became a wasteland and turned into ruins. Its (Babylon’s) gods and goddesses became frightened, abandoned their cellas, and went up to the heavens. The people living in it (Babylon) were distributed among the (foreign) riffraff (and) became slaves.

Column ii

At the beginning of my kingship, in my first year, when I sat in greatness on (my) royal throne (and) (ii 10) (when) they (the gods) entrusted me with the lordship of the lands, the heart of the great divine lord, the god Marduk, was appeased, (ii 15) his mood was soothed; he became reconciled with Esagil and Babylon, (both of) which he had punished. As for me, Esarhaddon, the servant who reveres his great divinity, it occurred to [me] (and) my heart prompted me to (re)build Esagil and Babylon, [re]novate (its) gods (ii 30) and goddesses, [comple]te (its) shrines, (and) (re)con[firm (its) sattukku offerings]. (iii 5) I was encouraged and ordered the (re)building.

Column iii

I gathered the peoples of the lands conquered by me and had them take up hoe (and) basket. I mix[ed] (the mud for) its re[v]etm[ent] with fine oil, honey, ghee, (iii 15) kurunnu-[wine], muttinnu-wine (and) pure mountain beer. (iii 20) In order to show the people his great divinity and to inspire awe (in) his lordship, (iii 25) I raised a basket onto my head and carried (it) myself. I had its bricks made for a whole year in brickmolds of ivory, ebony, boxwood, (and) musukkannu-wood. I built anew (and) [co]mpleted Esagil, the palace of the gods, together with its shrines, from its foundations to its battlements. (iii 45) I made (it) greater than before, raised (it) up, glorified (it), (and) made (it) glisten like the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament. I filled (it) with splendor (making it) an object of wonder for all of the people. I refurbished the gods and goddesses who lived in it (and) (iv 1) had (them) dwell on their daises as an eternal dwelling. I (re)confirmed their inter[rup]ted sattukku offerings. I had [whatever] furnishings (iv 10) [were ne]eded for Esagil [and] its [sh]rines made from gold, si[lver], and bronze, and I placed (them) in their midst.

Column iv

I had Babylon, (which was measured by) the aslu-cubit checked by the gods, Imgur-Enlil, its wall, (and) Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, built anew with the work of the god Kulla and I raised (them) like mountains. I am the one who (re)built Babylon, (re)constructed Esagil, renewed (it) gods and goddesses, completed (its) shrines, (re)confirmed (its) sattukku offerings, (and) who gathered its (Babylon’s) scattered people. May the Enlil of the gods, the god Marduk, (v 5) and the goddess Zarpanītu, the queen, look with joy upon the work of my good deeds and order the prolongation of my days, (v 10) (and) discuss my years to be many; may they decree as my fate the protection of my offspring, the increase of (v 15) my progeny, the expansion of my family so that they branch out widely; (v 20) like a father and mother, may they come over to my side in battle and warfare; may they come to my aid; (and) may they make my weapons rise up (and) kill my enemies.

Column v

Let me attain whatever my heart desires (and) may they allow me to stand in victory (and) triumph over my enemies; let me squash all of my enemies (v 35) like ants; let him (the god Marduk) make the foundation of the throne of my priestly office be as secure as a great mountain; (v 40) (and) let my reign endure as long as the foundations of Esagil and Babylon. May all of the great gods who sit on daises (v 45) in Babylon bless my kingship until far-off days (and) may they order security for my reign forever.

Column vi

[I had] foundation inscriptions made of silver, gold, lapis lazuli, alabaster, basalt, pendû-stone, elallu-stone, (vi 10) (and) white limestone, (as well as) inscribed objects of baked clay, and (vi 15) (then) I wrote the might of the great hero, the god Marduk, (and) the deeds that I (text: “he”) [had] done, my pious work. [I p]laced (these inscriptions) in the foundations (and) left (them) for far-off days. In future days, in far-off days, may one of the kings, my descendants, whom the king of the gods, the god [Mar]duk, names to rule [the land] and people, (vi 30) [read] an inscription [written in] my name, and anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, (vi 35) (and) [re]turn (it) to its place. The god Marduk, the king of the gods, will (then) hear his prayers. (As for) the one who changes (an inscription) written in my name, defaces my representations, destroys my handiwork, may the great divine lord, the god Marduk, (vi 50) glare at him angrily among all of the rulers, and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the land. May he have no pity on him forever. Accession year of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 107 — Babylon F

Prism; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 2 exemplars. Dated 673-672 BC. CDLI P462957. Esarhaddon 107; Oracc Q003336.

Obverse

Cols. i—iv missing

Column v

[from] gold, [each of] who[se weight is fifty minas]. Lacuna

Column vi

I bui[lt] (and) comple[ted Nēmed-Enlil, its outer wall, (and) had] (it) filled with [spl]endor, (making it) an object of wonder for [al]l of the people. [I] returned [the plun]dered [god]s of the lands [from As]syria [and the land] Elam [to] their [place] and [I set up proper procedures in a]ll of [the cult centers]. Lacuna

Column vii

I restored [their interrupted privileged status] that had fallen into disuse. (vii 10) I wrote anew the tablet of their exemptions. I opened roads for them in all directions so that they could establish an important position by having (commercial) relations with all countries. [I re]stored order to [the dist]urbances at Kish and [ma]de [li]ght shine forth for the [con]fused people. [The god Mard]uk and [the goddess Zar]panī[tu, the gods], Lacuna

Column viii

Lacuna of ca. three lines I am [indeed] the provider. Let me enlarge my [fa]mily, gather my relatives, (and) extend my progeny (viii 10´) so that they branch out widely; let him (the god Marduk) make the foundation of the throne of my priestly office be as secure as a great mountain; (viii 20´) let my reign endure as long as heaven and earth; let me stride beaming daily in joy, gladness, happiness, shining face, (and) [ha]ppy mood; (viii 30´) (and) [let] a happy fate, a good fate, (one) for the lengthening of [the d]ays of my [reign, the prote]ction of [the th]rone of my [pries]tly office, (viii 40´) (and) [the well-being of] my offspring [be pl]aced [in] their (the gods’) [mouths]. [The sc]epter Lacuna

Column ix

Lacuna of ca. four lines Let them allow there to be in my land rain[s] and floods, successful harvests, an abundance of grain, plenty, and prosperity, and (ix 10´) let them store (it) in piles of grain. I had foundation inscriptions made of silver, gold, bronze, lapis lazuli, alabaster, basalt, pendû-stone, (ix 20´) elallu-stone, (and) white limestone, (as well as) inscribed objects of [ba]ked clay, and (then) I depicted on them hieroglyphs representing the writing of my name. (ix 30´) I wr[ote] on [them] the might of the great hero, the god Marduk, (and) the dee[ds that] I had do[ne], [my] pious wo[rk], (and) (ix 40´) I pl[aced] (these inscriptions) in [the foundations] (and) fo[r far-off days]. Lacuna

Column x

Lacuna of ca. four lines May he (a future king) r[ead an inscription] wri[tten in] my [name, and] anoi[nt] (it) with o[il], ma[ke] an of[fering], (x 10´) (and) return (it) to it[s] place. The god Marduk, king of the gods, will (then) hear his prayers. (As for) the one who changes (an inscription) written in my name, defac[es my] representatio[ns], (vi´ 20´) an[nuls] the privileged sta[tus of] Babylo[n], (and) bre[aks] the cove[nant of] the lord of lo[rds], may the god Mar[duk], the Enl[il of] the god[s], the lord of [the lands], (x 30´) lo[ok with] fu[ry on him and among [all] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 108 — Babylon G

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 98972 (Ki 1904-10-09, 0001). Dated 678 BC. CDLI P462958. Esarhaddon 108; Oracc Q003337.

Column i

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] matter. They were afflicted by [thie]ving (and) murdering. They were stealing from [the po]or (and) giving to the mighty; there was oppression (and) (i 10′) the taking of bribes in the city. Every day, without ceasing, they stole goods from each other, a son (i 15′) cursed his father in the street, a slave [...] to his owner,

Column ii

Lacuna [...] ... [... His mood] became [furious. The Enlil] of the god[s, the lord of] the lands, plotted evilly to [scat]ter the land and people; (ii 10′) his heart schemed to level the land and to destroy its people. A bitter curse was set in his mouth. Bad omens concerning the destruction of mankind occurred in heaven and on earth.

Column iii

Lacuna [...] ... [...] He (the god Marduk) brought about [the destruction] of the city (Babylon) and reed-marshes (iii 5′) and poplars grew profusely in it and threw out many offshoots. There were (iii 10′) birds of the heavens (and) fish of the apsû, without number, in it.

Column iv

Lacuna [...] ... [good si]gn[s were established for me; in] heaven [and on earth], he (the god Marduk) constantly sent me his omen(s) concerning the (re)settl[ing of the city] (iv 5′) and the renovat[ion of its] shrines. I mustered all of the craftsmen throughout Karduniaš (Babylonia). They cut down the trees and reeds with axes (iv 15′) (and) tore out their roots. I diverted the waters of the Euphrates River, the washout, from its midst and (re)directed (them) to their previous channels.

