Part 2 — Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period 3/2

Sennacherib (704–681 BC) spent his twenty-four-year reign transforming Nineveh into the Assyrian empire's greatest city and campaigning by land from the Zagros mountains to the Mediterranean coast to Babylonia and Elam. Beyond the great annalistic cylinders and prisms of his capital, collected in this print edition's first part, Sennacherib and his officials left inscriptions — often no more than a name, a title, and a building's purpose — on nearly every kind of object a Neo-Assyrian building project produced: the human-headed bull and lion colossi that guarded palace doorways, the carved stone slabs and thresholds that lined their halls, door sockets, bricks stamped before firing, beads, a horse trough, a lion-headed weight, and inscribed foundation deposits at building sites across the empire, from Nineveh itself to the older religious capital Assur, to Kalhu (Nimrud), Tarbisu, and Kilizu, to a canal and rock relief cut for Nineveh's water supply, and as far as Babylon, where Sennacherib records his destruction of the rebellious city in 689 BC.

This second and larger part of the print edition collects the remaining 223 inscriptions catalogued under Sennacherib's name: 195 further numbered texts (Sennacherib 39–233), grouped below by findspot as RINAP's own catalogue records it — Nineveh, then Assur, then the smaller sites of Nimrud, Tarbisu, and Kilizu, then Šibaniba, Tulul al-Lak, Judi Dagh, Bavian, and the Jerwan aqueduct that carried water toward Nineveh, and finally the Wadi Bastura tunnel, Samarra, Tikrit, Babylon, and Sippar — together with twenty-six further late Neo-Assyrian inscriptions RINAP's editors judge may belong to Sennacherib though they cannot assign them a definite place in his numbered corpus (Sennacherib 1001–1026), and two further inscriptions belonging to his family (Sennacherib 2001–2002).

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 and ellipses are RINAP's own markers for damaged or illegible cuneiform. Many of the objects below are so brief, or so fragmentary, that RINAP's own published text is only a few words long; twenty of the 223 texts below were not available for RINAP's editors to study at all, and RINAP publishes no translation for them — each such absence, including one text RINAP's own catalogue records as edited instead under a different text's number, is disclosed in place rather than filled.

Contents

• Chapter One. Nineveh — Sennacherib 039–163
• Chapter Two. Assur — Sennacherib 164–209
• Chapter Three. Nimrud, Tarbisu, and Kilizu — Sennacherib 210–219
• Chapter Four. Šibaniba, Tulul al-Lak, Judi Dagh, Bavian, and the Jerwan Aqueduct — Sennacherib 220–228
• Chapter Five. The Wadi Bastura Tunnel, Samarra, Tikrit, Babylon, and Sippar — Sennacherib 229–233
• Chapter Six. Other Late Neo-Assyrian Inscriptions Possibly of Sennacherib — Sennacherib 1001–1026
• Chapter Seven. Inscriptions of Sennacherib's Family — Sennacherib 2001–2002

Chapter One. Nineveh

Sennacherib 039 — Smith Bull 1

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 039; CDLI P467054.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), favorite of the great gods: The god Aššur, father of the gods, looked steadfastly upon me among all of the rulers and he made my weapons greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises. At that [time], the palace in the citadel of Nineveh, which the kings, my ancestors, had had constructed and whose site was too small; alongside of which the Tebilti River had flowed and which had shaken its base when its flood was in full spate: I tore down that palace in its entirety, (and then) [I improved] the course of the Tebilti River [and] directed its outflow. In [its] subterranean wat[ers] I [very firmly] bonded reeds below (and) bi[tum]en above with large (blocks of) limestone. I raised a plot of land that was 340 cubits lo[ng] (and) 289 cubits wide out of the water and converted (it) into an empty lot. I added (it) to the dimensions of the former terrace (and) thereby enlarged the entire terrace to 700 large cubits along (its) longer side and 440 cubits along (its) shorter side. I raised its superstructure 190 courses of brick high. I built a palace of breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, cypress, juniper, (and) elammaku-wood thereon as my royal residence; (then) I had a portico, a replica of a Hittite palace, constructed opposite (its) gates. I roofed them (the palatial halls) with beams of cedar (and) cypress. I fastened bands of silver and copper on doors of white cedar (and) cypress and I installed (them) in their gates. In the corridors, I made openings for latticed windows. At their gates, I stationed apotropaic figures of alabaster (and) elephant ivory. I decorated them with silver and copper knobbed nails. I adorned [the ar]ches, friezes, and all of the copings with baked bricks (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli. So that the construction of my palace might be carried out correctly, at that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who love my priestly service, revealed to me a source of long trunks of cedar, which since distant days grew thick as they [st]ood in the Sirāra mountain range In the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in the time of [the king]s, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword. Moreover, breccia, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”). In the territory of the city Balāṭāya, white limestone was discovered in abundance, and (then) I created bull colossi (and) sphinxes of alabaster, and slabs of alabaster, as well as magnificent slabs of breccia. I cut (them) free on both sides from their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, I had (them) dragged into Nineveh. (As for) the white limestone that was discovered in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, I had (it) made into bull coloss[i] and sphinxes. By divine will, I created [cl]ay mold(s) of tree trun[ks] and date palm(s), (of) twelve raging lions, as well as (of) [twelve] magnificent bull colossi (and) twenty-two sphinxes, and I pour[ed] copper into it. I perfected their form(s). I made bull colossi of alabaster and copper, two of which were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, (together with) bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my palatial halls. Sphinxes of alabaster and cast urudû-copper with inlays of shining silver, sphinxes of cast ...-metal, as well as twelve raging bronze lions: I erected over them magnificent copper columns (and) large cedar columns, as well as columns of ebony, cypress, daprānu-juniper, (and) tatīdu-wood, with pašallu-gold, silver, and copper inlays, and (then) I positioned cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for their gates. I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of breccia (and) alabaster, and large limestone slabs. In order to be able to draw water by bucket every day, I had bronze wire chains and bronze cables made and, instead of poles, I had tree trunks (and) date palm(s) placed over wells. I made those palatial halls beautiful. T[o be] an object of wonder for all of the people, I raised the superstructure of the entire palace. I called it the “Palace Without a R[ival].” By the command of the god Aššur, father of the god[s], and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may the good šēdu (and) the go[od] lamassu last forever and ever in it (that palace). May they never leave i[t].

Sennacherib 040

Human-headed lion colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 040; CDLI P467055.

(Lacuna) [I ra]ised its superstructure [in its entirety 190 courses of brick]. I en[larged] the structure of the palace [to 700 large cubits along (its) longer side and 440 large cubits along (its) shorter side and (thus) I made its site bigger]. I built [palatial halls of breccia, alabaster], elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, [musukkannu]-wood, [cedar, cypress, juniper, (and) elammaku-wood] there[on as my lo]rdly [residence]; (then) I had a port[ico, a replica of a Hittite palace], constructed [opposite (its) gates]. I [roofed them (the palatial halls) with] beams of ced[ar] (and) cypress. I fastened [ba]nds of silver and copper [on doors of white cedar] (and) cypress [and I installed (them) in their gates]. [In] their [corri]dors, I made openings for latticed windows. At their gates, I stationed [apotropaic figures of alabaster (and) elephant ivory], whose hands are folded, [who are laden with] pride (and) [allure], (and) who are filled with [exuberanc]e, and (thus) I made (them) [an object of wond]er. I [decorated] them with silver (and) copper knobbed nails. [...] (Lacuna) [So that the construction of] my [pal]ace [might be carried out corre]ctly and that [my handi]work be completed, at that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who love my priestly service (and) who selected me (lit. “who called my name”), revealed to me a source of trunks of cedar, which since distant days grew tall and very thick as they stood in seclusion in the Sirāra mountain range. <In> the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in the time of the kings, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword. Moreover, [bre]ccia, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”). Near Nineveh, in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, by divine will, white limestone was discovered in abundance, and (then) I created bull colossi (and) sphinxes of alabaster, and slabs of alabaster, as well as magnificent slabs of breccia. I cut (them) free on both sides from their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, I had (them) dragged into Nineveh. (As for) the white limestone that was discovered in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, I had (it) made into bull [colossi] and s[phinxes], and (then) I made their appearance(s) resplendent. By divine wi[ll] (and) with [my] (own) know[ledge], I created clay mold(s) of tre[e trunks] and date palm(s), (of) twelve raging lions, as well as (of) twelve [magnificent] bull colossi (and) twenty-two sphinxes with perfect form(s), and I poured copper into it. I perfe[cted] their form(s). I made bull colossi of alabaster and copper, two of which [were overlaid with za]ḫalû-silver, (together with) bull colossi (and) sphinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my lordly palatial halls. Sphinxes of alabaster and cast urudû-copper with inlays of shining silver, sphinxes of cast ...-metal, as well as twelve raging bronze lions who are endowed with radiance: I erected over them magnificent copper columns (and) large cedar columns, as well as columns of ebony, cypress, daprānu-juniper, (and) tatīdu-wood, with pašallu-gold, silver, and copper inlays, and (then) I positioned cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for their gates. I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of breccia (and) alabaster, and large limestone slabs. In order to be able to draw water by bucket every day, I had bronze wire chains and bronze cables made and, instead of poles, I had tree trunks and date palm(s) placed over wells. Moreover, for Tašmētu-šarrat, the palace lady, my beloved spouse, whose form the goddess Bēlet-ilī made more perfect than (that of) all (other) women: I had a palatial hall for lovemaking, happiness, and exultation built, and (then) I stationed sphinxes of white limestone in its gates. By the command of the god Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may we both live long and be satisfied with (our) prosperity in these palatial halls in good health and happiness. May the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu surround these palatial halls forever and ever. May they never leave them.

Sennacherib 041

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 041; CDLI P467056.

(Lacuna) [I made (them) an obj]ect of wonder. I decorated them (the doors) with silver [and copper] knobbed [nails]. I adorned the arches, friezes, and all of their copings with baked bricks (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli. So that the construction of my palace might be carried out correctly and that my handiwork be completed, at that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who love my priestly service (and) who selected me (lit. “who called my name”), revealed to me a source of trunks of cedar, which since distant days grew tall and very thick as they stood in seclusion in the Sirāra mountain range. In the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in the time of the kings, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword. Moreover, breccia, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (Lacuna) [I made ...] bull colossi and sp[hinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my palatial halls]. [I fastened bands of copper on] magnificent copper columns, as well as [on large cedar] col[umns, which are the product of Mount Amanus, and (then)] I installed (them) [upon lion colossi] and [positioned] cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for [their] gates. [Sphinxes of alabaster, as well as sphinxes of cast] urudû-copper that [were overlaid with] zaḫalû-silver, [and sphinxes of cast ...-metal, whose] features [were brilliant]: I ere[cted] over them columns of ebony, cyp[ress, cedar, daprānu-juniper, juniper, and tatīdu-wood, with pašallu-gold] and silver [inlays], and (then) [I positioned the architraves of the inner rooms of my lordly residence (on those columns)]. [I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of] breccia (and) alabaster, and [large] lim[estone slabs] (and) made (them) an object of wonder. In order to [be able to draw] water [by bucket] every day, I had [bronze wire chains] and bronze cables made and, instead of [poles], I had [tree trunks and date palm(s)] placed [over] wells. I made those palatial halls beautiful. [To be an object of wonder for] all of the people, I raised the superstructure of [the en]ti[re palace]. I called it the “Palace Without a Rival.” By the command of the god Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it.