Column v

Lacuna Let ... [...] be placed in [his] mouth; let him (the god Marduk) bless me with a blessing of long days (and) order the well-being of my reign forever. Ayyāru (II), accession year of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 109 — Babylon G

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 122617 + BM 127846 (1930-05-08, 0006 + 1929-10-12, 0502). Dated 678 BC. CDLI P462959. Esarhaddon 109; Oracc Q003338.

Column i

Lacuna [true] shep[herd], favorite of the lord of lord[s], pious ruler, the one who is loved by the goddess Zarpanītu — the queen, (i 5′) goddess of the entire universe — reverent king who was attentive to their rule and praised their valor, pious slave, humble, submissive, the one who reveres their great divinity — You (are the one) who entrusted him with renovating the des[tro]yed shrines, (i 15′) making the cult centers shine, and shepherding all of the people; elevated him to the kingship to organize well the forgotten rites and (i 20′) to avenge the land of Akkad; (and) to appease the heart of your [gre]at divinity (and) to please your spirit, [you] chose him for power. [At that time], in the reign of [a king who prec]eded me, bad [omens occurred]. [The people of all of the cult cent]ers [...] ... Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna ... [...] the[y abandoned their] ri[tes and] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [... they were inciting] crimin[al acts (and) infringing on] a tab[oo], in ... [...] ... [...] ... [... (and) they] fomented a con[spiracy]. [They] put their hands on [the possessions of] Esag[il] and the citizens of [Babylon and] plundered [its goods], gold, silver, [...] from inside [the temple (and) sold (it) at market value] to the land Elam. Lacuna Cols. iii–iv (missing)

Column v

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] and [...] ... [the glor]y of [the g]od Marduk, [the great lord], my lord, (and) [the deeds that I had do]ne [...] ... [...] ... [... the wr]iting of my name [...] I depicted and [...] ... [I pl]aced (them) [...]. [May the god Marduk, the] great [lord, look with joy upon m]y good [deeds and] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 110 — MMA 86.11.277

Prism; clay; Babylon (Bābili). MMA 86.11.277. Dated 676-672 BC. CDLI P462960. Esarhaddon 110; Oracc Q003339.

Column i'

Lacuna I placed [at their service the former ramku-priests, pašīšu-priests, (and) ecstatics], those initiated [in secret rites. I set] before them [purification priests], āšipu-priests, [lamentation priests], (and) singers, [who] have mastered (their) [entire cr]aft. [I built anew E]t[emenanki], Lacuna

Column ii'

Lacuna [May the god Marduk and the goddess Zarpanītu, the gods, my helpers], look with joy upon my good deeds and bless my kingship in their steadfast heart(s). (ii′ 5′) [Let] the seed of my priestly office endure (along) with the foundations of Esagil (and) Babylon; let my [kingship] be sustaining [to the] people forever like the plant of life [so that I may shepherd their populace in truth] and justice; [...] ... Lacuna

Column iii'

Lacuna [...] basalt. The glory of the great [lord, my] l[ord], (and) the deeds I [had done] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 111 — MMA 86.11.283

Prism; clay; Babylon (Bābili). MMA 86.11.283. Dated 676-674 BC. CDLI P462961. Esarhaddon 111; Oracc Q003340.

Column i

Lacuna [The people living there] were [answering each other] ye[s (for) no]. They neglected [their goddesses, abandoned] their rites, (and) (i 5′) [embraced] quite different (rites). [They put their] hands on the possessions of [Esagil], the palace of the god[s, an] inaccessible [place, and] they sold the gold, silver, (and) pr[ecious stones at] ma[rket value] to the land E[lam]. The [Enlil of] the gods, [the god Marduk], became angry and [plotted evilly] to le[vel the land (and) to de]st[roy its people]. Cols. ii–iv (missing)

Column v

Lacuna [I built (and) co]mpleted [Esagil ... a replica of Ešarra, a like]ness of [the abode of the god Ea, (and) a replica of] Pegasus, (and) [I laid out (its) sq]uare. (v 5′) [For] its roof, [I stretched out] magnificent [cedar beams, grown on Mount Amanus], the pure mountain, (and) [fastened bands of] gold (and) silver on [doors of cypress], whose fragrance [is sweet, and] installed (them) in its gates. [(As for) the šēdus, lamassu]s, (and) rābiṣu-demons [of the temple, I repair]ed their dilapidated part(s) (and) I (re)stationed them where their [...] are.

Column vi

Lacuna I gather[ed the bought people who had become slaves (and) who had been distributed among] the (foreign) riff[raff and] counted (them once again) [as Babylonians]. I returned [their looted] possessions, (vi 5′) pro[vided] the [naked] with clothing, (and) let them take the road to Babylon. I encouraged them to (re)settle the city, build houses, plant orchards, (and) dig canals. I restored their interrupted privileged status. I wrote anew the tablet of their exemptions.

Column vii

Lacuna Let me stride beaming [daily in joy, gladness, happiness, shining face, (and) happy moo]d; (and) let a happy fate, a good fate, (one) for the lengthening of the days of (vii 5′) my reign, the protection of the throne of my priestly office, (and) the well-being of my offspring be placed in their (the gods’) mouths. May he allow my hands to grasp the righteous scepter that enlarges the land (and) the fierce staff that humbles the unsubmissive;

Column viii

Lacuna May he (the god Marduk) make [his name (and) his descendant(s)] disappear [fr]om the land. May he have no pity on him forever. Accession year of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 112 — BM 056617

Prism; clay; Tell Abu Habbah (Sippar-Yahrurum). BM 056617 (AH 1882-07-14, 0996b + AH 1882-07-14, 1815). Dated 671-669 BC. CDLI P462962. Esarhaddon 112; Oracc Q003341.

Column i

Lacuna ... E[sarhaddon], great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of [Assyria], king of the kings of [(Lower) Egypt], Upper Egypt, and [Kush], (i 5´) king of the [four] quarters, the king who [has] no rival in all of [the lands]; son of Sennach[erib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), grea]t [king], mighty king, king of the world, king of [Assyria, governor of Babylon], king of the land of Sumer [and Akkad, ...] Lacuna Col. ii (missing)

Column iii

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] placed before them [...] the temples, all of them, (iii 5´) [...] ... that were ruined [...] brought [...] ... [...] and the god Šamaš Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna [of Sumer] and Akkad, [which pre]viously no one had [...; the who] piles up heaps of grain, who drove out hunger and famine during his days (iv 5´) and established prosperity, who brought to the land stable prices, bountiful harvests, (and) an abundance of grain. In whose reign the the disobedient Elamite, the evil enemy, the powerful offspring of the gods, (iv 10) rose up against the wishes of the gods and set out to attack the ... of the cult centers of Akkad. He mustered [...] the people of his wide land, ... [...] and [...] men and women; (iv 15´) they frequently entered [...] steppe and open plain [...] ... Lacuna

Column v

Lacuna [...] ... weapons [...] may they kill [enemies] (and) cut down foes. May the god Nergal, lord of pestilence and murd[er], stretch out his protection over them, (v 5´) spare the lives of their people, (and) save them, their army, and their camp from anguish. May the god Adad, the canal inspector of heaven and netherworld, make plentiful rains (and) widespread floods (v 10´) long lasting in their land. Night and day, may the great gods of heaven and netherworld [constantly bless th]em with joy in their steadfast hearts. May a god [intercede] with (another) god for them. May the[ir] days be long (and) their years [be many]. In Esagil, the palace of [the gods, may the be full of the abundance of life]. May their offspring thrive so that [they] branch out wide[ly]. Wherever the gods Sîn and Šamaš [..., may they ...] with the black-headed people forever. Whoever among the future kings, [my descendants, who] arises to gove[rn the land, may he read an] inscription written in [my] name [and] anoint (it) [with o]il, [make] an offerin[g], write [m]y [name] with his name, [(and) repeatedly praise my] dee[ds]. [ [May the gods, as many a]s whose names I have invoked] this stele], Lacuna

Esarhaddon 113 — IM 142109

Cylinder; clay; Babylon (Bābili). IM 142109. Dated 672-669 BC. CDLI P462963. Esarhaddon 113; Oracc Q003342.

Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, chosen by the god Marduk (and) the goddess Zarpanītu, true shepherd, favorite of the god Aššur and the goddess Mullissu, the king who from his childhood trusted in the gods Nabû, Tašmētu, and Nanāya and (5) knew their power; son of Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad; descendant of the eternal line of Bēl-bāni, whose ultimate origin is Baltil (Aššur) — Before my time, the great lord, the god Marduk, became furious with Esagil and Babylon, (and) his heart was full of rage. (10) His people were answering each other with yes (for) no (and) were speaking untruthfully. They put their hands on the possessions of the great lord, the god Marduk, and gave (them) to the land Elam as a bribe. Their deeds were displeasing to the god Marduk (and) the goddess Zarpanītu, and they (the gods) ordered their scattering. He (the god Marduk) made (its) waters sweep destructively across the city and he turned (it) into fallow land. Its gods and goddesses took fright and went up to the heavens. The site of the city was torn out and its foundation platform(s) could not be seen. At the beginning of my kingship, in my first year, when I sat in greatness on (my) royal throne, the merciful god Marduk’s heart was appeased and he became reconciled with the city that had angered (him). I had Esagil and Babylon built anew. I renovated the statues of the great gods (and) had (them) dwell on their seats as an eternal dwelling. I completed the temple of the god Aššur (and) set up proper procedures in all of the cult centers. At that time, Eniggidrukalamasuma, the temple of the god Nabû of the ḫarû, its site had become a heap of ruins and changed into a tell (so that) the top of its foundations could not be seen (and) its shape could not be determined. I, Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, whose mind the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, (and) Nabû opened for completing the cult centers (and) renovating (their) shrines — it occurred to me and my heart prompted me to (re)build Eniggidrukalamasuma. I opened up its dirt piles and surveyed (and) examined its structure. I measured its foundation platform in (exact) accordance with its earlier plan and did not add (even) a single brick more. In a favorable month, on a propitious day, I laid its foundation and secured its brickwork. I built (and) completed that temple from its foundations to its parapets (and) made (it) shine like daylight. May the god Nabû, the sublime son, look with joy upon [this work], ble[ss] my [kingship] with his steadfast heart, (and) allow my hand to grasp the righteous scepter that widens the land. For Ashurbanipal, crown prince of Assyria, and Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, crown prince of Babylon, both brothers, my offspring, may they decree as their destiny a good fate, a favorable fate, one of the lengthening of the days of their reigns (and) the protection of the throne(s) of their priestly offices; may their kingships ... lead my land in truth and justice; (and) may the gods Sîn and Šamaš together keep answering the true princes with a firm ‘yes’! In future days, in far-off days, may a future ruler, who renovates the dilapidated section(s) of this temple when it becomes dilapidated and old, place my inscribed name with his name. The god Nabû, the sublime son, the one who gives scepter, throne, (and) reign, will (then) hear his prayers.

Esarhaddon 114 — Babylon D

Cubiod monument; stone; Babylon (Bābili). BM 091027 (1860-12-01, 0001). Dated 673-672 BC. CDLI P462964. Esarhaddon 114; Oracc Q003343.

Column i

Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, pious prince, who reveres the gods Nabû and Marduk — Before my time, in the reign of a previous king, bad omens occurred in Sumer and Akkad. (i 10) The people living there were answering each other yes (for) no (and) were telling lies. They put the[ir] hands on the possessions of Esagil, (i 15) the palace of the gods, and they sold the gold, sil[ver], (and) precious stones at market value to the land Elam. The Enlil of the gods, the god Marduk, became angry and plotted evilly to level the land (and) to destroy [its] people. The river Araḫ[tu, (ii 1) (normally) a river of abun]dance, [turned into] a hu[ge] flood like the deluge, (and) [swept (its) waters] destructively across the city, its dwellings, [(...)], (and) its shrines, (ii 5) and turned (them) into ruins. The gods and goddesses dwelling in it went up to the heavens; the people living in it were distributed among the (foreign) riffraff (and) became slaves.

Column ii

The merciful god Marduk wrote that the calculated time of its abandonment (should last) 70 years, (but) his heart was quickly soothed, and he reversed the numbers and (thus) ordered its (re)occupation to be (after) 11 years. You [truly] selected me, Esarhaddon, in the assembly of my older brothers, to put these matters right, and (iii 1) you (are the one) who placed your sweet [protec]tion over me, swept away all of my enemies like [a flood], killed all of my [foes] and (iii 5) [made] me attain my wish, (and), to appease the heart of your great divinity (and) to please your spirit, you entrusted (me) with shepherding Assyria.

Column iii

At the beginning of my kingship, in my first year, when I sat in greatness on (my) royal throne, [good] signs were [est]ablished for me; in heaven (and) on earth, [he (the god Marduk) constantly se]nt me his omen(s). [I was afraid] (and) worried [to] preform that work (and) I knelt before the gods Šamaš, [Adad], (and) Marduk, the great judge(s), the god[s], my lords. In the diviner’s bowl, (iii 20) trustworthy oracles were established for me, and they had (their response) concerning the (re)building of Babylon (and) the renovation of Esagil written on a liver.

Column iv

I trusted in their fi[rm] ‘yes’ and I mustered all of my craftsmen and the people of Karduniaš (Babylonia) (iv 5) to its full extent. I had them wield hoes and I imposed baskets (on them). I mixed (the mud for) its revetment with fine oil, honey, ghee, kurunnu-wine, (and) pure mountain beer. (iv 10) I raised a basket onto my head and carried (it) myself. I had its bricks made for one year in brickmolds of ivory, ebony, boxwood, (and) musukkannu-wood. I had Esagil, the palace of the gods, and its shrines, Babylon, the privileged city, Imgur-Enlil, its wall, (iv 20) (and) Nēmetti-Enlil, its outer wall, built anew from their foundations to their parapets. I made (them) greater (than before), raised (them) up, (and) glorified (them). I refurbished the statues of the great gods (and) I had (them) dwell on their daises as an eternal dwelling. I (re)confirmed their interrupted sattukku offerings. I gathered the citizens of Babylon who had become slaves (and) who had been distributed among the (foreign) riffraff and I counted (them once again) as Babylonians. I established anew their privileged status.

Esarhaddon 115 — Assyrian “hieroglyphs”

Prism, cubiod monument; clay, stone; Babylon (Bābili). 5 exemplars. Dated 676-672 BC. Esarhaddon 115; Oracc Q003344.

Obverse

(Top register (left to right))

Exemplar 1

(Bottom register (left to right)) (Top (read counterclockwise))

[8 lines of Exemplar 1 are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Exemplar 2, top

(Base (read counterclockwise))

[8 lines of Exemplar 2, top are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Exemplar 2, base

(Top (read counterclockwise))

[8 lines of Exemplar 2, base are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Exemplar 3, top

(Base (read counterclockwise))

[8 lines of Exemplar 3, top are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Exemplar 4

[8 lines of Exemplar 4 are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Esarhaddon 116 — Babylon B

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 00192 (+) K 04513. Dated 678-677 BC. CDLI P462965. Esarhaddon 116; Oracc Q003345.

Obverse

Lacuna [...] ... [... the slave girl] did not list[en to] her mistress. [They led their gods away, neglected their goddesses], abandoned [their rites], and embraced quite different (rites); [...] they were inciting [criminal ac]ts (and) infringing on a taboo; (5′) [...] they discontinued [sattuk]ku offerings. They fomented a conspiracy. They (Babylon’s citizens) put their hands on [the possessions of Esagil and the citizens of Babylon] and they plundered its goods, [gold, silver, (and) stones fr]om inside the temple (and) sold (them) at market value to the land Elam. [The god] Enlil saw [...] and his heart became angry (and) his mood became furious. [The Enlil of the gods, the lord of the lands], plotted evilly to scatter the land and people; [to level the land and to destroy] its [people], his heart was angry. A bitter curse was placed in his mouth. Many [bad omens] concerning the destruction of mankind occurred [in heaven and on earth. The path of the Enlil-stars, the path of the Anu-stars, (and) the path of] the Ea-stars changed their position(s) for the worse (and) they constantly revealed signs portending destruction. [...] ... in the same way, its signs became increasingly bad. [The river Araḫtu, (normally) a river of abundance], turned into an angry wave, a raging tide, a huge flood like the deluge. It swept (its) [waters] destructively across the city, [its dwelling(s), (and) its shrines], and turned (them) into a swamp. The gods [(and goddesses) dwelling in it] flew up to the heavens like [bi]rds. The šēdus (and) [lamassus ... fle]d and were wandering around outside. The people living [in it were hidden in another place] and took refuge in an unknown land. As time passed, [the heart of the great lord], the god Marduk, was soothed and he became reconciled with the land that he had punished. As the seventy years [passed, ...] he (the god Marduk) wrote [‘11 years’], had pity, and said ‘Aḫulap!’ (As for) me, Es[arhaddon, ...], who knows how to revere his great divinity, [... were established] for me at the beginning of [my kingship, in my first year, when] I sat [on the] throne of my priestly office, when I wore the crown of lordship, and [...]. They (the gods) constantly revealed good omen(s) to me concerning the (re)population of the city and the temple.