Sennacherib 042

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 042; CDLI P467057.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of [Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), (and) favorite of the great gods]: [The god Aš]šur, father of the gods, looked steadfastly upon me among all of the rulers [and he made my weapons greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises]. [I]n a pitched battled in the plain of Kish, I repulsed Mar[duk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), the king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), (and) took away his rulership. I killed with the sword] all of the Chaldeans, together with the massed body of Elamite troops, [his allies]. [I placed] Aššur-nādin-šumi, my first-born son (whom I) raised on my (own) knee, on [his royal] t[hrone and entrusted him with the wide land of Akkad]. I uprooted all of the Aḫlamû (Arameans) (and) Sutians. I put to the sword the inhabitants of the city [Ḫirimmu, not sparing (any of) their offspring]. I conquered the land of the Yasubigallians, a dangerous enemy. [I ruined] the land El[lipi and destroyed its settlements]. [Moreover, Lulî], the king of the city Sidon, became frightened of doing battle with me, [fled] to Yadna[na (Cyprus), which is in the midst of the sea, and took] refuge (there). In that same land, [he disappeared] on account of the awesome terror of the weapon of the god Aššur, [my lord]. I placed [Tu-Baʾlu on his royal throne] and imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. [I ruined the wide district of the recalcitrant (and) strong land Judah] (and) I made Hezekiah, its king, bow down at my feet so that he (now) pulls [my] yok[e]. I put to the sword [the men of the city Tumurrum, who live on Mount Nipur, a] rugged [mountain. I destroyed] the city Ukku, together with every one of [its] settle[ments, (so that they looked) like a ruin hill (created by) the Deluge]. [At that time, I made] the enemy [people] whom I had captured carry baskets (of earth) and [they] ma[de bricks]. [The palace in the citadel of Nineveh], whose extent was [360] cubits on (its) longer side (and) 95 cubits on (its) shorter side, and [whose site was too small; (and) which earlier kings], my ancestors, had had constructed for their lordly dwelling, but [whose construction] they had carri[ed out] in[expertly]: They quarried [mountain sheep colossi of white limestone] in the city Tastiate to be their (the palatial halls’) gatekeepers. Throughout all of their lands they depleted [forests of large trees to have boats built]. In the month Ayyāru (II), the time of [spring] f[loods], they brought (the colossi) across to this side (of the river) with difficulty [in magnificent boats. They sank large boats] at the qu[ay dock] (and then) made their crews struggle (and) strain. Wi[th might and main, they struggled to transport (the colossi) and] install (them) in their gates. The [Teb]ilti River, a tempest[uous] flood (of water) [which] had flowed [from distant days by the side of the palace] (and) [had sha]ken its base when its flood was in full sp[ate]: [I tore down that] s[mall palace i]n [its] en[tirety, (and then)] I chan[ged] the course of the Tebilti River (and) [directed its outflow]. [I]n its subterranean waters [I very firmly bond]ed reeds [below (and) bit]umen a[bove] with [large (blocks of) limestone]. I raised a plot of land that was 340 cubits [long (and) 2]89 cubits wide out of the water [and converted (it) to dry land]. I made [the area] larger than before, [added (it)] to the form[er] dimensions of the palace, [and] raised its superstructure [190 courses of brick high]. In order to [prevent its] founda[tion from being weakened] over the passage of time by cresting flood(s), I surrounded its base [with large limestone (slabs and thereby)] reinforced its base. I enlarged the structure of the palace to 7[00 large cubits along (its) longer side and 440] large cubits along (its) shorter side and (thus) [I made] its site [bigger]. I built a pa[lace of] breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, c[ypress, junip]er, (and) elammaku-wood, for my lordly residence; then I had a portico, a replica of a [Hitti]te palace, constructed opposite (its) gates. I roofed them (the palatial halls) with beams of cedar (and) cypress, whose scent [is sweet], produ[ct(s) of] Mount Amanus and Mount Sirāra, the holy mountains. (Lacuna) [...] Near Nineveh, in the territo[ry of the city] Balāṭāya, by divine will, [white] lim[estone] was discovered [i]n abu[nda]nce, and (then) [I created] bull colossi [and (other) statues with li]mbs of alabaster [that are sculpted from a single stone, (whose) proporti]ons are perfect, (and) [who stand high] o[n their own] ped[estals; sphinxes of alabaster] whose features [are exquisite (and) whose bodies shine like a brilliant day; (and) magnificent slabs of breccia. I cut (them) free on both sides from their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, I had (them) dragged into Nineveh]. [I had large bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone created in the terr]itory of the city Balāṭāya [and their forms p]erfected [through the craft of the deity Ninkura]. [Since time immemorial, the kings, my ancestors, created copper statues], replicas of [th]eir (own) for[ms], to be erected [in temples], and through their manufacture they had exhaus[ted all of the craftsmen]. Through ignorance (and) failure to give tho[ught on the matter, they depleted] the oil, wax, (and) wo[ol in their lands for the work they desired]. (But) as for me, Sennach[erib, the foremost of all rulers, expert in] every type of work, regarding [large] col[umns of copper] (and) strid[ing lion colossi, which none of] the kings of the pa[st (who came) before me had cast: With the ingenious mind] that the prince, the god Ninšiku, had granted to me (and) taking counsel with myself, I intensively pondered how to perform this work. Then, with my (own) ideas and knowledge, I created a cast work of copper and expertly carried out its artful execution. By divine will, I created clay mold(s) of tree trunks and date palm(s), the tree of abundance, (of) twelve raging lions, as well as (of) twelve magnificent bull colossi with perfect features (and) twenty-two sphinxes that are coated in allure and charm (and) that have pride (and) exuberance heaped upon them, and I poured copper into it. Just like the cast work of (an object weighing only) a half shekel, I perfected their form(s). I made bull colossi with copper features, two of which were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, (and) bull colossi of alabaster, together with bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my palatial halls. I fastened bands of copper on magnificent copper columns, as well as on large cedar columns, which are the product of Mount Amanus, and (then) I installed (them) upon lion colossi and positioned cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for their gates. Sphinxes of alabaster, as well as sp[hi]nxes of cast urudû-copper that were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, and sphinxes of cast ...-metal, whose features were brilliant: I erected over them columns of ebony, cypress, cedar, daprānu-juniper, juniper, and tatīdu-wood, with pašallu-gold and [sil]ver inlays, and (then) I positioned the architraves of the inner rooms of my lordly residence (on those columns). I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of breccia (and) alabaster, and large limestone slabs (and) made (them) an object of wonder. In order to be able to draw water by bucket every day, I had bronze wire chains and bronze cables made and, instead of poles, I had tree trunks and date palm(s) placed over wells. I made those palatial halls [be]aut[iful]. To be [an object of wonder for all of the people], I raised the superstructure of [the en]tire palace. [I called] it the “Palace With[o]ut a R[iv]al.” [I pl]anted alongside it (the palace) [a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, which has all kinds of] aromatic plants (and) fruit trees, trees [that are the main]stay of the mountains [and] Chaldea, collected [ins]ide it. To make (those) pl[an]ted ar[eas] luxuriant, I cut with iron picks a can[al] straight through [a mount]ain, from the border of the city Kisiri to [the plain of] Nineveh. I caused an inexhaustible supply of water to flow there for a distance of one and a half leagues from the Ḫusur River (and) [made (it) gu]sh through feeder ca[nals] into those planted areas. I created a marsh [to moderate the flow of water for (those) gardens] and [pla]nted a canebrake in [it]. I let loose in it [herons, wi]ld boars (lit. “pigs of the reeds”), (and) roe [deer]. By [divine] will, [vines and all kinds of fruit trees, olive trees, (and) aromatic trees] flourished greatly in (those) gardens. Cypress trees, musukkannu-trees, (and) all kinds of trees [gre]w tall and s[ent out shoots. The marshes] thrived [greatly. Birds of the heavens, heron(s), made nest(s) and wild boars (and) roe d[eer] ga[ve birth in abundance]. I cut down [musukkannu-trees] (and) cypress trees grown in the orc[ha]rds (and) marsh reeds from the sw[am]ps and I used (them) in the work requi[red (to build) my lordly palatial halls]. After I had finished [the wo]rk on my palace, I invited inside it (the god) Aššur, the great lord, (and) the gods and goddesses [living in Assyria], and (then) I made splendid offe[ring]s and presented my gift(s). [I made fine] oil from olives and [aromatics]. At the inaugurat[ion of] the palace, I had the heads [of] the subjects of my land drenched (and) I watered [their] insides with sweet wine. [By] the command of [(the god) Aš]šur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu last forever and ever in [th]at pa[lace]. May they never leave it.

Sennacherib 043

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 6 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 043; CDLI P467058.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), favorite of the great gods, wise prince, circumspect ruler, shepherd of the people, (and) leader of a widespread population, I: The goddess Bēlet-ilī, the lady of creation, looked steadfastly upon me and created my features (while I was still) in the womb of the mother who gave birth to me. Moreover, the god Ninšiku gave me wide understanding equal to (that of) the sage Adapa (and) endowed me with broad knowledge. The god Aššur, father of the gods, made all of the black-headed (people) bow down at my feet (and) elevated me for shepherding the land and people. He gave me a just scepter that widens the land (and) he put in my hand a merciless weapon to fell enemies. At that time, I made the enemy people whom I had captured carry baskets (of earth) and they made bricks. The palace in the citadel of Nineveh, whose extent was 360 cubits on (its) longer side (and) 95 cubits on (its) shorter side, and whose site was too small; (and) which earlier kings, my ancestors, had had constructed for their lordly dwelling, but whose construction they had carried out inexpertly: They quarried mountain sheep colossi of white limestone in the city Tastiate to be their (the palatial halls’) gatekeepers. Throughout all of their lands they depleted forests of large trees to have boats built. In the month Ayyāru (II), the time of spring floods, they brought (the colossi) across to this side (of the river) with difficulty in magnificent boats. They sank large boats at the quay dock (and then) made their crews struggle (and) strain. With might and main, they struggled to transport (the colossi) and install (them) in their gates. The Tebilti River, a tempestuous flood (of water) which had flowed from distant days by the side of the palace (and) had shaken its base when its flood was in full spate: I tore down that small palace in its entirety, (and then) I changed the course of the Tebilti River (and) directed its outflow. In its subterranean waters I very firmly bonded reeds below (and) bitumen above with large (blocks of) limestone. I raised a plot of land that was 554 cubits long (and) 289 cubits wide out of the water and converted (it) to dry land. I made the area larger than before, added (it) to the former dimensions of the palace, and raised its superstructure 190 courses of brick high. In order to prevent its foundation from being weakened over the passage of time by cresting flood(s), I surrounded its base with large limestone (slabs and thereby) reinforced its base. I enlarged the structure of the palace to 914 large cubits along (its) longer side and 440 large cubits along (its) shorter side and (thus) I made its site bigger. I built a palace of breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, cypress, juniper, (and) elammaku-wood, for my lordly residence; then I had a portico, a replica of a Hittite palace, constructed opposite (its) gates. I roofed them (the palatial halls) with beams of cedar (and) cypress, whose scent is sweet, product(s) of Mount Amanus and Mount Sirāra, the holy mountains. I fastened bands of silver (and) copper on doors of cedar, cypress, (and) juniper and I installed (them) in their gates. In the corridors that are within the papāḫu-chambers, I made openings for latticed windows. At their gates, I stationed apotropaic figures of alabaster (and) elephant ivory, whose folded hands hold poppies, who are laden with pride (and) allure, (and) who are filled with exuberance, and (thus) I made (them) an object of wonder. The covering of the roof that (hangs) over the corridors — I made their somber atmosphere cheerful, making (them) as bright as day. I decorated them with silver and copper knobbed nails. I adorned the arches, friezes, and all of their copings with baked bricks (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli. So that the construction of my palace might be carried out correctly and that my handiwork be completed, at that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who love my priestly service (and) who selected me (lit. “who called my name”), revealed to me a source of trunks of cedar, which since distant days grew tall and very thick as they stood in seclusion in the Sirāra mountain range. In the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in the time of the kings, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword. Moreover, breccia, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”), which is on the border of the city Tīl-Barsip. Near Nineveh, in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, by divine will, white limestone was discovered in abundance, and (then) I created bull colossi and (other) statues with limbs of alabas[ter that] are sculpted from a single stone, (whose) proportions [are perfect], (and) who stand high on the[ir] own pedestals; sphinxes of alabaster whose features are exquisite (and) whose bo[dies] sh[in]e like a brilliant day; (and) magnificent slabs of breccia. I cut (them) free on both sides from their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, I had (them) dragged into Nineveh. I had large bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone created in the territory of the city Balāṭāya and their forms perfected through the craft of the deity Ninkura. Since time immemorial, the kings, my ancestors, created copper statues, replicas of their (own) forms, to be erected in temples, and through their manufacture they had exhausted all of the craftsmen. Through ignorance (and) failure to give thought on the matter, they depleted the oil, wax, (and) wool in their lands for the work they desired. (But) as for me, Sennacherib, the foremost of all rulers, expert in every type of work, regarding large columns of copper (and) striding lion colossi, which none of the kings of the past (who came) before me had cast: [With] the ingenious mind that the prince, the god Ninšiku, had granted to me (and) taking counsel with myself, I intensively pondered how to perform this work. Then, with my (own) ideas and knowledge, I created a cast work of copper and expertly carried out its artful execution. By divine will, I created clay mold(s) of tree trunks and date [pal]m(s), the tree of abundance, (of) twelve raging lions, as well as (of) twelve magnificent bull colossi with perfect features (and) twenty-two sphinxes that are coated in allure and charm (and) that have pride (and) exuberance heaped upon them, and I poured copper into it. Just like the cast work of (an object weighing only) a half shekel, I perfected their form(s). I made bull colossi with copper features, two of which were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, (and) bull colossi of alabaster, together with bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my palatial halls. I fastened bands of copper on magnificent copper columns, as well as on large cedar columns, which are the product of Mount Amanus, and (then) I installed (them) upon lion colossi and positioned cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for their gates. Sphinxes of alabaster, as well as sphinxes of cast urudû-copper that were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, and sphinxes of cast ...-metal, whose features were brilliant: I erected over them columns of ebony, cypress, cedar, daprānu-juniper, juniper, and tatīdu-wood, with pašallu-gold and silver inlays, and (then) I positioned the architraves of the inner rooms of my lordly residence (on those columns). I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of breccia (and) alabaster, and large limestone slabs (and) made (them) an object of wonder. In [order to] be able to draw [water] by bucket [every day], I had bronze wire chains and bronze cables made and, inste[ad of poles], I had [tre]e trunks and date palm(s) placed over wells. I made those palatial halls beautiful. To be an object of wonder for all of the people, I raised the superstructure of the entire palace. I called it the “Palace Without a Rival.” I planted alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, which has all kinds of aromatic plants (and) fruit trees, trees that are the mainstay of the mountains and Chaldea, collected inside it. To make (those) planted areas luxuriant, I cut with iron picks a canal straight through a mountain, from the border of the city Kisiri to the plain of Nineveh. I caused an inexhaustible supply of water to flow there for a distance of one and a half leagues from the Ḫusur River (and) made (it) gush through feeder canals into those planted areas. I created a marsh to moderate the flow of water for (those) gardens and planted a canebrake in it. I let loose in it herons, wild boars (lit. “pigs of the reeds”), (and) roe deer. By divine will, vines and all kinds of fruit trees, olive trees, (and) aromatic trees flourished greatly in (those) gardens. Cypress trees, musukkannu-trees, (and) all kinds of trees grew tall and sent out shoots. The marshes thrived greatly. Birds of the heavens, heron(s), made nest(s) and wild boars (and) roe deer gave birth in abundance. I cut down musukkannu-trees (and) cypress trees grown in the orchards (and) marsh reeds from the swamps and I used (them) in the work required (to build) my lordly palatial halls. After I had finished the work on my palace, I invited inside it the god Aššur, the great lord, (and) the gods and goddesses living in Assyria, and (then) I made splendid offerings and presented my gift(s). I made fine oil from olives and aromatics. At the inauguration of the palace, I had the heads of the subjects of my land drenched (and) I watered their insides with swe[e]t [wine]. By the command of the god Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may the good šēdu (and) [the go]od [lamassu] last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it.

Sennacherib 044 — Smith Bulls 2 and 3

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 4 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 044; CDLI P467059.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), (and) favorite of the great gods: The god Aššur, father of the gods, looked steadfastly upon me among all of the rulers and he made my weapons greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises. In a pitched battled, I repulsed Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), the king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), (and) took away his rulership. I killed with the sword all of the Chaldeans, together with the massed body of Elamite troops, his allies. I placed Aššur-nādin-šumi, my first-born son, on his royal throne and entrusted him with the wide land of Akkad. I uprooted all of the Aḫlamû (Arameans) (and) Sutians. I put to the sword the inhabitants of the city Ḫirimmu, not sparing (any of) their offspring. I conquered (the land of) the Yasubigallians, a dangerous enemy. I ruined the land Ellipi and destroyed its settlements. Moreover, Lulî, the king of the city Sidon, became frightened of doing battle with me, fled to Yadnana (Cyprus), which is in the midst of the sea, and took refuge (there). In that same land, he disappeared on account of the awesome terror of the weapon of the god Aššur, my lord. I placed Tu-Baʾlu on his royal throne and imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. I ruined the wide district of the recalcitrant (and) strong land Judah (and) I made Hezekiah, its king, bow down at my feet. I put to the sword the men of the city Tumurrum, who live on Mount Nipur, a rugged mountain. I destroyed the city Ukku, together with every one of its settlements, (so that they looked) like a ruin hill (created by) the Deluge. I slaughtered the people of the land Ḫilakku, who live in the high mountains, like sheep. I conquered the city Tīl-garimmu, which is on the border of the land Tabal, and turned (it) into ruins. The inhabitants of Chaldea, who had become frightened by my battle array, and (then) had dislodged the gods of their entire land from their abodes, had crossed the sea, and had taken up residence inside the city Nagiatu (Nagītu) — I crossed the sea after them in boats of the land Ḫatti. (30) I conquered the cities Nagiatu (Nagītu), Nagiatu-diʾbina (Nagītu-diʾbina), Ḫilmu, Pillatu, and Ḫupapanu, districts on the other shore of the Bitter Sea, and (then) I carried off the people of Chaldea, together with their gods, (and) the people of the king of the land Elam. I did not leave (behind) a (single) escapee. At that time, [I made the] enemy [pe]ople whom I had captured [carry] baskets (of earth) [and they made bricks]. [The palace in the citadel of Ni]nev[eh], whose extent was 3[60 cu]bits on (its) longer side (and) [95 cubits on (its) shorter side, and whose site was too small]; alongside of wh[ich] the Tebilti River [had flow]ed, (35) [caused erosion in its foundations, (and) shaken its base; (and) which earl]ier [kings], my ancestors, [had had constructed] for their lo[rdly] dwelling, [but whose construction they had carried out inexpertly]: I tore down [that small palace in] its [ent]irety. [I diverted] <the course of> the Tebilti River fr[om the ce]nter of the city [and] directed its outflow [into the meadow behind the city]. In the hidden depths of its subterranean waters I very firmly bonded reeds [be]low (and) [bitumen above with large (blocks of) limestone. I raised a plot of land that] was 554 cubits long (and) 289 [cu]bits wide out of the water [and] converted (it) [into] an empty lot. (40) [I added (it)] to the former dimensions of the terra[ce, and] raised its superstructure [in its entirety 190 cou]rses of brick. [I en]larged [the structure of the palace] to 914 large cubits [along (its) longer side] and 440 [large cubits along (its) shorter side] and (thus) I made its site bigger. [I built] palatial halls of gold, silver, bronze, [...]...-stone, [breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory], ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, cypress, juniper, elammaku-wood, (and) [Ind]ian wood, [for my lordly residence; then I h]ad a house with double doors, a replica of a Hittite palace, constructed opposite (its) gates. [I roofed] them (the palatial halls) [with beams of cedar (and) cypress. I fast]ened bands of silver (and) copper on doors of white cedar (and) cypress and [I installed (them) in their gates]. [In the corrido]rs, I made openings for latticed windows. [At their gates, I sta]tioned apotropaic figures of alabas[ter] (and) elephant [ivory, whose hands are folded], and (thus) I made (them) an object of wonder. [I decora]ted [them] with silver (and) copper knobbed nails. [I adorned] the arches, friezes, and all of their copings [with baked bricks (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli]. [So that the construction of] my [palace might be carried out correctly, at that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who l]ove my priestly service (and) who selected me (lit. “who called my name”), re[vealed to me a source of trunks of cedar, which since distant days grew thick] as they stood in seclusion [in the Sirāra mountain range]. [In the uplands of Mount Ammanā]na (northern Anti-Lebanon), [they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the locat]ion [of alabaster], which [i]n the time of [the kings, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword]. Moreover, breccia, [as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed its]elf [at Kapridar]gilâ (“Dargilâ Village”). Near Nineveh, i[n the territory of the city Balāṭāya, by divine will, white limestone was di]scovered [in abundance, and (then) I created bull co]lossi of alabaster that [are sculpted] from a sin[gle stone, (whose) proportions are perfect; sphinxes of alabaster whose features are exquisite] (and) whose bodies shine [li]ke a [brillia]nt day; (and) [magnificent] slabs of [breccia]. I cut (them) free [on bo]th sides [fr]om their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, [I had (them) dragged into Nineveh]. I had [large bull colossi] and sphinxes of whit[e] limestone created [in] the territory of the city Balāṭāya and [their forms] perfec[ted through the craft of the deity Ninkura]. [By divine will, I created clay mold(s) of] tree trunks together with date palm(s), [the tree of abundance], (of) twelve raging lions, [as well as] (of) twelve magnificent bull colossi [with per]fect features (and) twenty-two sphi[nxes that are coa]ted in allure [and charm (and) that have] pri[de (and) exuberance heaped upon them, and I poured] copper into [it. Just like the cast work of (an object weighing only) a half shekel, I perfected their form(s)]. I made [bull colossi with copper features, two of wh]ich were overl[aid] with [zaḫa]lû-silver, (and) [bull coloss]i of alabas[ter, together with bull colossi] (and) sphinxes of white limestone, [hold the door bolts of] my [palatial halls]. [I fastened] bands of copper [on] magnificent [copper columns], as well as on large cedar columns, which are the product of Mount Amanus, and (then) [I installed] (them) upon lion colo[ssi and] positioned [cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for] their [gate]s. Sphinxes of alabaster, as well as sphinxes of [cas]t urudû-copper [that were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, and sp]hinxes of cast ...-metal, whose features were brilliant: [I erected] over [them columns of] ebony, cypress, [cedar, daprānu-juniper], juniper, and Indian wood, with pašallu-gold and silver inlays, [and (then)] I positioned the architraves of [the inner rooms of] my [lo]rdly [residence (on those columns)]. [I surrounded] their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slab[s of brecc]ia (and) [alabaster, and] large limestone slabs (and) [made (them) an object of wonder]. In order to [be able to draw] water by bucket every day, I had bronze [wire ch]ains [and] bronze [cables] made and, instead of poles, I had [tree trunks] together with date palm(s) of copper placed over [well]s. I made those palatial halls beautiful. To be an object of wonder for all of the people, I raised the superstructure of the entire palace. I called it the “Palace Without a Rival.” By the command of the god Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the queen, may the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it.

Sennacherib 045

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 045; CDLI P467060.

(Lacuna) a dangerous enemy. [I ruined the land Ellipi and destroyed its settlements. Moreover, Lulî], the king of the city Sidon, [became frightened of doing battle with me], fl[ed] like a fish [to Yadnana (Cyprus), which is in the midst of the sea, and took refuge (there). In that same land, he disappeared] on account of the awesome terror of the w[eapon of the god Aššur, my lord]. I p[laced Tu-Baʾlu on] his [roy]al [throne and imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship]. [I rui]ned [the] wi[de district of the ... land Judah (and) ...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 046 — Smith Bull 4