Reverse

[Bright Jupiter(, the giver of decisions on Akkad,) came] near [in Simānu (III)] and stood in the place where the sun shines. It was shining brightly (and) its appearance was [red. ...] (and) there were copious [rains] (and) regular floods [in Akkad]. It (Jupiter) reached (its) [hyp]soma [for a second time in the month “Opening of the Door”] and [stayed] i[n its place]. [In order to triumph (and) to show overpowering strength], he (the god Marduk) reveal[ed to me] good omen(s) [concerning the (re-)entering of Esagil. Every month, the gods Sîn (and) Šamaš together, at their appearance, answered me with a firm] ‘yes’ [concerning (the renewing of the gods,) the completion of the shrines (and) cult centers, the stability] of my reign (and) the securing of the throne of my priestly office. [By means of the great intelligence] (and) vast understanding which [the sage of the gods, the prince, the god Nudimmud], gave [to me, it occurred] to me [to (re)populate that city, to renovate] its [shrines], (and) to make the cult center shine, [and] my [mind prompted (me). [I was afraid (and) wo]rried [to perform that work] and [I knelt be]fore the gods Šamaš, Adad, (and) Marduk, the great judge(s), the god[s, my lords. In the diviner’s bowl], good [sig]n(s) were established for me, and they had (their response) concerning the (re)population of the city (and) the renovati[on of Esagil] written on a liver. [I trusted in their firm ‘yes’] and I mustered all of my craftsmen and (the people of) Karduniaš (Babylonia). I imposed baskets (on them and) had them wield ho[e]s. I mixed (the mud for) its revetment [with fine oil, honey, ghee, kurunnu-wine], muttinnu-wine, (and) mountain beer. I had its bricks made for a whole year [in brickmolds of musukkannu]-wood. I gathered together [expert craftsmen] (and) skilled master builders, who lay out plans. I laid the foundations of [Esagil, the palace of the gods], and secured its brickwork. [... fas]hioned skillfully (and) I drew its ground plan exactly as it had been written. [With] the large aslu-cubit, I measured the dimensions of [...], in (exact) accordance with its earlier plan. [...] I made its foundation platform as strong as the base of a mighty mountain, [...] ... (and) built its structure as it was in former days. I bui[lt Etemenanki, the ziqqurat], as it was before — its length [is one ašlu (and) one ṣup]pān, (and) its width is one ašlu (and) one ṣuppān. I offered pure offerings to [...] the great [gods] and the god Kulla, the lord of foundations (and) bricks. I laid their foundations with [...] ..., wine, (and) kurunnu-wine, and I secured [their] footings. [I had foundation inscriptions made of (...)] basalt [(and) I wro]te [on them] the glory of the great lord, my lord, and I pl[ace]d (them) in their (Esagil’s and Etemenanki’s) midst. [...] I restored its precious [ritu]als and [... I] established [...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 117 — Babylon B?

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1882-03-23, 0055. Dated 678-677 BC. CDLI P462966. Esarhaddon 117; Oracc Q003346.

Lacuna? [...] ... [... p]ious [ruler], beloved of the goddess [Zarpanītu, ..., rever]ent [king] who is at[tentive to] their rule, [..., p]ious [slave], humbl[e, ...] — [You (are the one) who entrusted to h]im [with ... renovating] the destroyed [s]hrines ... [... to or]ganize well the [forgotten] rites [... to app]ease the heart of [your] great divinity [...]. In the reign of a king who preceded [me, ...]. [The people of a]ll of the cult centers, al[l of ...] who dwell within [it ...] ... no one [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 118 / CDLI Seals 006507 — Babylon H (RIMB 2 B.6.31.1)

Seal; stone; Babylon (Bābili). VA Bab 00647 (BE 06403). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462967. Esarhaddon 118 / CDLI Seals 006507; Oracc Q003347.

Inscription A

Property of the god Marduk, <<...>> seal of the god Adad of Esagil.

Inscription B

To the god Marduk, great lord, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, presented (this object) for the sake of his life.

Esarhaddon 119 — Babylon I (RIMB 2 B.6.31.2)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 4 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462968. Esarhaddon 119; Oracc Q003348.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (and) king of Babylon, made the processional way of Esagil and Babylon shine with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln.

Esarhaddon 120 — Babylon J (RIMB 2 B.6.31.3)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462969. Esarhaddon 120; Oracc Q003349.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Esagil and Babylon.

Esarhaddon 121 — Babylon K (RIMB 2 B.6.31.4)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 4 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462970. Esarhaddon 121; Oracc Q003350.

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

Esarhaddon 122 — Babylon K (RIMB 2 B.6.31.5)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 7 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462971. Esarhaddon 122; Oracc Q003351.

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

Esarhaddon 123 — Babylon K (RIMB 2 B.6.31.6)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). Ist EŞEM - (BE 46404). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462972. Esarhaddon 123; Oracc Q003352.

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

Esarhaddon 124 — Babylon L (RIMB 2 B.6.31.7)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). BE 46407. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462973. Esarhaddon 124; Oracc Q003353.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had Etemenanki built anew.

Esarhaddon 125 — Babylon M (RIMB 2 B.6.31.8)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). BE 46374. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462974. Esarhaddon 125; Oracc Q003354.

For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Eteme[nanki].

Esarhaddon 126 — Babylon N (RIMB 2 B.6.31.9)

Brick; clay; Babylon (Bābili). 8 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462975. Esarhaddon 126; Oracc Q003355.

Obverse

For the god Asari (Marduk), his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, (5) king of the world, king of the four quarters, governor of Babylon, (and) king of Sumer (and) Akkad, (re)constructed Etemenanki for the sake of his life.

1A

Copy of (a text from) Babylon; copied and collated.

2A

Tablet of Šamaš-nāṣir, descendant of the Miller.

Esarhaddon 127 — Borsippa A (RIMB 2 B.6.31.10)

Cylinder; clay; Birs Nimrud (Borsippa). BM 038345 (1880-11-12, 0227). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462976. Esarhaddon 127; Oracc Q003356.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] ... [...] [... w]ho to his ... not ... [...] [...] ... paid attention to the mention of his name, his command [...] [...] brings quickly before [...] [... unsub]missive to the comma[nd] [...] destroyed [that] one, making the inhabited world shake [...] the god, his helper, [... wi]th his help, they knelt, beseeching his lordship [...] did not bear my yoke (lit. “pull my yoke-rope”) [who took] away [the fields of the citizens of Babylon and Borsippa], appropriating (them) for himself [...] did not fear his command or the mention of his name, and was not afraid of his lordship [...] inundated and leveled like a flood. [...] his own [fear] overwhelmed him and his life ended. [... he to]ok as booty and brought to Assyria. [Esarhaddon, gre]at [king], mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, [king of the four quarters (of the world)], governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, [descendant of the eternal line of Bēl-bāni, son of Adasi], king of Assyria, precious scion of Baltil (Aššur), (one of) royal lineage (and) anci[ent] stock — [At that time ... the temple of the goddess G]ula of Borsippa, the s[ite of] which had become weak due to the strength of the (river’s) destructive flooding, [...] I (re-)erected its dilapidated parts and reinforced [its] structure. May [the goddess Gula, ...], look upon this [wo]rk of mine with pleasure [and] (No translation possible) Lacuna

Esarhaddon 128 — Nippur A (RIMB 2 B.6.31.11)

Cylinder; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). 15 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462977. Esarhaddon 128; Oracc Q003357.

For the goddess Queen-of-Nippur, ruler of Uzu-mu-a, august, eminent, most splendid of the gods, the goddess Innini, supreme lady who always cares like a mother for the king — her favorite — who makes his reign lengthy (and) bestows on him power and might, queen of Nippur, who dwells in Ebaradurgara, the temple which makes firm the royal abode, the great lady, his lady: Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, selected by the steadfast heart of the god Enlil; (5) who from his childhood trusted in the gods Aššur, Enlil, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Nabû, Nergal, and the (other) great gods, his lords, (who) allowed him to attain his desire; (the one who) recognized their power, (the one) over whom (the gods) extended their eternal protection in order to appease their divine heart(s) and set their mind(s) at rest; (the one who) by the might of the gods Aššur, Enlil, Bēl (Marduk), and the Son-of-Bēl (Nabû), the gods, his helpers, ruled over all lands and made all rulers submissive to him; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, renovated Ekur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, completed the sanctuaries and cult centers, (and) (re)confirmed (their) sattukku offerings; the king during the days of whose reign the great lord, the god Marduk, became reconciled to Babylon (and again) took up his residence in Esagil, his palace; (10) (the one who) made the god Great-Anu enter into his city Dēr and his temple Edimgalkalama (“House, Great Bond of the Land”) and had (him) sit upon (his) eternal dais; (the one who) restored the splendid appearance of the plundered gods of the lands, returned them from Assyria to their (proper) places, and (re)confirmed their income; wise prince, expert who knows every craft, who constantly established appropriate procedures in the great cult centers (and) has purification rites performed correctly; son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; descendant of the eternal line of Bēl-bāni, son of Adasi, king of Assyria; precious scion of Baltil (Aššur), (one of) royal lineage (and) ancient stock — At that time Ebaradurgara, the temple of the goddess Queen-of-Nippur, the great lady, my lady, which a previous king had built, became old and its walls buckled. I sought its (original) emplacement, removed its dilapidated parts, (and) surveyed its (entire) foundation. I completely (re)built (it) with the work of the god Kulla according to its ancient specifications (and) raised its top (as high) as a mountain. May the goddess Queen-of-Nippur, supreme lady, my lady, look upon this work with pleasure and may a good word for me be set upon her lips! May she determine as my fate a long life, fullness of old age, good health, and happiness! If at any time in the future, during the days of the reign of some future ruler, this temple falls into disrepair and becomes dilapidated, may (that ruler) seek out its (original) emplacement (and) repair its dilapidated parts! May he anoint an inscription written in my name with oil, make an offering, (and) set (it) back in its place! The gods will (then) hear his prayers. He will lengthen (his) days (and) enlarge (his) family. (But as for) the one who by some crafty device destroys an inscription written in my name or changes its position, may the goddess Queen-of-Nippur, great lady, glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from every land! Left End (Property) of Ebaradurgara.

Esarhaddon 129 — Nippur B (RIMB 2 B.6.31.12)

Cylinder; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). 4 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462978. Esarhaddon 129; Oracc Q003358.

[For the god Enlil, lord of the lands], whose comma[nd] cannot be revoked, [... who]se utterance [cannot be reject]ed, [...] gods ... [...] ... ruler [...] ... [...] the great lord, his lord: [Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of] the four [quar]ters (of the world), [governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, selected by the steadfast hea]rt of the god Enlil; [who from his childhood trusted in the gods Aššur, Enlil, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Na]bû, Nergal, and the (other) great gods, (10) [his lords, (who) allowed] him [to attain his desire]; (the one who) recognized their power, [(the one)] over whom [(the gods) extended] their eternal protection [in order to appease their divine heart(s) and set their mind(s) at rest; (the one who) by the might of the gods Aššur, Enlil, Bēl (Marduk), and the Son-of-Bēl (Nabû), the gods], his helpers, ruled over all lands and [made all rulers submissive] to him; (15) [the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, renovated Ekur, (re)built E]sagil and Babylon, [completed the sanctuaries and cult cente]rs, (and) (re)confirmed (their) sattukku offerings; [the king during the days of whose reign the great lord, the god Marduk], became reconciled [to] Babylon (and again) took up his residence [in Esagil, his palace]; (the one who) made [the god Great-Anu] enter [into his city Dēr and] his [temple] Edimgalkalama (“House, Great Bond of the Land”) and (20) [had (him) sit upon (his)] eternal [dais; (the one who) restored the splendid appearance of the plundered gods of the lands, returned them] from Assyria [to their (proper) places, and] (re)confirmed their income; [wise prince, expert who knows every craft, who constantly established appropriate procedures] in the great cult centers [(and) has] purification rites [perform]ed correctly; (25) [son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria]; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, [governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer] and Akkad; [descendant of the eter]nal line [of Bēl-bā]ni, son of Adasi, [k]ing of Assyria; precious [scion of Baltil (Aššur)], (one of) [roya]l lineage (and) ancient stock — [At that] time, Ekur (“House, Mountain”), the temple of the god En[li]l, lord of the lands, my lord, which a previous king had [built], became [ol]d and [its] walls [buckl]ed. [I sou]ght [its (original) emplacement], removed its dilapidated parts, (and) surveyed its (entire) foundation. I [completely] (re)bu[ilt (it)] with the work of the god Kulla according to [its ancien]t spe[cifications (and) raised its top (as high) as a mountain.] [(On account of this), may the god Enl]il, the god who helps me, [look upon my] wo[rks with pleasure and may a good word for me be set upon his lips! May he determine as my fate a] long [life], fullness of old age, [good health, and happiness!] [If at any time in the] future, [during the days of the reign] of some future ruler, [this temple falls into disrepair and] becomes [dilapidat]ed, [may (that ruler) seek out its (original) emplacem[ent (and) repair] its dilapidated parts! [May he anoint an inscri]ption written in my name with oil, make an [of]fering, (and) [set (it) back] in [its] place! [The gods will (then) hear his prayers. He will lengthen (his) day]s (and) enlarge (his) fam[ily]. [(But as for) the one who by some crafty devi]ce destroys [an inscription written in my name] or cha[nges] its position, [may the god Enlil (...) glare] at him [angrily] and determine a bad fate [for him! May he make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the land] and have no pity on him!

Esarhaddon 130 — Nippur cylinder

Cylinder; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). Unpublished copy of K. Kessler. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462979. Esarhaddon 130; Oracc Q003359.

[For the god Enlil], king of the gods, valiant, who drives out the enemies in battle, [...] the sublime, who walks at the side of the king — his favorite — the one who conquers the enem[ies ..., ... Elugalg]usisa — which is in Nippur (Duranki) — great lord, [his lord]: [Esarhadd]on, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), [governor of] Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, selected by the steadfast heart of the god En[lil]; [who from] his childhood [trus]ted in the gods Aššur, Enlil, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Nabû, Nergal, and the (other) great gods, [his] lords, (who) allowed him to attain his desire; (the one who) recognized their power, (the one) over [whom] (the gods) extended their eternal protection [in order to appease] their divine [he]art(s) and set their mind(s) at rest; [(the one who) by the might of the gods Aššur], Enlil, Bēl (Marduk), and the Son-of-Bēl (Nabû), the gods, his helpers, ruled over all lands and (10) made [all ru]lers submissive to him; [the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aš]šur, renovated Ekur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, [completed] the sanctuaries and cult centers, (and) (re)confirmed (their) sattukku offerings; [the king during the days of] whose [reign] the great lord, the god Marduk, became reconcil[ed] to Babylon (and again) took up [his] residence [in Esagil], his [palace]; (15) (the one who) made [the god Great-Anu] enter [into his city Dēr and his temple Edim]galkalama (“House, Great Bond of the Land”) and had (him) sit upon (his) [eternal] dai[s; ...] Lacuna [...] ... [...] and [make] his name (and) his descendant(s) [disappear] from [every land]!

Esarhaddon 131 — Nippur C (RIMB 2 B.6.31.13)

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462980. Esarhaddon 131; Oracc Q003360.

For the god Enlil, lord of the lands, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) king of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, (10) descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria, renovated Ekur, the temple of the god Enlil, my lord, and made its processional way shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 132 — Nippur D (RIMB 2 B.6.31.14)

Brick; clay; Nuffar (Nippur). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462981. Esarhaddon 132; Oracc Q003361.

For the god Enlil, divine lord of the lands: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, king of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, for the sake of his life enlarged Pukudadaga (5) in the courtyard of the god Enlil with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln.

Esarhaddon 133 — Uruk A (RIMB 2 B.6.31.15)

Cylinder; clay; Warka (Uruk). 7 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462982. Esarhaddon 133; Oracc Q003362.

For the goddess Ištar, supreme lady, sovereign of heaven and netherworld, most valiant of the gods, splendid, the goddess Ištar-of-Uruk, august princess who has taken (unto herself all) divine offices of highest rank (and) has gathered to herself (all) ordinances, beloved, eminent, who looks upon the king — her favorite — with steady favor, (5) makes his reign lengthy, (and) bestows on him power and victory, empress of the world, most exalted of the gods, who dwells in Enirgalana (“House, Prince of Heaven”) — which is inside Eanna — lady of Uruk, great lady, his lady: Esarhaddon, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; the one to whom the god Aššur has stretched out his hand, permanently selected by the god Enlil, who was chosen by the god Marduk, favorite of the goddess Irnini; (10) who from his childhood trusted in the gods Aššur, Anu, Enlil, Ea, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Nabû, Nergal, and Ištar, the great gods, his lords, (who) allowed him to attain his desire, (the one who) recognized their power, (the one) over whom (the gods) extended their eternal protection in order to appease their divine heart(s) and set their mind(s) at rest; (the one who) by the might of the gods Aššur, Bēl (Marduk), the Son-of-Bēl (Nabû), and Ištar, the gods, his helpers, ruled over all lands and (15) made all rulers submissive to him; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, renovated Eanna, completed the sanctuaries and cult centers, (and) (re)confirmed (their) sattukku offerings; the king during the days of whose reign, the great lord, the god Marduk, became reconciled to Babylon (and again) took up his residence in Esagil, his palace; (20) the one who made the god Great-Anu enter into his city Dēr and his temple Edimgalkalama (“House, Great Bond of the Land”) and had (him) sit upon (his) eternal dais; (the one who) restored the splendid appearance of the great gods who had rushed to Assyria, returned them from Assyria to their (proper) places and (re)confirmed their income; wise prince, expert who knows every craft, who (25) constantly established appropriate procedures in the great cult centers (and) has purification rites performed correctly; son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; descendant of the eternal line of Bēl-bāni, son of Adasi, king of Assyria; precious scion of Baltil (Aššur), (one of) royal lineage (and) ancient stock — When Eanna, the temple of highest rank, beloved of the goddess Ištar, my lady, which a previous king had built, became old and its walls buckled, I sought its (original) emplacement, removed its dilapidated parts, (and) surveyed its (entire) foundation. I completely (re)built (it) with the work of the god Kulla according to its ancient specifications (and) raised its top (as high) as a mountain. May the goddess Ištar, supreme lady, look upon this work with pleasure and may a good word for me be set upon her lips! May she make my weapons prevail over all (my) enemies! If at any time in the future, during the days of the reign of some future ruler, this work falls into disrepair and becomes dilapidated, may (that ruler) seek out its (original) emplacement (and) repair its dilapidated parts! May he anoint an inscription written in my name with oil, make an offering, (and) set (it) back in its place! The gods will (then) hear his prayers. He will lengthen (his) days (and) enlarge (his) family. (But as for) the one who by some crafty device destroys an inscription written in my name or changes its position, may the goddess Ištar, great lady, glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from every land!