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 046; CDLI P467061.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), the wise (and) capable favorite of the great gods, virile warrior, [fo]remost of all rulers, the bridle that controls the insubmissive, (and) the one who strikes enemies with lightning: The god Aššur, the great mountain, granted to me unrivalled sovereignty and made my w[eapon]s greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises. He made all of the rulers of the (four) quarters (of the world) from the Upper Sea of the Setting Sun to the [Lo]wer Sea of the Rising Sun bow down at my feet. On my first campaign, I brought about the defeat of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), together with the troops of (the land) Elam, his allies, in the plain of Kish. He, in order to save his (own) life, fled alone, and (then) I seized the chariots, wagons, horses (and) mules that he had abandoned. I entered his palace, which is in Babylon, and (then) I opened his treasury and carried off gold, silver, gold (and) silver utensils, precious stones, the possessions (and) property of his palace. I captured and plundered his strong cities (and) the fortresses of Chaldea, together with the small(er) settlements in their environs. On my return march, I defeated and plundered the Aramaens (living) on the banks of the Tigris River (and) the Euphrates River. In the course of my campaign I received a substantial payment from the official in charge of the city Ḫararatu (Ḫarutu). I put to the sword the population of the city Ḫirimmu, a dangerous enemy, and I did not spare a single one. I reorganized that city (and) imposed one ox, ten sheep, ten homers of wine, (and) twenty homers of dates as his first-fruits offerings to the gods of Assyria. On my second campaign, I marched to the land of the Kassites and the land of the Yasubigallians. In the mountains, difficult terrain, I rode on horseback. In very rugged terrain I roamed about on foot like a wild bull. I conquered and plundered the cities Bīt-Kilamzaḫ, Ḫardišpu, (and) Bīt-Kubatti, their fortified walled cities. Moreover, I destroyed (and) devastated their small(er) settlements, which were without number. I burned with fire pavilions (and) their tents. I made that city Bīt-Kilamzaḫ a fortress again, and (then) I settled therein the people of the lands that I had conquered. I placed them under the authority of the governor of the city Arrapḫa. I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and took the road to the land Ellipi. Before my arrival, Ispabāra, their king, abandoned his fortified cities and fled far away. I conquered and plundered the cities Marubištu (and) Akkuddu, cities of his royal house, together with small(er) settlements in their environs, (and then) I destroyed (them), devastated (them), (and) burned (them) with fire. I conquered the cities Ṣi(ṣ)ṣirtu (and) Kummaḫlum, fortified cities, together with the small(er) settlements in their environs. I detached from his land the district of the land Bīt-Barrû in its entirety, and I added (this area) to the territory of Assyria. I took the city Elenzaš as a fortress for that district, (and then) I changed its (former) name and called it Kār-Sennacherib. I settled therein the people of the lands that I had conquered. I placed (it) under the authority of the governor of the city Ḫarḫar. On my return march, I received a substantial payment from the distant Medes, of whose land none of the kings, my ancestors, had heard mention. (Thus) I made them bow down to my yoke. On my third campaign, I marched to the land Ḫatti. Fear of my brilliance overwhelmed Lulî, the king of the city Sidon, and he fled from the city Tyre to Yadnana (Cyprus), which is in the midst of the sea, and disappeared. I placed Tu-Baʾlu on the royal throne and imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. In the plain of the city Ušû, the kings of the land Amurru brought their substantial tribute before me. Moreover, (as for) Ṣidqâ, the king of the city Ashkelon who had not submitted to my yoke, I forcibly removed the gods of his father’s house, himself, together with [his] family, and took him to Assyria. I set Šarru-lū-dāri, son of Rūkibtu, their [former king, over the peopl]e of the city Ashkelon and imposed up[on] him the payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. In the course of my campaign, I plundered the cities of his (Ṣidqâ’s) that had not submitted to me. (As for) the governors and the people of the city Ekron who had thrown Padî, their king who was bound by treaty to Assyria, into iron fetters and who had handed him over to Hezekiah of the land Judah, they became frightened on account of the villaino[us acts] they had committed. They formed a confederation with the kings of Egypt (and) the archers, chariots, (and) horses of the king of the land Meluḫḫa, forces without number. In the plain of the city Eltekeh, I fought with them and defeated them. I captured alive the Egyptian [cha]rioteers and princes (lit. “the sons of the king”), together with the charioteers of the king of the land Meluḫḫa. [I approached] the city Ekron [and] I killed with the sword the governors who had committed crime(s); I counted the citizens who had committed the crimes as booty; (and) [I commanded that] the rest of them, (those) who were not guilty of wrongdoing, [be allowed to go free]. I brought out Padî, their king, from the city Jerusalem and placed (him) on the throne over them, and (then) I imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. (As for) Hezekiah of [the land] Judah, <who> had not submitted to my yoke, I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered forty-six of his fortified walled cities and settlements in their environs, which were without number. I counted (them) as booty. As for him (Hezekiah), I confined him inside the city Jerusalem, his royal city, [like a bird in a cage]. I set up blockades against him. I detached from his land the cities of his that I had plundered and I gave (them) to the king[s of] the cities [Ashdo]d, Ashkelon, Ekron, (and) Gaza, and (thereby) made his land smaller. To the former tribute, their annual giving, I added the payment (of) gifts and imposed (it) upon them. As for him, Hezekiah, fear of my lordly brilliance overwhelmed him and, he had the auxiliary forces and his elite troops whom he had brought inside the city Jerusalem, his royal city, along with 30 talents of gold, 800 talents of silver, every kind of treasure of his palace, as well as his daughters, his palace women, male singers, (and) female singers brought into Nineveh and he sent a mounted messenger of his to me to deliver (this) payment. On my fourth campaign, I marched to the land Bīt-Yakīn. In the course of my campaign, I defeated Šūzubu (Mušēzib-Marduk), a Chaldean who lives in the marshes, at the city Bittūtu. As for him, he became frightened of my weapons, and (then) he fled alone and his (hiding) place could not be found. I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and took the road to the land Bīt-Yakīn. He — Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), whom I had defeated during my first campaign — became frightened by the clangor of my mighty weapons. He fled to the city Nagītu, which is in the midst of the sea. I carried off his brothers, the seed of his father’s house, whom he had abandoned at the shore of the sea, (together with) the rest of the people of his land, out of the land Bīt-Yakīn, which is in the swamps and marshes. Once again I destroyed (and) burned with fire his cities. On my return march, I placed Aššur-nādin-šumi, my son, on his lordly throne and entrusted him (with the land of Sumer and Akkad). On my fifth campaign: The men of the city Tumurrum, whose dwellings are situated like the nests of eagles, on the peak of Mount Nipur, a rugged mountain, and who had not bowed down to my yoke — I had my camp pitched at the foot of Mount Nipur. Like a fierce wild bull, with my merciless combat troops, I took the lead of them (the soldiers in my camp). I proceeded through the gorges (and) the rugged mountain slopes in (my) chair. Where it was too difficult for (my) chair, I leapt forward on my (own) two feet like a mountain goat. Where my knees gave out (and) became tired, I sat down upon the mountain rock and drank cold water from a water skin to (quench) my thirst. I pursued them on the peaks of the mountains and defeated them. I conquered, plundered, destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire their cities. I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and took the road against Maniye, the insubmissive king of the city Ukku. None of the kings of the past, (who came) before me, had marched through the difficult paths on account of the rugged mountains. I had my camp pitched at the foot of Mount Anara and Mount Uppa, mighty mountains, and I myself, in an armchair, with my combat troops, ascended with a struggle the steep mountain peaks. He, Maniye, heard about the advance of my expeditionary force, and (then) he abandoned the city Ukku, his royal city, and fled afar. I entered his palace and carried off every kind of possession (and) property, (which were) without number, his substantial treasure. I destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire his cities, and made (them) like ruin hill(s) (created by) the Deluge. On my sixth campaign: Against the cities Nagītu (and) Nagītu-diʾbina, cities of the king of the land Elam whose dwellings are situated on the other shore of the Bitter Sea, (and) [the people of] Bīt-Yakīn, who became afraid of the [mig]hty weapon(s) of the god Aššur and abandoned their settlements, cr[oss]ed the Bitter Sea, and [...] ... on the far shore. The god Aššur, my lord, encouraged me and I ordered the mar[ch] against them, to the land Nagītu. I settled in Nineveh the people of the land [Ḫa]tti plundered by my [bow(s)] and they skillfully built magnificent ships, a product characteristic of their land. I gave orders to sailors of the cities Tyre (and) Sidon, (and) the land Io[n]ia, whom I had captured. They (my troops) let (the sailors) sail down the Tigris River with them downstream to the city Opis. Then, from the city Opis, they lifted them (the boats) up onto dry land and dragged th[em] on rollers t[o Sippar and] guided them into the Araḫtu canal, (where) they let them sail downstream to the canal of Bīt-Dakkuri, which is in Chaldea. (65) ... I loaded onto boats my fierce ...s, who do not k[now] fear, my crack bodyguard, and my valiant combat troops, who do not ..., and I gave [the]m provisions. I loaded grain and straw for the steeds with them. My warriors sailed down the Euphrates River on the boats, (70) while I accompanied them on dry land, and (then) I made my way to the city Bāb-salimeti. When I lifted [my] head, [...] ... from the bank of the Euphrates to the shore of [the sea], a distance covered in two double hours of marching. [...] ... [... I was not conc]erned. I pitched camp in that place. The high tide of the sea rose mightily, and (then) (75) entered my tent and completely surrounded my entire camp. For five days and nights, on account of the strong [wate]r, all of my soldiers had to sit curled up as though they were in cages. The boats of my warriors reached the marshy area at the mouth of the river, where the Euphrates River debouches its water in[to] the roiling [s]ea. I took my stand on the shore of the Bitter Sea opposite them and had pure sacrifices performed for the god Ea, king of the apsû. [I cast (them)] into the sea with a gold boat, a gold fish, (and) a gold crab, and (then) I immediately had my boats cross over to the land of the city Nagītu. At the shore of the roiling sea — which was unsuitable and very difficult for (ships) to dock, horses to climb, and men to set foot on — the inhabitants of Chaldea [li]ving in the cities Nagītu (and) Nagītu-diʾbina, the people of the lands Ḫilmu, Pillatu, and Ḫupapanu saw the boats of my warriors and they gathered together archers, wagons, horses, (and) mules, a force [without] number. Before their (my warriors’) arrival, while drawing up in battleline at the Ulāya River, a river with good shores, (and) holding my troops (landing place on) the high ground, they (the Chaldeans and Elamites) sharpened their weapons. My warriors reached the quay of the harbor (and) like locusts they swarmed out of the boats onto the shore against them and defeated them. They conquered the cities Nagītu, Nagītu-diʾbina, Ḫilmu, Pillatu, and Ḫupapanu, cities of the king of the land Elam. They carried off their garrisons, the population of Chaldea, the gods of all of the land Bīt-Yakīn, [together with] their property, and the people of (the) Elamite (king), wagons, [horses], mules, (and) donkeys. They loaded (them) onto [their] boat[s] and brought (them) to this side (of the sea), to the city Bāb-salimeti, b[efore me]. They destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire those cities. They poured out deathly silence over the wide land of Elam. From the booty of those lands, I conscripted 30,500 archers (and) 20,200 shield bearers and added (them) to my royal [contingent]. I divided up the rest of the substantial enemy booty like sheep and go[ats] among my ent[ire] camp and my governors, (and) the people of my cult centers. At that time, the palace in the citadel of Nineveh, whose extent wa[s] 360 cubits on (its) [longer side] (and) 95 cubits on (its) shorter side, and whose site was too small; (and) which earlier king[s], my ancestors, had had constructed for their lordly dwelling, but whose construction they had carri[ed out] in[expertly]: They q[uarried] bull colossi of white limestone in the city Tastiate to be their (the palatial halls’) gatekeepers. Throughout all of their lands they depl[eted] forests of large tree[s] to have boats built. In the month Ayyāru (II), the time of [sprin]g floods, they brought (the colossi) across to this side (of the river) with difficulty in magnificent boat[s]. They sank la[rg]e boats at the quay dock (and then) made their crews struggle (and) [stra]in. With might and main, they struggled to transport (the colossi) and in[stall (them) in] their [gates]. The Tebilti River, a tempestuous flood (of water) which had flowed [from] distant [day]s [by the side of the palace] (and) had shaken [its ba]se when its flood was in full spate: I tore down [that small palace] in its entirety. [I diverted] the course of the Tebilti River from [the center of the city and] directed its outflow [into the meadow behind the city]. [In a one-half ikû (stretch) of the water’s (natural) course, I bon]ded [together with bitumen four large limestone (blocks)] and [spread] marsh reeds [and rushes over them. As an addition, I took a plot of land that was 554 cubits long (and) 289 c]ubits wi[de from the Ḫusur River and from the plain of the city (and) added (it) to the dimensions of the former terrace]. In its (the terrace’s) entirety, I raised its superstructure 190 courses of brick high. I enlarged the structure of the palace to 9[14] large cubits along (its) longer side and 440 large cubits along (its) shorter side and (thus) I made its site bigger. I built a palace of gold, silver, bronze, ...-stone, breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, cypress, juniper, elammaku-wood, (and) Indian wood, for my lordly residence, and (then) I had a house with double doors, a replica of a Hittite palace, constructed opposite (its) gates. I roofed them (the palatial halls) with beams of cedar (and) cypress, whose scent [is sweet], product(s) of Mount Amanus and Mount Sirāra, the holy mountains. I fastened [ba]nds of silver (and) copper on doors of cedar, cypress, (and) juniper and I installed (them) in their gates. In the corridors that are within the papāḫu-chambers, I made openings for latticed windows. At their gates, I stationed apotropaic figures of alabaster (and) elephant ivory, whose folded [ha]nds hol[d] poppies, who are laden with pride (and) allure, (and) who are filled with exuberance, and (thus) I made (them) an object of wonder. [The covering of the r]o[o]f that (hangs) over the corridors — I made their somber atmosphere cheerful, making (them) as bright as day. I decora[ted] them with silver and copper knobbed nails. I adorned the arches, friezes, and all of its copings [w]ith baked [bricks] (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli. So that the construction of my palace might be carried out correctly and that my handiwork be com[pleted], a[t] that time, the god Aššur and the goddess Ištar, who love my priestly service (and) who selected me (lit. “who called my name”), revealed to me a source of trunks of cedar, which since distant days [grew t]all [and] very thick as they stood in seclusion in the Sirāra mountain range. In the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in [the tim]e of the kings, my ancestors, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword. Moreover, bre[cc]ia, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”), which is on the border of the city Tīl-Barsip. Near Nineveh, in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, by divine will, white limestone was discovered in abundance, and (then) I created bull colossi and (other) statues with limbs of alabaster that are sculpted from a single stone, (whose) proportions are perfect, (and) who stand [hi]gh on their own pedestals; sph[in]xes of alabaster whose features are exquisite (and) whose bodies shine like a brilliant day; (and) magnificent slabs of breccia. I cut (them) free on both sides from their mountains, and (then), for the construction of my palace, I had (them) dragged into Nineveh. I had large bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone created in the territory of the city Balāṭāya and their forms perfected through the craft of the deity Ninkura. Since time immemorial, the kings, my ancestors, created copper statues, replicas of [th]eir (own) forms, to be erected in temples, and through their manufacture they had exhausted all of the craftsmen. Through ig[nora]nce (and) failure to give thought on the matter, they depleted [the oil], wax, (and) wool in their lands for the work [they] desired. (But) as for me, Sennacherib, the foremost of all rulers, [exp]ert in every type of work, regarding large columns of copper (and) [stri]ding lion colossi, which none of the kings of the past (who came) before me had cast: With the ingenious mind that the prince, the god Ninšiku, had granted to me (and) taking counsel with myself, I intensively pondered how to pe[rform] this [wo]rk. Then, with my (own) ideas and knowledge, I created a cast work of copper and expertly carried out its artful execution. By divine will, I created clay mold(s) of tree trunks and date pa[lm(s)], the tree of abundance, (of) twelve raging lions, as well as (of) twelve magnificent bull colossi with perfect features (and) twenty-two sphinxes that are coated in allure and charm (and) that have [pri]de (and) exuberance heaped upon them, and I poured copper into it. Just like the cast work of (an object weighing only) a half shekel, I perfected their form(s). I made bull colossi with copper features, two of which were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, (and) bull colossi of alabaster, together with bull colossi and sphinxes of white limestone, hold the door bolts of my palatial halls. I fastened bands of copper on magnificent copper columns, as well as on large cedar columns, which are the product of Mount Amanus, and (then) I installed (them) upon lion colossi and positioned cross-beams (upon them) as a cornice for their gates. Sphinxes of alabaster, as well as sphinxes of cast urudû-copper that were overlaid with zaḫalû-silver, and sphinxes of cast ...-metal, whose features were brilliant: I erected over them columns of ebony, cypress, cedar, daprānu-juniper, juniper, and Indian [wood], with pašallu-gold and silver inlays, and (then) I positioned the architraves of the inner rooms of my lordly residence (on those columns). I surrounded their (the palace rooms’) lower courses with slabs of br[ec]cia (and) alabaster, and large limestone slabs (and) made (them) an object of wonder. In order to be able to draw water by bucket every day, I had bronze wire chains and bronze cables made and, instead of poles, I had tree trunks and date palm(s) placed over wells. [I m]ade those palatial halls beautiful. To be an object of wonder for all of the people, I raised the superstructure of the entire palace. I called it the “Palace Without a Rival.” I planted alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, [a replica of] Mount Amanus, which has all kinds of aromatic plants (and) fruit trees, trees that are the mainstay of the mountains and Chaldea, collected inside it. To make (those) planted areas [luxuria]nt, I cut with iron picks a canal straight through a mountain, from the border of the city Kisiri to the plain of Nineveh. I caused an inexhaustible supply of water to flow there for a distance of [one and a half lea]gues from the Ḫusur River (and) made (it) gush through feeder canals into those planted areas. I created a marsh [to moder]ate the flow of water for (those) gardens and planted a canebrake in it. I let loose in it herons, wild boars (lit. “pigs of the reeds”), (and) [r]oe deer. By divine will, vines, all kinds of fruit trees, olive trees, (and) aromatic trees flourished greatly in (those) gardens. Cypress trees, musukkannu-[trees], (and) all kinds of trees grew tall and sent out shoots. The marshes thrived greatly. Birds of the heavens, heron(s), made nest(s) and wild boars (and) roe deer gave birth in abundance. I cut down musukkannu-trees (and) cypress trees grown in the orchards (and) marsh reeds from the swamps and I used (them) [in the work] required (to build) my lordly palatial halls. After I had finished the work on my palace, I invited inside it the god Aššur, the great lord, (and) the gods and goddesses [living in Assyria], and (then) I made splendid offerings and presented my gift(s). [I made fine oil] from olives and aromatics. At the inauguration of the palace, I had the heads of the subjects of my land drenched (and) I watered their insides with sweet wine. By the command of [(the god) Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar], the queen, may the good šēdu (and) [the good lamassu] last forever and ever in that palace. May they never leave it.

Sennacherib 047 — Austrian Bull

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 047; CDLI P467062.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [... In the uplands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to me the location of alabaster, which in the time of the king]s, [my] ancestor[s, was too expensive (even) for the pommel of a sword]. [Moreover, breccia], as much as is needed (for making) bur[zigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had never been seen before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”)]. [Near Nineveh, in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, b]y [divine] will, [white limestone was discovered in abundance, and (then) I created bull colossi of alabaster that are sculpted from a single stone, (whose) pro]portions are skillfully [made; sphinxes of alabaster whose features are exquisite] (and) whose [bodies shine like a brilliant day; (and) magnificent] slabs of [breccia. ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 048

Human-headed lion colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 048; CDLI P467063.

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

Sennacherib 049

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 049; CDLI P467064.