Esarhaddon 134 — Uruk B (RIMB 2 B.6.31.16)

Cylinder; clay; Warka (Uruk). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462983. Esarhaddon 134; Oracc Q003363.

For the goddess Ištar-of-Uruk, sovereign of heaven and netherworld, most valiant of the gods, august, supreme lady, who has gathered to herself (all) divine offices of highest rank, the one into whose hand all purification rites are appointed, empress of the goddesses, whose words are pre-eminent in heaven and netherworld, goddess of war and battle, who goes at the side of the king, her favorite, (and) slays his foes, who dwells in Enirgalana (“House, Prince of Heaven) — which is inside Eanna — lady of Uruk, great lady, his lady: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; respectful king who is assiduous toward the sanctuaries of the great gods; who reveres the lord of lords; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, provided for Ezida, renovated Eanna, completed the sanctuaries of cult centers, (and) constantly established appropriate procedures in them; son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad — Enirgalana (“House, Prince of Heaven”), the cella of the goddess Ištar, my lady, which is inside Eanna, which a previous king had built, became old and dilapidated. I sought its (original) emplacement (and) repaired its dilapidated parts with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln. I grasped the hands of the goddess Ištar-of-Uruk, great lady, brought (her) inside, (and) caused (her) to take up residence (there) forever. I offered splendid offerings and made her doorbolt extremely fine. O goddess Ištar-of-Uruk, august lady, when you are happily dwelling inside that cella, may a good word for me — Esarhaddon, king of Assyria — be set upon your lips! Determine as my fate a long life, fullness of old age, good health, and happiness! Come to my side in war and battle so that I may squash all my enemies like ants! If at any time in the future, during the reign of some future ruler, this cella falls into disrepair, may (that ruler) repair its dilapidated state! May he write my name with his name! May he anoint with oil an inscription written in my name, make an offering, (and) set (that inscription) with an inscription written in his name! The gods will (then) hear his prayers. (But as for) the one who erases my inscribed name by some crafty device, destroys my (royal) inscription, or changes its position, may the goddess Ištar-of-Uruk glare at him angrily and determine a bad fate for him! May she make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the land and have no pity on him!

Esarhaddon 135 — Uruk C (RIMB 2 B.6.31.17)

Cylinder; clay; Warka (Uruk). 3 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462984. Esarhaddon 135; Oracc Q003364.

For the goddess Nanāya, veiled one of the goddesses, who is adorned with attractiveness and joy and full of glamour, splendid daughter of the god Anu, whose lordship is supreme among all ladies, eminent spouse of the god Muzibsâ, praised sekretu, beloved of his majesty, compassionate goddess, who goes to the help of the king who reveres her, who prolongs his reign, who dwells in Eḫiliana (“House, Luxuriance of Heaven”) — which is inside Eanna — queen of Uruk, great lady, his lady: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; respectful king who is assiduous toward the sanctuaries of the great gods; who reveres the lord of lords; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, provided for Ezida, renovated Eanna, completed the sanctuaries of cult centers, (and) constantly established appropriate procedures in them; son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad — Eḫiliana (“House, Luxuriance of Heaven”), the cella of the goddess Nanāya, my lady, which is inside Eanna, which a previous king had built, became old and dilapidated. I sought its (original) ground-plan (and) repaired its dilapidated parts with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln. I grasped the hands of the goddess Nanāya, great lady, brought (her) inside, and caused (her) to take up residence (there) forever. I offered splendid offerings and made her doorbolt extremely fine. O goddess Nanāya, august lady, when you are happily dwelling inside that cella, speak well of me — Esarhaddon, the prince who reveres you — before the god Nabû, your husband! Determine as my fate a long life, fullness of old age, good health, and happiness! Make the foundation of my royal throne as secure as a great mountain! Establish my reign as firm as heaven and netherworld! If at any time in the future, during the reign of some future ruler, this cella falls into disrepair, may (that ruler) repair its dilapidated state! May he write my name with his name! May he anoint with oil an inscription written in my name, make an offering, (and) set (that inscription) with an inscription written in his name! The gods will (then) hear his prayers. (But as for) the one who erases my inscribed name by some crafty device, destroys an inscription written in my name, or changes its position, may the goddess Nanāya, supreme lady, glare at him angrily and determine a bad fate for him! May she make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear from the land and have no pity on him!

Esarhaddon 136 — Uruk D (RIMB 2 B.6.31.18)

Cylinder; clay; Warka (Uruk). YBC 02146. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462985. Esarhaddon 136; Oracc Q003365.

For the goddess Nanāya, queen of Uruk, great lady, his lady: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; who is assiduous toward the sanctuaries of the great gods; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, (5) renovated Eanna, completed the sanctuaries of all of the cult centers, (and) constantly established appropriate procedures in them; the one who conquered from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea (and) the one who made all rulers submissive to him; son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria; descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad — Eḫiliana (“House, Luxuriance of Heaven”), the cella of the goddess Nanāya, my lady, which Nazi-Maruttaš, king of Babylon, had built, (and which) Erība-Marduk, king of Babylon, had shored up, became old and dilapidated. (15) I sought its (original) emplacement (and) repaired its dilapidated parts with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln. I grasped the hands of the goddess Nanāya, my lady, brought (her) inside, (and) caused (her) to take up residence (there) forever. When the goddess Nanāya looks upon this work with pleasure, may a good word for me — Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon — be set upon her lips before the god Nabû, my lord! (But as for) the one who erases my inscribed name by some crafty device, destroys my (royal) inscription, or changes its position, may the goddess Nanāya glare at him angrily and make his name (and) his descendant(s) disappear!

Esarhaddon 137 — Uruk E (RIMB 2 B.6.31.19)

Brick; clay; Warka (Uruk). 4 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462986. Esarhaddon 137; Oracc Q003366.

For the goddess Ištar of Uruk, lady of the lands: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) governor of Babylon, (and) king of the four quarters, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) (10) king of Ass[yria], renovated Eanna (“House of Heaven”), the temple of highest rank, for the sake of his life, and made (it) shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 138 — Uruk F (RIMB 2 B.6.31.20)

Brick; clay; Warka (Uruk). W 04496. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462987. Esarhaddon 138; Oracc Q003367.

For the goddess [Ištar (of Uruk)], lady of the lands: Esarha[ddon], king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, renovated E[ann]a (“House of Heaven”), the temple of highest rank, for the sake of [his] life, and made (it) shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 139 — Uruk G (RIMB 2 B.6.31.21)

Brick; clay; Warka (Uruk). IM 028473 (W 16423). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462988. Esarhaddon 139; Oracc Q003368.

For the goddess [Ištar] of Uruk, lady of Eanna, lady of the lands, [his] lady: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyr[ia], governor of Babylon, (5) king of the land of Sumer and Ak[kad], son of Sennacher[ib, king of the world, king of] Assyr[ia, descendant of Sargon (II)], king of the world, king of Assyria, [renovated Ean]na, (10) [the temple of high]est rank, [and] made (it) [shine] like [daylig]ht.

Final Varia

Esarhaddon 140–143. 4 texts.

Esarhaddon 140 — National Museum of Iran no. 009658

Vessel; metal; Cave Kalm-karra. NIM 09658. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462989. Esarhaddon 140; Oracc Q003369.

For the god Adad, who resides in the city Guzāna, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, made (this bucket) for his (long) life.

Esarhaddon 141 — Nineveh P

Lion weight; metal; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1 R pl. 48 no. 4. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462990. Esarhaddon 141; Oracc Q003370.

The palace of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria: (this is) booty from Egypt (and) Kush.

Esarhaddon 142 — Klotchkoff, VDI 1990/4 figs. 1-2

Bead; stone; Assyria. Klotchkoff, VDI 1990/4 figs. 1-2. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462991. Esarhaddon 142; Oracc Q003371.

To the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, gave (this eyestone) for his (long) life.

Esarhaddon 143 — PT 4,904

Lacuna [...] they ... its [...] and [...] they were soothed [...] ... [...] the land ... (5′) [...] ... king of Assyria, governor of Babylo[n, ...] ... (my) father, who engendered me, [...] his lordship ... [...] made splendid [the cou]rtyard of Emašmaš [...] ... the house of his father ... [...] my lords [...] pure [san]ctuaries [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1006 — VA 07505 and VA 15465

Cylinder; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462998. Esarhaddon 1006; Oracc Q003378.