[Palace of Sennacherib], great [king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), favorite of the great gods, wise prince], circumsp[ect ru]ler, shepherd of [the pe]op[le, (and) leader of a widespread population, I]: [The goddess Bēlet-ilī, the lady of creat]ion, [looked steadfastly upon me and created my features] (while I was still) in the womb of the mot[her who g]ave birth to [me. Moreover, the god Ninšiku ga]ve me wide understanding equal to (that of) the sage Ada[pa (and) endowed me with broad knowledge]. [The god Aššur, father of the gods, made all of the black-hea]ded (people) bow down [at] my feet (and) [elevated me for shepherding the land and people. ...] ... (and) [he put in my hand a] mer[ci]less [we]apon [to fell enemies ...]. [...] ... [...] ... [... (and) which earlier kings, my ancestors], had [had] constructed [for their lordly dwelling], but [whose construction] they had carried out inex[pertly]: [I tore down that small] pala[ce]. I div[er]ted the course of [the Tebi]lti [River] from the center of the city and [directed its outflow] onto the me[adow behind the city]. [In] a one-half ikû (stretch) of the water’s (natural) [course], I bonded together with bitumen four large limest[one] (blocks) [and] spread [marsh reeds and rush]es over them. As an addition, I to[ok a plot of land] that was five hundred and [... c]ubits long (and) two hundred and eighty cubits [wide from the pla]in of [the city] (and) [I added (it) t]o the fo[rmer] dimensions of the palace. I enlarged (it) [to 914 lar]ge cubits along (its) longer side and 460 lar[ge cu]bits along (its) shorter side (and thus) I ma[de] its site [bigger. In] its (the terrace’s) [entirety], I raised its superstructure to a (total) height of 190 courses of brick. In order to prevent its [foundation] from being weak[ened] over the passage of [time] by [cresting] flood(s), I surrounded its base with large limestone (slabs and thereby) [reinforced its base]. [I built a palatial hall of gold, a palatial hall of silver, a palatial hall of bro]nze, a palatial hall of ...-stone, a palatial hall of brec[cia, ..., a palatial hall of] alallu-stone, a palatial hall of alabaster, a palatial hall of [elephant ivory, a palatial hall of ebony, a palatial hall of boxwood, a palatial hall of musukkannu-wood, a palatial hall of] cedar, a palatial hall of cypress, a palatial hall of juniper, [a palatial hall of elammaku-wood, (and) a palatial hall of Indian wood, for my lordly residence, and (then) I had a house] with double doors, a replica of a Hitti[te] palace, [constructed opposite (its) gates]. [I roo]fed them (the palatial halls) [with beams of cedar (and) cypress. I fastened bands of silver (and) copper on] doors of whit[e cedar (and) cypress and I installed (them) in their gates]. [In the cor]ridors, I m[ade openings] for latticed windows. At their gates, I stationed apotropaic [figures of alabaster (and) elephant ivory], whose [folded hands hold poppies, and (thus) I made (them) an object of wonder]. [... I decorated them with silver and copper knobbed nails. [I adorned the arches, friezes, and al]l of their co[pi]ngs [with baked bricks (glazed in the color of) obsidian (and) lapis lazuli]. So that [the construction of my palace ...] (Lacuna) [In the uplands of Mount] Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon), [they (Aššur and Ištar) disclosed to] me the location of [alabaster, ... pendû-stone — whose appearance is as finely granulated] as cucumber seeds, considered valuable [eno]ugh to be an amulet, [a stone for speaking (and) bei]ng accepted, as well as [making] storms [pass by], (and) preventing [illn]ess from approaching a man — made [itse]lf known to me [at the foot of Mount Nipur]. Breccia, [whose appearance] is like the wings of a dragonfly (and the qualities of which) ca[l]m head[ach]es, a stone for happiness (and) [cheer]fulness, as much as is needed (for making) burzigallu-bowls, (a stone) that had n[e]ver been se[en] before, revealed itself at Kapridargilâ (“Dargilâ Village”), which is on the border of [the city Tīl-Barsip]. alallu-stone, [whose appearance] is like the ba[rk of the date palm], and girimḫilibû-stone — [whose appearance] is like the fruit of the pomegr[anate tree], is beautiful (and) a pleasure to behold, (and) a stone for preventing pla[gue] from approaching a man — both stones were found in abundance at Mount [...]. Near Nin[eveh, in the territory of the city] Balāṭā[ya, by divine] wi[ll, white limestone] (Lacuna) [I created ...] ... [...] whose bodies shine [...]; (and) slab[s of gi]rimḫilibû-[stone] (and) a[lallu]-stone. I cu[t (them) free on both sid]es from their mountains, and (then), [...] ... I had (them) dragged in[to Nineveh]. [I had] bull colossi and sphinxes of [white lim]es[tone created and their forms perfected] through the craft of [the deity] Ninkura, in the territory of the city [Balāṭāya]. (Lacuna) [...] ... [...] India[n wood ...] (Lacuna) [...] ... [(...)]. [By the command of the god Aššur, father of the gods, and the goddess Ištar, the que]en, [may I spend a long time] in my palace, [... in] good health (and) happine[ss]. May [my descendants] be establi[shed therein forever, for] all days. [May the good šēdu (and) the good lamassu last] forever [and ever] in this palace. [May they never leave i]t.

Sennacherib 050

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 050; CDLI P467065.

[Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world)], favorite of [the great gods, wise prince, circumspect ruler, shepherd of the people, (and) leader of a widespr]ead [population, I]: [The goddess Bēlet-ilī, the lady of creation, looked steadfastly upon me and cre]ated [my features (while I was still) in the womb of the mother who gave birth to me. Moreover, the god Ninšiku gave me wide understanding equal to (that of) the sage Adapa (and) endowed me with broad kn]owledge. [The god Aššur, father of the gods, made all of the black-headed (people) bow down at my feet (and) elevated] me [for shepherding the land and people. He gave me a just scepter that widens the land (and) he pu]t [in my hand a merciless weapon to fell enemi]es. [... all of the rule]rs of the [four] qu[art]ers (of the world) [...]. [At that time, I made the enemy people whom] I [had captu]red [carry bas]kets (of earth) [and they made bricks]. [The palace in the citadel of Nineveh, whose extent was 360 cubits on (its) longer side] (and) 80 [cubits] on (its) shorter side, [and whose site was too small; alongside of which the Tebilti River had flowed and which had caused erosion in its foundation] when [its] flood was in full spate (and) [had shaken its base; (and) which earl]ier [kings], my ancestors, [had had constructed for their lordly dwelling, but whose construction they had carried out inexpertly]: ... [... that small palace in] its [ent]irety. [I diverted the course of the Tebilti River from the center of the city and] directed [its outflow onto the meadow be]hind the city. [In a one-half ikû (stretch) of the water’s (natural) course, I bonded to]gether [with bitumen four large limestone (blocks)] and [spread] marsh reeds [and rushes over them. As an addition, I took a plot of land that was five hundred and ... cubits long (and) two hundred and eighty cubits wide from] the Ḫusur River [and from the plain of the city ...] ... (No translation possible) (Lacuna) In the up[lands of Mount Ammanāna (northern Anti-Lebanon)], they (Aššur and Ištar) di[sclosed to me the location of alabaster, ... pendû]-stone — [whose] appearance [is as finely granulated as cucumber seeds, considered valuable enough to be an amulet], a stone for [speaking (and) being accepted, as well as] mak[ing storms pass by, (and) preventing illness from approaching a man — made itself known to me] a[t the foot of Mount Nipur]. (No translation possible) (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 051

Human-headed lion colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 051; CDLI P467066.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria: pendû-stone, whose appearance is as finely granulated as mottled barley (and) which in the time of the kings, my ancestors, was considered valuable enough to be an amulet, made itself known to me at the foot of Mount Nipur. I had (it) fashioned into sphinxes and had (them) dragged into Nineveh.

Sennacherib 052

Human-headed bull colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 052; CDLI P467067.

[(Palace of) Sennac]herib, [...], favorite of the great gods: [(The god) Aššur granted] me [...] and, from ea[st] to [west he made ... bow d]own [at my feet] and they (now) pull my yoke. At [that time, ... which earlier kings], my ancestors, had had built [and ...] its construction [...]. Moreover, from [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 053

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 053; CDLI P467068.

[Sennacherib], king of the world, king of As[syria: Maniy]e, [the king of the city Uk]ku, [became frightened by my] batt[le] array, abandoned [the city Ukku], a city upon which he relied, [and] fled [far] away. (As for) the populati[on living] inside it, [who] had flown away like [bir]ds to the peak of a [rug]ged mountain, [I pu]rsued them and [def]eated them on the peak of (that) mountain. [I burned] the city Ukku, his royal city, with fi[re].

Sennacherib 054

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 054; CDLI P467069.

[Sennacherib], king of the world, king of Assyria, marches to conquer [...]ti.

Sennacherib 055

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 055; CDLI P467070.

(Lacuna) [I plun]dered, destroyed, devastated, (and) [bur]ned with fire.

Sennacherib 056

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 056; CDLI P467071.

I surrounded, conquered, plundered, (and) burned with fire the city Bīt-Kubatti.

Sennacherib 057

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 057; CDLI P467072.

I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered (the city) Dilbat.

Sennacherib 058

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 058; CDLI P467073.

I surrounded, conquer[ed, (and) plundered] the city Ataun[...].

Sennacherib 059

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 059; CDLI P467074.

I surrounded, [conquered, (and) plu]ndered [the city] Alamu.

Sennacherib 060

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 060; CDLI P467075.

[I surrounded, conquer]ed, (and) [plund]ered [the city Aran]ziašu.

Sennacherib 061

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 061; CDLI P467076.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: The booty from the marshes of the city Saḫrina passed before him.

Sennacherib 062

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 062; CDLI P467077.

Senn[ach]erib, king of [the world], king of Assyria: The booty of the city Kasuṣi pa[ss]ed before him.

Sennacherib 063

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 063; CDLI P467078.

[Sennac]h[erib, king of the world], king of [Assyria: The bo]ot[y of] the city [...]bu... [pa]ssed [before him].

Sennacherib 064

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 064; CDLI P467079.

Sennac[herib, king of the world, king of Assyria]: The boot[y of ...] the city [... passed] be[fore him].

Sennacherib 065

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 065; CDLI P467080.

[...] the boot[y of ... passed] before [him].

Sennacherib 066 — Lachish Relief

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 066; CDLI P467081.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, sat in (his) armchair and the booty of the city Lachish passed before him.

Sennacherib 067 — Lachish Relief

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 067; CDLI P467082.

Tent of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 068

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 068; CDLI P467083.

Camp of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 069

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 069; CDLI P467084.

(This text is not sufficiently preserved so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 070

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 070; CDLI P467085.

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

Sennacherib 071

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 071; CDLI P467086.

(This text has only one sign preserved so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 072

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 072; CDLI P467087.

(This text is not sufficiently preserved so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 073

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 073; CDLI P467088.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, was joyfully having large bull colossi, which had been fashioned in the territory of the city Balāṭāya, dragged to his lordly palace that is inside Nineveh.

Sennacherib 074

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 074; CDLI P467089.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: (With regard to) the white limestone that had been discovered by the will of the gods in the territory of the city Balāṭāya for the construction of my palace, I had the soldiers of enemy settlements and insubmissive troops of the mountains whom I had captured wield iron axes and picks [and] they quarried large bull colossi for the gates of my palace.

Sennacherib 075

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 075; CDLI P467090.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: I had [tall] cedar columns, which I had had hauled up from the Tigris River, loaded on sled(s) and dragged along a canal.

Sennacherib 076

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 076; CDLI P467091.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: I had [tall] cedar columns, [products of Mount Si]rāra (and) Mount Lebanon, hauled up [from the] Tigris [River].

Sennacherib 077

Wall slab (with reliefs); stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 077; CDLI P467092.

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

Sennacherib 078

Threshold slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 078; CDLI P467093.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, had Egalzagdinutukua (the “Palace Without a Rival”) built anew to be his lordly residence inside Nineveh.

Sennacherib 079

Threshold slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 079; CDLI P467094.

Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had Egalzagdinutukua (the “Palace Without a Rival”) built anew to be his lordly residence inside the citadel of Nineveh.

Sennacherib 080 — Palace Inscription

Human-headed lion colossus; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 17 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 080; CDLI P467095.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, king of the world, king of Assyria, the almighty sovereign of all rulers.

Sennacherib 081

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 081; CDLI P467096.

(The inscription was not available for study so no edition if available)

Sennacherib 082

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 082; CDLI P467097.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, had the (inner) wall and outer wall of Nineveh built anew and raised as high as mountain(s).

Sennacherib 083

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 083; CDLI P467098.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had the (inner) wall and outer wall of Nineveh built anew and raised as high as mountain(s).

Sennacherib 084

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 084; CDLI P467099.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had the wall of Nineveh built anew.

Sennacherib 085

Slab; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 085; CDLI P467100.

[Palace of] Sennacherib, [king of] Assyria, who had (it) built using his [...].

Sennacherib 086

Door socket; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 086; CDLI P467101.

Palace of Sennacherib, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria: With the power of my scepter that the father of the gods, (the god) Aššur, had given me, I brought back (with me) precious kašurû-stone, whose mountain is far away, and I installed (it) underneath the pivots of the door leaves of the gates of my palace.

Sennacherib 087

Door socket; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 087; CDLI P467102.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 088 — Sennacherib [brick] A/B

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 29 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 088; CDLI P467103.

Palace of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 089 — Sennacherib [brick] C

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 24 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 089; CDLI P467104.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 090 — Sennacherib [brick] D

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 10 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 090; CDLI P467105.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, mighty king, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 091 — Sennacherib [brick] E

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 091; CDLI P467106.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, built a palace anew inside Nineveh.

Sennacherib 092 — Sennacherib [brick] F

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 32 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 092; CDLI P467107.

Palace of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria: He indeed built Egalzagdinutukua (the “Palace Without a Rival”) anew to be his lordly residence inside Nineveh.

Sennacherib 093 — Sennacherib [brick] F

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 093; CDLI P467108.

Palace [of Sennacherib, ...: He indeed built a palace anew] to be [his lordly] res[idence] inside Ni[neveh].

Sennacherib 094 — Sennacherib [brick] G

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 8 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 094; CDLI P467109.

Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had the (inner) wall and outer wall of Nineveh built anew and raised as high as mountain(s).

Sennacherib 095 — Sennacherib [brick] H

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 095; CDLI P467110.

(As for) the (inner) wall and outer wall of Nineveh, which had not been built previously, Sennacherib, [king of] Assyria, had (them) built [an]ew and [raised] as high as mountain(s).

Sennacherib 096 — Sennacherib [brick] I

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 096; CDLI P467111.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, built the wall of Nineveh anew.

Sennacherib 097 — Sennacherib [brick] I

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 097; CDLI P467112.

[Sennacherib], great [king], strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, built [the (inner) wall (and outer wall) of] Nineveh anew.

Sennacherib 098 — Sennacherib [brick] J

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 098; CDLI P467113.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of [Assyria], built a house in connection with the start of the work on the wall of Ninev[eh] for his son and ga[ve (it to him)].