Column i

Lacuna [...] ... of Enlil, prudent ruler, [...] ... and they were constantly blessing [...] ..., true shepherd, [... whose] ... they made pleasing to the people, (i 5′) governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, beloved of the god Marduk (and) the goddess Zarpanīt[u, intel]ligent, learned, ... [...] ... of the god Nabû, [...], valiant [young] man, foremost of all rulers, (10′) ... hero of all rulers, [whom] the goddess Ištar of Arbela entrusted to rule the lands; king of all of the four quarters, favorite of the great gods, the sun of all of the people, whose deeds are pleasing to all of the gods, (i 15′) [who knows how] to greatly revere the great gods (and) is respectful of their divinity; [...] ... Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna ... [...] ... [...] il[ku-service ...] which is in [...] (ii 5′) its site [...] ground [...] the temple ... [...] I bui[lt (and) completed] from [its] foundations [to its parapets. ...] (ii 10′) written in [my name ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1007 — Israel Museum 71.74.221

Stele; stone; Ben Shemen. IMJ 71.074.0221. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P462999. Esarhaddon 1007; Oracc Q003379.

Lacuna [...] ... [... I tore out the roots of Kush from] Eg[ypt ...] ... [... kings], gover[nors ... (5′) ...] I [re]appoint[ed ... the god Aš]šur and the [great] go[ds ... I set for] all [times ...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1008 — Syria 39 pp. 190-192

Stele; stone; el-Ghab. Nougayrol, Syria 39 pp. 190-192. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463000. Esarhaddon 1008; Oracc Q003380.

Lacuna [... and (my) victory] (and) my [conqu]est [I had written upon it and] I set (it) up [for all time for the admira]tion of [all (my) enemies]. [Whoever takes away this stele from] its [p]lace [and erases my inscr]ibed [name and wri]tes [his name, cov]ers (it) [with dirt, throws (it) into water, burns (it) w]ith fire, [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1009 — unpublished brick fragment

Reverse

Lacuna [...] the land Ba[...] ... [...] ... [...] my head [...] over it/him ... [...] they committed an offense against him (and) ... [... -š]uma-iškun, son of Nin[...] ... I placed on his throne. [...]

Esarhaddon 1013 — K 04463

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04463. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463005. Esarhaddon 1013; Oracc Q003385.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] before me the lordship of Assyria ... [...] his/its [...] was [...] ... did not exist and he was not mindful [...] king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babyl[on, ... (5′) ... th]at he established in all of the cult centers [...] my [...], the one who (re)built the akītu-house [...] (erasure) [...]. [... it] was [on my mind] and [I] thought [about it ... lik]e a mountain, I built (and) completed [... (10′) ...] ... one [...] I built (its) brickwork and [...] of/which a king [...] made (them) work hard and in addition to ... [...] my [...] and as many of the gods (and) goddesses as ... [...] I carved ... [...] and strength[ened ...] magnificent cedar [beams], grown on Mount [Amanus ...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1014 — K 04477

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 04477. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463006. Esarhaddon 1014; Oracc Q003386.

Obverse

(No translation warranted) Lacuna

[1 line of Obverse is not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in RINAP 4's own published edition; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

Lacuna (No translation possible) Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1015 — Aššur C

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 06048 + K 08323. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463007. Esarhaddon 1015; Oracc Q003387.

Column i

Lacuna [...] ... [...] creator of the royal crown [... diviner]s [...] ... the oil expert [...] ... difficult ... [who makes] decision(s), filled with radiance, (i 5′) [...] perfect lambs [that] had [no] black spots. He repeated to me [al]l that was in his heart. He did not impart (it) to the wise diviners, (but rather) he wrote (it) on a tablet, put (it) in an envelope, sealed (it), (and) gave (it) to them. He did not sleep all night until the giver of decisions, the lord of lords, the god Šamaš shone. (i 10′) To obtain (correct) decisions, hands were raised (praying). His favorite son prayed to the gods Šamaš and Adad concerning me (and) he made skilled diviners kneel down before them. Until they had assigned a station (and) ... [...] ... distressed ... [...]

Column ii

Lacuna (No translation possible) (No translation possible) The appointed time [...] Jupi[ter ...] hyp[soma ...] to ... [...] in heaven and [on earth ...] I/he thought/remembered [...]

Column iii

Col. iii Broken off

Reverse, Column iv

Col. iv Broken off

Reverse, Column v

[...] ... [...] the going of [his] divinity [...] (v 5) order of the god Šamaš [...] encouraging, pro[pitious] omens [...] the month Ayyāru (II) arrived [...] the god Adad released his rains [and ...] the Tigris River flood ro[se ...]. (v 10) The seventh day, the vigil ceremony of the god(dess) [...], in the courtyard of Ešarra, where the creat[ion of ...], before the stars of heaven, the god E[a, ...], through the craft of the sage “the wash[ing of] the mouth” [...]. The eighth day, the day [...] from [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Reverse, Column vi

[...] ... the god Marduk, the god(dess) ... [... the goddess Z]arpanītu they seated (them) on a peaceful seat in Kaḫilisu. [...] ... may they make his kingship firm (and) make his reign endure; may [the god] Anu (and the goddess) Antu forever pronounce for him a blessing of long days; (vi 5) may [the god En]lil (and) the goddess Mullissu decree as his destiny a good destiny (and) a destiny of long (life); may [the god] Ea (and) the goddess Bēlet-ilī grant him progeny and expand his offspring; may [the god] Sîn (and) the god Šamaš, together, give him favorable sign(s) monthly, without ceasing; may [the god ...] ... abundance, establish constant plenty (and) prosperity in his land; [...] ... [...] old age, the attainment of (extreme) old age [...] ...; [...] his favorable ...; (and) [...] from his enemies. (Blank)

Esarhaddon 1016 — K 13383

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). K 13383. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463008. Esarhaddon 1016; Oracc Q003388.

Obverse

Lacuna ... [...] ... [...] perfect [lambs] that had no [black] spo[ts ...] I did not impart (it) to the [wise] diviners, [(but rather) I wrote (it) on a tablet, put (it) in an envelope], (5′) sealed (it), (and) gave (it) to them. I did not sl[eep all night ... I] waited for the shining lord of lor[ds, the god Šamaš, ... To ob]tain (correct) decisions, han[ds were raised (praying) ... I pray]ed to Šamaš and Adad (and) [made] skilled [diviners kneel down before them].

Reverse

Until they had assigned a station (and) inspected ... [...] I was reverent with supplicating lips [...]. The Igīgū gods took counsel and decid[ed ...] encouraging, propitious [omen]s [... (rev. 5) ...] ... the gods Šamaš and Adad ... [...] ... will rule the land ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna

Esarhaddon 1017 — K 11248

Obverse

Lacuna [(...)] Aššur-[(...)]-etel-ilāni-[(...)] Lacuna

Reverse

Not photographed

Esarhaddon 1022 — 1882-05-22,606a

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1882-05-22, 0606a. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463014. Esarhaddon 1022; Oracc Q003394.

The palace of Esar[haddon ... king of As]syr[ia].

Esarhaddon 1023 — Bu 1891-05-09, 0248

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Bu 1891-05-09, 0248. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463015. Esarhaddon 1023; Oracc Q003395.

[...] son of Sennacherib, king [...].

Esarhaddon 1024 — 1855-12-05, 0017

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1855-12-05, 0017. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463016. Esarhaddon 1024; Oracc Q003396.

[...] Esarha[ddon ...].

Esarhaddon 1025 — 1855-05-12, 0013 + 1881-07-27, 0178

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1855-12-05, 0013 + 1881-07-27, 0178. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463017. Esarhaddon 1025; Oracc Q003397.

[... Esarha]ddon, king of the world, [...].

Esarhaddon 1026 — BM 135453

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 135453 (1881-02-04, 0025). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463018. Esarhaddon 1026; Oracc Q003398.

[... son of] Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 1027 — 1855-12-05, 0006

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 1855-12-05, 0006. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463019. Esarhaddon 1027; Oracc Q003399.

The palace of Esar[haddon ...].

Esarhaddon 1028 — BM 138584

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 138584 (1932-12-12, 1117). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463020. Esarhaddon 1028; Oracc Q003400.

[...] king of the world, king of Assyria, son of Senn[acherib, ...].

Esarhaddon 1029 — BM 118766

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). BM 118766 (1881-02-04, 0026). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463021. Esarhaddon 1029; Oracc Q003401.

[... E]sarhaddon, king of the world, king of [Assyria, son of Sennache]rib, king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 1030 — BM 099042

Cylinder; clay; Babylonia. BM 099042 (Ki 1904-10-09, 0071). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463022. Esarhaddon 1030; Oracc Q003402.

(This inscription should be attributed to Nebuchadnezzar II so it is not transliterated in RINAP 4.)