Sennacherib 099 — Sennacherib [brick] K

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 14 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 099; CDLI P467114.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built a house at the same time as the laying of the foundation(s) of Nineveh and gave (it) to Aššur-šumu-ušabši, his son.

Sennacherib 100 — Sennacherib [brick] L

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). 4 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 100; CDLI P467115.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built a house at the same time as the laying of the foundation(s) of Nineveh and gave (it) to his son.

Sennacherib 101

Brick; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 101; CDLI P467116.

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

Sennacherib 102

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 102; CDLI P467117.

Palace of Sennacherib, king of Assyria: (This is) the audience gift that Abī-Baʾal, king of the land Samsimuru[na], presented to me.

Sennacherib 103

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 103; CDLI P467118.

[Palace of Sennac]herib, king of Assyria: [(This is) the audience gift that] Karib-il, [king of the land Saba], presented to me. [Whoever] places (it) [in] the service of a god [(or another) person (or) eras]es my inscribed name, [may] the deities Aššur, [...], Sîn, (and) Šamaš make [his name (and) his seed] disappear.

Sennacherib 104

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 104; CDLI P467119.

[Palace of Sennac]herib, king of Assyria: [(This is) the audience gift that] Karib-il, [king of the land Saba], presented to me. [Whoever ... may the deities ...], Šamaš, [...], Nabû, (and) Uraš [make his name (and) his seed disa]ppear.

Sennacherib 105

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 105; CDLI P467120.

[Palace of Sennacherib, king of] Assyria: [(This is) the audience gift that Karib-il, king of the land Sab]a, [...] ... [I was having] (it) incised. [Whoever eras]es [my inscribed name ... may the deities ...], (and) Uraš [make his name (and) his seed disapp]ear.

Sennacherib 106

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 106; CDLI P467121.

[Palace of Sennacherib, king of] Assyria: [(This is) the audience gift that Karib-il, king of the land Sa]ba, [...] ... I was having (it) incised. [Whoever eras]es [my inscribed name] (or) places (it) [in the service of a god (or another) pers]on, [may ... make his name (and) his seed] disappear.

Sennacherib 107

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 107; CDLI P467122.

[Palace of Sennacherib, king of] Assyria: [(This is) the audience gift that Karib]-il, [king of the land Saba, prese]nted to me. [Whoever places (it) in the serv]ice of a god [(or another) person (or) erases my] inscribed [name, may the deities Aššur, A]nu, Sîn, (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 108

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 108; CDLI P467123.

[Palace of Sennach]erib, king of [Assyria: (This is) the audience gift that] Karib-[il, king of the land Sab]a, prese[nted to me. Whoever] places (it) [in] the service of [a god (or another) person ...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 109

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 109; CDLI P467124.

[Palace of] Sennacherib, king of [Assyria: (This is) the aud]ience gift that (Nabû)-zēr-kitti-[līšir, son of] Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan) presented to me. [Whoever] erases [my] inscribed [name] (or) places (it) [in the serv]ice of a god (or another) person, may [(the god) Aššur] make his name (and) his seed disappear.

Sennacherib 110

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 110; CDLI P467125.

Palace of [Sennacherib], king of [Assyria: (This is) the audience gift] that [...] ... [...] prese[nted to me]. Whoever eras[es my inscribed name (or) places (it) in the service] of a god (or another) person, [may] (the god) Aššur [make his] name [(and) his seed disappear].

Sennacherib 111

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 111; CDLI P467126.

[Palace of Senn]acherib, king of Assyria. [Whoever] erases [my inscr]ibed [name] (or) places (it) [in the serv]ice of a god (or another) person, may [the deity ...] make [his name] (and) his seed disappear. [Booty of] the city Dumetu.

Sennacherib 112

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 112; CDLI P467127.

[Palace of Sennach]erib, king of Assyria. [Whoever] erases [my inscribed name] (or) places (it) [in the service of a god (or another) pers]on, may [the deities ...], Šamaš, Adad, [...], (and) Nergal make [his name (and) his seed] disappear. [Booty of the city Du]metu.

Sennacherib 113

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 113; CDLI P467128.

[Palace of Senn]acherib, king of [Assyria: Booty of] the city Dumetu. [Whoever] eras[es my inscr]ibed [name (or) places (it) in the serv]ice of a god (or another) person, [may the deities ...], Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, [..., (and) ... make his name (and) his seed disappear].

Sennacherib 114

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 114; CDLI P467129.

[Palace of Sennac]herib, [king of] Assyria: [Booty of the city] Dumetu. [Whoever eras]es my inscribed name (or) places (it) [in the service] of a god [(or another) person, may the deities Aššur], Sîn, (and) Šamaš [make his name (and)] his [seed dis]appear.

Sennacherib 115

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 115; CDLI P467130.

[Palace of Sennacherib], king of Assyria: [Booty of] the city Duma. [Whoever] erases [my inscribed name] (or) places (it) [in the service of a god] (or another) person, may [the deities ...], Ištar, [...], Nabû, (and) Uraš make [his name (and)] his [seed] disappear.

Sennacherib 116

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 116; CDLI P467131.

Palace of Sennach[erib, king of Assyria]: Booty of [...]. Whoever [erases] my inscribed name [(or) places (it)] in the service [of a god (or another) person, may] (the god) Aššur [make] his name (and) [his seed disappear].

Sennacherib 117

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 117; CDLI P467132.

[Palace of] Sennacherib, [king of Assyria]: (This is) ḫulālu-[stone], a product of Mount [...] my ... [...] I [was having (it) incised in] my presence. [Whoever] er[ases] my inscribed name [(or) places (it) in] the service of a god [(or another) person], may the deities Aššur, Sîn, [Šamaš, ...], Ištar, Bēl, [...] make his [name] (and) his seed disapp[ear].

Sennacherib 118

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 118; CDLI P467133.

[Palace of Sennach]erib, king of [Assyria: (This is) ...-stone from] Mount Za[...] ... [(...) Whoever places (it) in the serv]ice of [a god (or another) person (or) eras]es my inscr[ibed na]me, [may] the deities Aš[šur, ...], Šamaš, [(and ...) make his name (and) his seed] disappe[ar].

Sennacherib 119

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 119; CDLI P467134.

[Palace of] Sennach[erib, king of Assyria: (This is) papparmī]nu-[stone], a product [of ...] may [...] ... [... make his name] (and) his seed [disappear].

Sennacherib 120

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 120; CDLI P467135.

Palace of [Sennacherib], king of [Assyria]. Whoever eras[es] my [inscribed] name [(or) places (it)] in the service [of a god] (or another) person, may (the god) Aššur [make his] name (and) [his seed disappear].

Sennacherib 121

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 121; CDLI P467136.

[Palace of] Sennacherib, [king of] Assyria. [Whoever] erases [my] inscribed [name (or) places (it) in the serv]ice of a god [(or another) pers]on, [may the gods Aššur, Sîn], (and) Šamaš make [his name] (and) his seed disappear.

Sennacherib 122

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 122; CDLI P467137.

[Palace of] Sennac[herib, king of Assyria. Whoever erases my] inscribed [name (or) places (it) in the serv]ice of [a god (or another) person, may (the god) Aššur make his name] (and) his seed [disappear].

Sennacherib 123

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 123; CDLI P467138.

[Palace of Sennac]herib, king of [Assyria. Whoever] erases [my inscribed name] (or) places (it) [in the service of] a god (or another) person, may [the deities Aššur], Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, [...], (and) Uraš make [his name (and)] his [seed] disappear.

Sennacherib 124

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 124; CDLI P467139.

Palace of [Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Whoever erases] my [inscribed] name [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 125

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 125; CDLI P467140.

Palace of [Sennacherib, (...)] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 126

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 126; CDLI P467141.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [... Whoever erases] my inscribed [name (or) places (it) in the serv]ice of a god (or another) person, may [the deities ...], Sîn, Šamaš, [...], Bēl, (and) [... make his name] (and) his seed [disappear].

Sennacherib 127

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 127; CDLI P467142.

(Lacuna) [...] I [was having (it) incised in] my [presence. Whoever] eras[es my inscr]ibed [name (or) places (it) in the service] of [a god (or another) person] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 128

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 128; CDLI P467143.

(Lacuna) [Whoever places (it) in the service] of a god [(or another) person, may the deities Aššur], Sîn, [Šamaš, Adad, ...], Bēl, [... make his name (and) his seed disappear].

Sennacherib 129

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 129; CDLI P467144.

(Lacuna) [Whoever places (it) in the service of] a god (or another) person, may [the deities Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, [Adad, ...], Nabû, (and) [Uraš] make [his name (and) his seed] disapp[ear].

Sennacherib 130

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 130; CDLI P467145.

(Lacuna) [...] Whoever places (it) in [... (or another) pers]on [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 131

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 131; CDLI P467146.

(Lacuna) [... Whoever plac]es (it) [...], Adad, [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 132

Horse trough; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 132; CDLI P467147.

Palace of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: I had horse troughs of white limestone built so that fu[ng]us cannot carry (them) off (into death) in the future. I filled (the space) in front of these horse troughs under my warhorses’ feet with blocks of pappardilû-stone, papparmīnu-stone, (and) ḫulālu-stone, leftovers of my choice stones, as well as jasper, marble, breccia, pendû-stone, alallu-stone, girimḫilibû-stone, engisû-stone, alabaster, sābû-stone, ḫaltu-stone, (and) fragments of slabs (used in the building) of my palace.

Sennacherib 133

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 133; CDLI P467148.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, gave this naḫbuṣu-vessel to Aššur-ilī-muballissu, [my] son. Whoever should take it away from him, from his sons, (or from) his grandsons, may (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, take away his life, as well as (those of) his sons, (and) may he (lit. “they”) make their name(s) (and) their seed, as well as (those of) his advisors, disappear from the land.

Sennacherib 134

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 134; CDLI P467149.

[I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria], gave this kappu-vessel to Aššur-ilī-muballissu, my son. Who[ever should take it away from him, from his sons, (or from) his grandsons, may (the god) Aššur, king of the gods], take away [his life, as well as (those of) his sons, (and) may he (lit. “they”) make] their name(s) (and) [their seed], as well as (those of) his advisors, [disappear from the land].

Sennacherib 135

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 135; CDLI P467150.

Obverse

[Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of] Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), [(...) son of Sargon (II), (...) great king], strong [ki]ng, king of the world, king of Ass[yria, (king of the four quarters (of the world))]: [On] my [first campaign, I] brought about the defeat of Marduk-apl[a-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), (...) ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] ... [...] you, my god, have seen my handi[work ...] shrines in Akkad, earth, [...] ...

Sennacherib 136

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 136; CDLI P467151.

Obverse, Column i

Sennacherib, [great] king, [strong king], king of the world, king of Assyria, king of [the four quarters (of the world)], capable shepherd, favorite of the [great] gods, guardian of truth who loves jus[tice], renders assistance, goes to the aid of the w[eak], (and) strives after good de[eds], perfect man, virile warr[ior], foremost of all rul[ers], the bridle that controls the insub[missive], (and) the one who strikes en[emies] with lightning: The god Aššur, the [great] mountain, gran[ted to me] unrivalled sovereignty [and] made [my] w[eapons] greater than (those of) all who sit on [(royal) daises. He made] all of the black-headed (people) from the Upp[er] Sea [of the Setting Sun] to the Low[er] Sea [of the Rising Sun bow down at my feet]. Thus [did] recalcitr[ant] rulers [come to fear battle with me]. (Lacuna)

Reverse, Column i

(Lacuna) ... [...] I rai[sed as high as a mountain. ...] In order to [prevent its foundations from being weakened] by rain [(and ...)], I had a supporting wall built [(along)] the circumference of the wall of the city [...] (and) ... [...]. [I enlarged the site] of the citadel and Nineveh, [my] c[apital c]ity. I broade[ned] their squares [and] brought light into [the alleys and] streets, ma[king (them) as bright as day]. I had [a bridge] con[structed] opposite the Citadel Gate with paving ston[es of white limestone] for the passage of my lordly chariot. I fashioned an inscribed object and had all the mighty victories [that] I achi[eved (...)] over all of (my) enemies [and] all of my (other) achievements inscrib[ed thereon]. With inscribed objects of earl[ier] rulers, [my ancestors], I de[pos]ited (it) for [ever after] in the citadel wall of Nineveh, [my] ca[pital] city, for the kings, my descendants. At any time (in the future), may one of my descen[dants] (lit. “[future] children”), whom (the god) Aššur [names] for the lordship of the land and [people, renovate its dilapidated section(s)] when that wall becomes o[ld and dilapidated]. May he fin[d] an inscribed object bearing my name, [anoint (it) with oil], make an offering, (and) [return (it)] to [its] pla[ce]. The god Aššur and the goddess Ištar [will (then) hear his] pray[ers]. That which is upon the inscribed object that [...]; belonging to Senn[acherib ...].

Sennacherib 137

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 137; CDLI P467152.

(Lacuna) [...] they flew away [a]lone [...] to [inaccessible] place(s). [On my] first [campaign], I brought about [the defeat of] Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of Kar[duniaš (Babylonia), together with the troop]s of (the land) Elam, [his] al[lies, in the pla]in of Kish. [In the midst of] that [batt]le he abandoned [his camp, fl]ed [alone], and (thereby) [saved] his life. [I seized the chariots, horse]s, wagons, (and) [mules that] he had abandoned [in the thick of battle]. (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 138

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 138; CDLI P467153.

Obverse, Column i

(Lacuna) I def[eated] all together [..., Ubu]lu, Damunu, [Gambulu, Ḫin]daru, Ruʾuʾa, [Puqudu, Ḫam]rānu, Ḫagarānu, [Nabatu], (and) Liʾtaʾu, insubmissive [Arameans]. I carried off into As[syria] a sub[stantial] booty (consisting of) 208,000 people, young (and) old, male [and female], horses, mules, donkey[s, camels], oxen, (and) sheep and goats. In the course of [my] camp[aign], I rece[ived] a substantial payment from Nabû-bēl-šumāti, the official in charge of the city Ḫa[raratu (Ḫarutu)]: gold, silver, [large] musukkannu-trees, donkeys, camels, oxen, and [sheep and goats]. I put to the sword the population of the city Ḫirimmu, a dange[rous] enemy, and [I did] not [spare] a single one. I hung their corpses on poles [and] pl[aced] (them) around the city. I reor[ganized] that district (and) imposed for eternity one ox, ten sheep, ten homers of wine, (and) twenty homers of dat[es] as his first-fruits offerings to the gods of Assyria, my lords. On my second campaign, (the god) Aššur, my lord, encou[raged me and I marched] to the land of the Kassites and the land of the Ya[subi]gallia[ns], who since time immemorial had not submitted to [the kings, my] ancestors. In the hi[gh] mountains, [difficult terrain, I rode] on horseba[ck and had my personal chariot carried on (men’s) necks. ...] (Lacuna)

Reverse, Column i

I [added (archers and shield bearers)] to [my royal contingent. I divided up the rest of the substantial enemy booty ...] among [my entire camp and my governors], (Lacuna) who[se] plan [had been designed by the stars (lit. “writing”) of the firmament and whose arrangement] was made manifest [since time immemorial]; a sophist[icated] place (and) [site of secret lore in which] every [kind of skilled craftsmanship], all of [the rituals, (and) the secret(s) of] the lalgar (cosmic subterranean water) [are apprehended]; (Lacuna)

Reverse, Column ii

I measured (the terrace’s) dimensions. In order to prevent its foundation from being weakened over the passage of time [by] cresting flood(s), I surrounded its base with large limestone slabs (and thereby) reinforced its base. I inscribed objects bearing my name 160 courses of brick within the terrace and I deposited (them) deep down in its foundation for ever after. Afterwards, I decided to increase the heigh[t of] the terrace, and (then) I built up [20 co]urses of brick to the former (terrace) and (thus) I raised (it) to a (total) height of [1]80 courses of brick. I made [the a]rea larger than before, added (it) to the former dimensions of the palace, and (thus) enlarged its structure. I had a palace of breccia, alabaster, elephant ivory, ebony, boxwood, musukkannu-wood, cedar, cypress, juniper, and elammaku-wood, (a palace that I named) E[gal]zagdinutukua (the “Palace Without a Rival”), construc[ted] thereon as my royal residence. I planted alongside it (the palace) a botanical garden, a replica of Mount Amanus, which has all kinds of aromatic plants (and) fruit trees, trees that are the mainstay of the mountains and Chaldea, collected inside it. To plant gardens, I subdivided the meadowland upstream of the city into plots of four pānu each for the citizens of Nineveh and I handed (them) over to them. To make (those) planted areas luxuriant, I cut with iron picks a canal straight through mountain and valley, from the border of the city Kisiri to the plain of Ninev[eh]. I caused an inexhaustible supply of water to flow there for a distance of one and a half leagues from the Ḫusur River (and) made (it) gush through feeder canals into those gardens. By divine will, vines, all kinds of fruit trees, olive trees, and aromatic trees flourished greatly in (those) gardens. Cypress trees, musukkannu-trees, (and) all kinds of tree[s] grew tall and sent out shoots. I [created a mar]sh [to] moderate the flow of [water] for (those) garde[ns and had a canebr]ake [planted (in it)]. (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 139

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 139; CDLI P467154.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] he (Ispabāra) fl[ed far awa]y. I overwhel[med all of his wide land] like a fog. [I surrounded, conquered, destroyed, devastated, (and) bur]ned [with fire the cities Marubištu (and) Ak]kuddu, cities of [his] ro[yal] house, [together with thirty-four small(er) settlements] in [their] environs. I carrie[d off] people, young (and) [old, male and female, horses], mules, donkey[s, camels, oxen, and sh]eep and goats without number, [and (then) I brought him (Ispabāra) to nought and] made [his land] smaller. [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 140

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 140; CDLI P467155.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] ... [... In the high mountains, difficult terrain, I rode on horseback and had my personal chariot carried on (men’s) necks. In very rugged terrain] I roamed about on foot li[ke a wild bull]. I surrounded (and) conquered [the cities Bīt-Kilamzaḫ, Ḫardišpu, (and) Bīt-Kubatti, their for]tified [walled cities]. I brought out from them peop[le, horses, mules, donkeys, oxen, and sh]eep and goats, and I counted (them) as booty. [Moreover, I destroyed, devastated, (and) turn]ed into ruins [their small(er) settlements, which were without number. I bur]ned [with fire] pavilions (and) te[nts, their abodes], and reduced (them) to ashes. [I made that city Bīt-Kilamzaḫ a fortress again] (and) I strengthened its walls [more than be]fore, [and] (then) I settled [th]erein [the people of the lands that I had conquered]. I brou[ght down] from the mountains [the people of the land of the Kassites and the land of the Yasubigallians who had fled from my weapons and] I made (them) dwell [in the cities Ḫardišp]u (and) Bīt-Kubatti. [I placed th]em [under the authority of a eunuch of mine, the governor of the city Arrapḫa]. I had a stele made, had all the victorious conq[uests that] I ac[hieved] over them written [on] it, and I erected (it) in (that) city. [I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and took the road to the land Ellipi. Be]fore my arrival, Ispabāra, their king, aban[doned] his forti[fied] cities (and) his [tre]asury [and] fled far away. [I overwhelmed all of his wide land like a fog]. I surrounded, conqu[ered, destroyed], devastated, (and) burned with fire [the cities Marubištu (and) Ak]kuddu, cities of his royal house, together with thirty-four small(er) settlements [in] their [en]virons. I carried off [people, young (and) old, male and female, horses, mules, donkeys, cam]els, oxen, and sheep and goats without number, and (then) I [brought him (Ispabāra)] to nought and made his land smaller. I detached [fr]om his land [the cities Ṣi(ṣ)ṣirtu (and) Kummaḫlum, fortified cities, together with] the small(er) settlements in their environs (and) [the dis]trict of the land Bīt-Barrû in [its] ent[irety], and I added (this area) to the territory of Assyria. I took [the city Elenzaš as a royal city and a fortress for t]hat [district], and (then) I changed its former name and [cal]led it Kār-Sennach[erib. I settled therein the people of the lands that I had conquered]. I placed (it) [under] the authority of a eunuch of mine, the governor of the city Ḫar[ḫar], and (thus) en[larged] my land. [On my return march], I re[ceived a] substantial [payme]nt [from the distant Medes, of] whose land none of the kings, my ancestors, had heard mention. (Thus) I made them bow down [to the yoke of] my [lor]dship. [On my third campaign, I marched to the land Ḫatti]. Fear of [my] lordly brilliance overwhelmed [Lulî], the king of the city Sidon, and he fled a[far] into the midst of the sea. The awesome terror of the weapon of the god Aššur, my lord, overwhelmed [the cities Great Sidon, Lesser Sidon, Bīt-Zi]tti, Ṣarepta, Maḫalliba, Ušû, Ak[zi]bu, (and) Acco, [his fortified cities (and) fortresses, an area of pasture(s) and water-place(s)], resources upon which he relied, and they [bow]ed down at my feet. [I placed Tu-Baʾlu on his royal throne over them] and [imposed] upon him tribute (and) payment (in recognition) of my overlordship (to be delivered) yearly (and) without interruption. [As for Minuḫimmu of the city Samsimuruna, Tu-Baʾlu of the city Si]don, Abdi-Liʾ[ti of the city Arwa]d, [Ūru-Milki] of the city Byblos, [Mitinti of the city Ashdod, Būdi-il of the city Bīt-Ammon, Kammū]su-nadbi of [the land] Moab, Aya-rāmu of the land Edom, [all of the kings of the land Amurru], they brought [extensive gifts], four times (the normal amount), [as] their substantial [audience gi]ft before me and kissed [my] feet.

Reverse

[Moreover, (as for) Ṣidqâ, the king of the city Ashkelon who had not bowed down to] my [yo]ke, I forcibly removed the gods of his father’s house, himself, his wife, his sons, his daughters, his brothers, (and other) offspring of his father’s house and took him to Assyria. I set [Šarru-lū-dāri, son of Rūkibtu, their former king, over the people of the city] Ashkelon and imposed upon him the payment of tribute (and) gifts (in recognition) of my overlordship so that he (now) pulls my yoke. [In the course of my campaign], I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered [the cities Bīt-Daganna, Joppa, Ban]ayabarqa, (and) Azuru, the cities of Ṣidqâ that had not submitted to me quickly. [(As for) the governors, the nobles, and the people of the city Ekron who] had thrown [Pad]î, their king who was bound by treaty and oaths to Assyria, into iron fetters and who had handed him over to Hezekiah of the land Judah in a hostile manner, [they became frightened on account of the villainous acts they had committed]. They formed a confederation with [the kings of Egypt (and) the a]rchers, chariots, (and) horses of the king of the land Meluḫḫa, forces without number, and they came to their aid. [In the plain of the city Eltekeh], they sharpened their weapons while drawing up [in battleline before me]. With the support of the god Aššur, my lord, I fought with them and defeated them. In the thick of battle, I captured alive [the Egyptian charioteers (and) princes (lit. “the sons of the kings”), together with the char]ioteers of the king of the land Meluḫḫa. [I surrounded, conquered, (and) plun]dered [the cities Eltekeh (and) Tamnâ]. I approached the city Ekron and I killed the governors (and) nobles who had committed crime(s) and hung their corpses on towers around the city; [I counted the citizens who had committed the criminal acts as booty]; (and) I commanded that the rest of them, (those) who were not guilty of crimes or wrongdoing, (to) whom no penalty was due, be allowed to go free. [I] brought out [Padî, their king, from the city Jerusalem] and placed (him) on the lordly throne over [th]em, and (then) I imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship. [(As for) Hezekiah of the land Judah, who had not submitted to my yoke], I surrounded (and) conquered [forty-six of his] fortified [walled cities] and small(er) settlements in [th]eir environs, which were without number, [by having ramps trodden down and battering rams brought up, the assau]lt of foot soldiers, sapping, [breaching, and] siege engines. I brought out of them [200,150 people, young (and) old, male and female, horses, m]ules, donkeys, camels, ox[en, and sheep and goats, which] were without number, and I counted (them) as booty. [As for him (Hezekiah)], I confined him [inside the city Jerusalem], his royal [city, like a bird in a cage. I set up] blockade[s against him and] made him dread [exiti]ng his city gate. [I detached from his land the cities of his that I had plundered and] I gave (them) [to Mi]tinti, the king of the city Ashdo[d, and Padî, the king of the city Ekron, (and) Ṣilli-Bēl], the king of the land Gaza, and (thereby) made his land smaller. [To the former tribute, their annual giving, I added the payment (of)] gifts (in recognition) of [my] overlordship [and im]posed (it) upon them (text: “him”). [As for him, Hezekiah, fear of my lordly brilliance overwhelmed him] and, [after my (departure), he had] the auxiliary forces and [his elite troops whom] he had brought inside [to strengthen the city Jerusalem], his royal city, thereby gaining reinforcements, [along with 30 talents of gold, 800 talents of silver, choice antimony, large blocks of] ..., [ivory beds, armchairs of ivory, elephant hide(s), elephant ivory, ebony], boxwood, every kind of valuable treasure, [as well as his daughters, his palace women, male singers, (and) female singers brought into Nineveh, my capital city, and] he sent a mounted messenger of his [to me to deliver (this) payment and] to do obeisance. [On my fourth campaign, ... they ent]rusted him [with ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 141

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 141; CDLI P467156.

(Lacuna) [...] I marched [... every] kind of [valuable] treasu[re, ...] ... and Akk[ad ...] [... to (the city) Nagī]te-raqqi, which is in the midst of the s[ea. ...] the land Bīt-Yakīn and within the sw[amps ...] [... I poured out awe-inspiring brilliance upon] his [al]ly, the king of (the land) Ela[m. ...] I confined them within the marshes [...] [From the booty of those lands that I had plundered], I conscripted [10,000 archers (and) 10,000 shield bearers] and [added (them)] to [my royal] contin[gent. I divided up the rest of the substantial enemy booty like sheep and goats among my entire camp and] my [governor]s, (and) the people of [my great] cult centers. [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 142

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 142; CDLI P467157.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [Būdi-il of] the land Bīt-Ammon, [Kammūsu-nadbi of the land Moab, Aya-rāmu of the land Edom, all of the king]s of the land Amurru, [they brought extensive gifts, four] times (the normal amount), [as their substantial audience gift] before me [and kissed my feet]. [Moreover], (as for) Ṣidqâ, the king of the city Ashkel[on who had not bowed down to my yoke, I forcibly removed the gods of] his father’s house, himself, his wife, [his] sons, [his daughters, his brothers, (and other) offspring of his father’s house and took him to Assyria]. [I set Šarru]-lū-dāri, son of Rūkibtu, [their former king, over the people of the city Ashkelon and imposed upon him the pay]ment of tribute (and) gifts (in recognition) of my overlordship [so that he (now) pulls my yoke]. [I]n the course of my campaign, [I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered] the cities Bīt-[Daganna, Joppa, Banayabarqa, (and) Azuru, the citi]es of Ṣidqâ that [had not submitted] to m[e quickly]. (As for) [the g]overnors, the nobles, and the people of the city Ekro[n who] had thrown [Padî, their king who was bound by treaty and oaths to Assyria], into iron [fe]tters and [who had handed him over] to [Hezekiah of the land Judah in a hostile manner], they became frightened on account of the villainous acts they had committed. [They formed a confederation with the kings of Egypt (and) the archers, chariots, (and) horses] of the king of the land Meluḫḫa, forces [without number, and they came to their aid]. In the plain of the city Eltekeh, [they sharpened their weapons while drawing up in battleline before me]. With the support of the god Aššur, my lord, [I fought] with th[em and defeated them]. In [the thick of battle, I captured] alive the Egyp[tian] charioteers (and) princes (lit. “the sons of the kings”), [together with the charioteers of the king of the land Meluḫḫa]. I surrounded, [conquered, (and) plundered] the cities Eltekeh (and) Tamnâ. [I approached the city Ekron and I killed] the governor[s] (and) nobles who had com[mitted] crime(s) [and hung their corpses on towers around the city; I counted] the citizens who had com[mitted the criminal acts as booty; (and) I commanded that the rest of them, (those) who were not guilty of crimes] or wrongdoing, [(to) whom no penalty was due, be allowed to go free].