Appendix — Ešarra-ḫammat and Naqī’a

Esarhaddon 2001–2010. 10 texts.

Esarhaddon 2001 — Ash 1967.1483 (Ešarra-ḫammat inscription)

Bead; stone; Assyria. Ash 1967.1483. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463023. Esarhaddon 2001; Oracc Q003403.

(Property) of Ešarra-ḫammat, wife of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 2002 — Aššur I (Ešarra-ḫammat inscription)

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Ist EŞEM 07864 (Ass 05113c). Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463024. Esarhaddon 2002; Oracc Q003404.

Lacuna [...] ... [...] that house [...] ..., the tomb of Ešar-ḫammat, his wife, ... [...].

Esarhaddon 2003 — Naqī’a prisms

Prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463025. Esarhaddon 2003; Oracc Q003405.

Column i

Lacuna [I, Zakūtu/Naqīʾa, (...) wife of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria], [daug]hter-in-law of [Sarg]on (II), king of the world, king of [Assyria], (i 5′) mother of Es[arh]addon, king of the world (and) king of Assyria; the gods Aššur, Sî[n], Šamaš, Nabû, and Marduk, [Ištar of Ninev]eh, (and) [Ištar of Arbela], Lacuna

Column ii

Lacuna ...[ ... who] flattened [his foes and] fastened lead-ropes on the kings of the [four] quarters — He (Esarhaddon) gave to me as my lordly share the inhabitants of conquered lands, foes plundered by his bow. I made them carry hoe (and) basket, and they made bricks. [I ...] a cleared tract of land in the citadel of (the city of) Nineveh, [be]hind the temple of the gods Sîn and Šamaš, [for a] royal [residence of Esarh]addon, my [beloved son, ...] ... Lacuna

Column iii

Lacuna [...] ... [...] I roof[ed it with ...] (and) I installed matching doors of cypress, a gift for my son, in its gates. I built (and) completed that house (and) filled (it) with splendor. I invited the gods Aššur, Ninurta, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad and Ištar, Nabû and Marduk, (and) the gods who reside in Nineveh inside it and [offered] sumptuous pure offerings before [them]. Lacuna

Column iv

Lacuna king [...] over ... [...] whatever ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] who resides [...] may [...] endure. The [...] šēdu (and) the safeguarding lamassu took care of its interior and constantly looked after (it). I invited Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, my beloved son, inside [it and] estab[lished] ... [...] Lacuna

Column v

Lacuna [...] ... [...] I had [...] ... instituted. [I ...] for Esarh[addon, my] be[loved] son, anything of value that a palace requires (and) is befitting kingship. Lacuna

Esarhaddon 2004 — Naqī’a cylinder

Esarhaddon 2009 — Naqī’a bead

Bead; stone; Assyria. Scheil, RT 20 p. 200 no. 8. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463030. Esarhaddon 2009; Oracc Q003411.

Naqīʾa, wife of Senna[cherib (...)].

Esarhaddon 2010 — Naqī’a bronze (AO 20185)

Plating; metal; Assyria. AO 20185. Dated 680-669 BC. CDLI P463031. Esarhaddon 2010; Oracc Q003412.

Lacuna [They (the gods) entered the orch]ards, groves, ... [...] ... [... through the] craft of the sage [“the washing of] the mouth,” “the open[ing of the] mouth,” [“bathing,” (and) “pu]rifica[tion”] (were recited) before [the stars of] the night: the gods [Ea, Šamaš], Asallu[ḫi, Bēlet-ilī], Ku[su], and [Ni]ngirima. I washed its mouth ... [...] exalted [...] ... [...] ... [...] Lacuna Label on the gown of figure on the left: Image of Naqīʾ[a ...]

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation of the Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period online (RINAP, part of the Oracc: The Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus initiative, oracc.org/rinap/rinap4/), the digital edition of E. Leichty, The Royal Inscriptions of Esarhaddon, King of Assyria (680–669 BC) (The Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period 4; Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, 2011), created by Erle Leichty and the RINAP Project with lemmatization by Jamie Novotny (2010), fetched 2026-08-08. RINAP's own volume page states its content is "released under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license" (2007–17); the project's machine-readable catalogue data carries the further, narrower statement "This data is released under the CC0 license" (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). Both statements are recorded here; this edition credits RINAP and Erle Leichty regardless of which license term governs a given file, per academic courtesy and the Good Work Library's own attribution practice.

What this edition is. The English text above is RINAP's own published translation of all 183 texts catalogued under Esarhaddon in RINAP 4 — the main numbered sequence (Esarhaddon 001–143), the minor-inscriptions series (1001–1030), and the Ešarra-ḫammat/Naqī'a appendix (2001–2010) — reproduced complete and verbatim from the project's HTML reading editions and reformatted from an interlinear line-by-line display into continuous reading prose. Texts are grouped by findspot following the print edition's own contiguous numbering (a text's own citation line always gives its real, individual findspot, even the small number of cases where a copy was excavated away from the site the surrounding group is named for); each inscription's columns, faces, and edges are marked where RINAP's own edition marks them, and a composite text's several disagreeing exemplars are reproduced under RINAP's own line labels (for example, Esarhaddon 001's line 75, which seven different exemplars date to seven different years, appears as lines 75A–75G). No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers are RINAP's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform; a doubled closing parenthesis in Esarhaddon 2007 is reproduced exactly as RINAP's own markup carries it, rather than silently corrected. Fifteen editorial notes on a line's physical condition, orientation, or attribution — "rest uninscribed," "read counterclockwise," a query about a misattributed exemplar — are drawn from RINAP's own transliteration-side apparatus rather than its translation column proper, and are reproduced here, parenthesized, at the point RINAP itself places them. Six texts (Esarhaddon 067, 072, 089, 102, 115, and 1030) carry no translation in RINAP's own edition; five are marked by RINAP as unavailable for study, left unpublished in the field, or awaiting a later editor, and the sixth, Esarhaddon 115, is a set of non-linguistic Assyrian "hieroglyphs." Beyond RINAP's own noted "Lacuna" breaks, 45 of the corpus's 6,231 published translation lines, across six texts (Esarhaddon 003, 005, 050, 052, 115, and 1014), are not covered by a distinct line-by-line translation in the source edition; each such gap is disclosed in place rather than filled.

Composite identification. Each text above is given by its RINAP 4 designation, its own popular name or principal exemplar identifier where RINAP records one, its object type, material, and findspot, its count of surviving exemplars, RINAP's own proposed date where given, a CDLI identifier where recorded, and its Oracc text ID (a Q-number), under which the full transliteration, exemplar-by-exemplar score, and morphological analysis can be studied further at RINAP's own site.

Prepared for the Good Work Library by the New Tianmu Anglican Church with AI-assisted research, transcription, and editorial work.

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The Royal Inscriptions of Esarhaddon — Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period 4

RINAP 4 — King of Assyria (680–669 BC)

Contents

Nineveh

Esarhaddon 001 — Nineveh A

Column i

Column ii

Column iii

Column iv

Column v

Column vi

vi 75A

vi 75B

vi 75C

vi 75D

vi 75E

vi 75F

vi 75G

Esarhaddon 002 — Nineveh B

Column i

Column ii

Column iii

Column iv

Column v

Column vi

vi 44A

vi 44B

Esarhaddon 003 — Nineveh C

Column i

Column ii

Column iii

Column iv

Column v

Column vi

Esarhaddon 004 — IM 059047/A (+) IM 059047/B

Column i'

Column ii'

Column iii'

Esarhaddon 005 — Nineveh F / Nineveh S

Column i

Column viii

Esarhaddon 006 — Nineveh D / Nineveh S

Column i

Column ii

Column iii

Esarhaddon 007 — Nineveh S

Column i'

Column ii'

Esarhaddon 008 — Nineveh E / Nineveh S

Column i'

Column ii'

Esarhaddon 009 — Fragment J / Nineveh S

Column i'

Column ii'

Esarhaddon 010 — Nineveh G

Esarhaddon 011 — Nineveh H

Esarhaddon 012 — Nineveh I

Esarhaddon 013 — Nineveh J

Esarhaddon 014 — BM 127964

Esarhaddon 015 — Fragment K

Esarhaddon 016 — Fragment M

Esarhaddon 017 — MMA 86.11.055

Esarhaddon 018 — Aššur-Babylon D

Esarhaddon 019 — AOC 037

Esarhaddon 020 — BM 022465

Esarhaddon 021 — Nineveh L

Esarhaddon 022 — Nineveh M

Esarhaddon 023 — Nineveh O

Esarhaddon 024 — Nineveh K

Esarhaddon 025 — Nineveh N

Esarhaddon 026 — Nineveh Q

Esarhaddon 027 — Nineveh R

Esarhaddon 028 — 1855-12-05, 0007+

Esarhaddon 029 — 1855-12-05, 0005

Esarhaddon 030 — Fragment A

Obverse

Reverse

Esarhaddon 031 — Fragment B

Obverse

Reverse