Reverse

[I brought out] Padî, [their] king, [from the city Jerusalem and placed (him)] on the [lordly] throne [over them, and (then) I imposed upon him payment (in recognition) of my overlordship]. (As for) Hezekiah [of the land Judah, I surrounded (and) conquered forty-six of his fortified walled cities and small(er) settlements in their environs, which were without number], by having [ramps] trodden down [and battering rams brought up, the assault of foot soldiers, sapping, breaching, and siege engines. I brought out of them] 200,150 [people, young (and) old, male and female, horses, mules, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep and goats], which were without [number, and I counted (them) as booty]. (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 143

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 143; CDLI P467158.

Obverse, Column i

(Lacuna) [I ruined the wide district of the land Judah (and) imposed my yoke on Hezekia]h, [its] kin[g]. I put [to] the sword [the people of the city Tumurrum, who live on a rugged mountain (Mount Nipur)]. I destroyed [the city Ukku, together with every one of its settlements, (so that they looked) like a ruin hill (created by) the Delu]ge. I struck down [with the sword the people of the land Ḫilakku, who live in the hig]h [mountains]. [I conquered and pl]undered [the city Tīl-garimmu, which is on the border of the land Tabal]. [The cities Nagītu (and) Nagītu-diʾbina, the lands Ḫilmu, Pill]atu, (and) Ḫupapanu, [districts (of the king of the land Elam) that are situ]ated [on the other shore of the sea, in which the people of the land Bīt-Yakīn — having, because of my mighty weapons, dislodged the gods of] the (full) extent of their land [from their abodes (and) crossed the sea — took up residen]ce inside: (i 10´) I crossed [the sea in boats of the land Ḫatti, which I had built in Nineveh and the city Tīl-Barsip. I conquered and burned with fire the cities in those districts], (and) I tu[rned (them) in]to a mound of ruins (lit. “a mound and ruins”). [I carried off the people of the land Bīt-Yakīn and their gods, together with soldiers of the king of the land Elam, and I br]ought (them) [to Assyria]. (No translation possible) (Lacuna)

Obverse, Column ii

(Lacuna) [...] who [...] be[cause ...] during [...] (Lacuna) (The text on the reverse is not edited here)

Sennacherib 144

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 144; CDLI P467159.

(Lacuna) [...] I ma[rched ...] After[wards, (he), the k]ing of the land Elam, [the lands Parsuaš, Anzan, Paširu], (and) Ellipi, the entirety of Chaldea, and [all of the Arameans, a large host], formed a confederation with him. [They met up] with the king of Ba[bylon (and) the citizens of Babylon] (and) Borsippa [and they ...] as far as the city Ḫal[ulê] to do battle. [I myself prayed t]o the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, [Nabû, Nergal], (Rest of the inscription missing) (The royal decree on the reverse is not edited here)

Sennacherib 145

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 145; CDLI P467160.

[I myself pra]yed [to the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, the gods wh]o support [me, for victory over (my) strong enemy] and [they immediately heeded my prayers (and) cam]e to my aid. [...] I raged up [like a] ferocious [...], and (then) [put on armor] (and) placed [a helmet suitable for] combat on my head. [In] my [ange]r, I rode quickly [in my exalted battle chariot, which lays enemies low]. I took in my hand [the mighty bow that the god Aššur had granted to me] (and) [I g]rasped in m[y] hand [an arrow that cuts off life]. [...] ... I thunder[ed] like the god Adad (No translation possible) (Lacuna) [...] ... [...] The whe[els of my war chariot, (which lays criminals and villains low), were ba]thed [in blood and gore]. I filled the pl[ain with the corpses of their warriors like grass. I cut off (their) lips and (thus destroyed their pride)]. I cut off [their] han[ds like the stems of cucu]mbers. I rece[ived gold (and) shining silver sling straps from] their [wrists] (and) slash[ed off th]eir [belts with sharp swords]. I to[ok away gold (and) silver (decorated) belt-daggers from] their [waists]. [(As for) the rest of his magnates, including Nabû-šuma]-iškun, a son of [Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), who] had raised [their] arms [because they were terrified of doing battle with me, I ca]ptured [them alive ...]. [...] with (their) mules. [The king of Babylon and the king of the Elam] abandon[ed thei]r [tents (and), in order to save their lives], they trampled [the corpses of thei]r [troops] as they pus[hed on]. [Their] hearts [throbb]ed [like the pursued young of pigeons, they passed their urine hotly], (and) released [their] exc[rement inside their chariots]. (No translation possible) (Lacuna) (The royal decrees on the reverse are not edited here)

Sennacherib 146

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 146; CDLI P467161.

Obverse

[A] Chaldea[n (Šūzubu), ... a rash fellow, a] chariot fighter, a servant who belonged to the [governor of the city Laḫīru, (...) who in the time of my father fled like a bird on a]ccount of the beating of the ...-official and the tearing out (of his hair) [... and] wandered about in the open country, [who entered Babylon] when there was rebellion and [revolt (...) and] was reckoned as one of them: They (the Babylonians) exalted him over them and [they entrusted him with] the king[ship of the land of Sumer and Akkad]. To Babylon, which was very guilty, [... (wherein) Šūzubu, a Chaldean, son of a nobody], a person of lowly status who has no streng[th, ..., was appointed as ... of Babylon]: The people of Babylon who had rebelled (and) the Chaldeans, [Arameans, (...) fugitives, (and) runaways] who had banded toge[ther] with them in exchange for gifts and bribes [... and they took an oath]. They (the Babylonians) opened the treasury of Esagil and s[ent] my gift(s) — the silver, gold, (and) precio[us stones that] I had given as presents [to the god Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Zarpanītu], the property (and) possession(s) of the temple of the[ir] gods — [as a bribe to Umman-menanu (Ḫumban-menanu), the king of the land Elam], who does not have sense or insight. [... previously and] they took an oath. [They gave him the order] to muster his army (and) to [...]. He gathered his army, [inspected] (his) chariots (and) wago[ns, ...] [The lands Parsu]aš, Anzan, Paširu, (and) E[llipi, the people of Yasiʾil, Lakab(e)ra, (and) Ḫarzunu, (and) the cities Dum]muqu, Sulā[ya, ...] (Lacuna)

Left Edge

(No translation possible)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] for evil against the land [...]. (As for) any futu[re] ruler [who ... changes and ...] by some craf[ty] device, [erases ...], may the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, [Šamaš, Adad, ...] all of [the gods of Assyria, make] their name, [their] seed, [their offspring, (and) their progeny disappear ...]. (Lacuna?)

Sennacherib 147

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 147; CDLI P467162.

Obverse

[A Chaldean (Šūzubu), ...] ... a rash fellow, [a chariot fighter, a servant who belonged to the governor of the city Laḫīru, (...) w]ho in the time of my father fled [li]ke a bird [on account of the beating of the ...-official and the tearing out (of his hair) ...] and [wandered about in the open country], who entered [B]abylon [when there was rebellion and revolt (...)] and [was reckoned as one of them: They (the Babylonians) exalted him over them and] they entrusted him with [the kingship of the land of Sumer and Akkad]. [To Babylon, which was very guilty, ... (wherein) Šūzubu], a Chaldean, son of a nobody, [a person of lowly status who has no strength, ...], was appointed as [...] ... of Babylon: [The people of Babylon who had rebelled (and) the Chaldeans, Arameans, (...)] fugitives, (and) runaways [who had banded together with them in exchange for gifts and bribes ...] ... and they took an oath. [They (the Babylonians) opened the treasury of Esagil and sent my gift(s) — the silver, gold, (and) precious stones that I had given as presents to the g]od Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Zarpanītu, [the property (and) possession(s) of the temple of their gods — as a bribe to Umman-men]anu (Ḫumban-menanu), the king of the land Elam, [who does not have sense or insight. ...] ... previously and [they took an oath. They ga]ve him the order [to muster his army (and) to ... He gathered his army, inspected (his) chariots (and) wagons, ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [(As for) any future ruler who ... ch]anges and [... by some crafty device, era]ses [..., may the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, ... all of the gods of] Assyria, make [their name, their seed, their offspring, (and) their progeny di]sappear [...]. [...]

Sennacherib 148

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 148; CDLI P467163.

(Lacuna) [...] they trusted and [...] in the strength of ... [...] they were lined up [...], and (then) they rejoiced (and) were full of joy. [...] in my great strength, which (the god) Aššur, king of the gods [...]. I did not rely on [...], but trusted in (the god) Aššur, my god. I myself prayed to [the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Nergal, (...) Iš]tar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Bēl, Nabû, ... [... the god]s who support me, for victory over the army of (my) enemy [and they immediately heeded my prayers (and) ca]me to my aid. Like a raging lion [... I put on arm]or (and) plac[ed] a helmet suitable for combat [on my head]. In [my] ange[r, I rode quickly in my exalted battle chariot, which lays en]emies [low]. (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 149

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 149; CDLI P467164.

Obverse

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: In the mighty mountains, wherein there is not (even) a (piece of) straw (or) a splinter of wood for sustaining a shepherd, wherein (even) the tough tree trunks of eʾru-trees grow flat on the ground, (and) between which a strong, steady wind never ceases to blow — where I pitched my camp, no other living (man) had (ever) brought a tent. I, myself, together with my troops, travelled over them with difficulty. Bīt-Kubat.

Reverse

Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), became frightened by my battle array; he shred his lordly garments and quickly departed from Babylon. Šūzubu, a usurper king who had taken the kingship of Babylon for himself: Terror of doing battle with me fell upon him; he lost consciousness (and) fell from (his) horse to the ground. [(...)] the land of Sumer. [(...)] the land of Emeluḫḫa (Meluḫḫa).

Sennacherib 150

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 150; CDLI P467165.

Obverse

Se[nnacherib, ...]. Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan) [...] became frightened by his (Sennacherib’s) battle array; [...] he quickly de[parted from] Babylon [(...)]. Sennacherib, king of the world, king of [Assyria, ...] in joy and happ[iness ...] into Babylon, into the pal[ace ...] fine oil (fit) for anointing a kin[g ...].

Reverse

(The list of names is not edited here)

Sennacherib 151

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 151; CDLI P467166.

Obverse, Column i

I fill[ed in (and) measu]red a terrace [... 268] large aslu-cubits along the inner, shorter side, [(which is) opposite] the zamû-wall of the shrine behind (the temple of) the goddess Ištar, [443] large aslu-cubits along the [other, pa]rallel, inner shorter side, (which is) on the west [behind the zig]gurrat of the temple of the goddess Ištar, (and) [386] large [as]lu-cubits along the lower, [southern] shorter side, [(which is) beside the] Tigris [River]. So that the construction of [my] pala[ce might be carried out correctly and] that my handiwork be comp[leted, at that time, the god Aš]šur and the goddess [Ištar revealed to me the presence of whit]e [limestone] in the city [Balāṭāya. ...] (Lacuna)

Reverse, Column i

(Lacuna) [... In total, eight gates (facing) the] rising [sun], towards [the south and east, (and) I gav]e them (these) names. [“The God Adad Is the Provider of Pro]sperity to the Land”: [(this is) the] Adad [Gate], which (leads to) the game preserve. “[The God Erra Is the One Who] Cuts Down My Enemies”: [(this is) the Nergal Gate], which (leads to) the city Tarbiṣu. “[The God Igisigsig Is the One Who] Makes Orchards Flourish”: [(this is) the Gate of the Garden]s. In total, three gates [(facing) towards] the north (and) I gave them (these) names. “[The God Ea Is the One Who] Properly Directs (Water Flow into) My Cisterns”: [(this is) the M]ašqû [Gate]. “The One Who Brings in [Income from] the Settlements”: (this is) the Quay Gate.

Sennacherib 152

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 152; CDLI P467167.

Obverse

[Sennacher]ib, great king, str[ong] king, [king of the world, king of Assyria], king of the [fou]r quarters (of the world), favorite of the great gods: [The god Aššur (...) made] (all of) the insubmissi[ve] kings [from the rising sun] to the setting sun [bow down at his feet and] they (now) pull his yoke. At that time, during [... the Rear Palace, which] is inside Nineveh, f[or ...] mules ... [...] the submission of [...] to the yoke and [...] the overseeing of everything, as much as th[ere was, ...] who I made bow down at my feet ... [...] [...] pendû-stone — a stone for speaking (and) being accepted, [(as well as) making] st[orms pass by], (and) keeping the rābiṣu-demon away from a man, (and) which was joyfully brought from the foot of [Mount] N[ipur] — breccia, a sto[ne for ... (and) keeping] the ziqtu-illness (and) fear away from a man — ...] ... [...] ... [... u]pon [it ...] ... [...]

Reverse

(Reverse completely missing)

Sennacherib 153

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 153; CDLI P467168.

Obverse

When (the god) Aššur, king of the gods of heaven and netherworld, [...], the father of all of the gods, foremost of ... [...] the exalted circumspect one who [is surpassing] in insight, [...], the one who gives scepter, th[rone, (and) reign, ...]; (5) the goddess Mullissu, the consort of (the god) Aššur, ruler of all of the god[s, ...] who through her command [...]; the god Sîn, lord of decisions, bearer of powerful horns, [...] who [...] to give commands [...]; the god Šamaš, great judge of the gods who makes lig[ht] go forth, [...] (10) who by his bright light [...]; the god Anu, supreme lord, scion of (the god) Aššur, father of the gods, [...]; the god Adad, canal inspector of heaven and earth, lord of wind and lightning, [...] giver of sustenance to the creatures of the god [Sumuqan (Šakkan), ...]; the goddess Ištar, queen of the heavens and stars who ... [...]; (15) the god Marduk, sage of the gods, incantation priest of the Igīgū and A[nunnakū] gods, [...]; the god Ninurta, son of the god Enlil, perfect, foremost of [...] who stands [...] and ... [...]; the god Nabû, vizier of (the god) Aššur, [...]; the god Nergal, the lord of strength and power who [...]; (20) the god Palil, the leader, forem[ost of ...]; the Sebetti, valiant gods, [...]; the great gods, [my] lords, [...]: They (the gods) searched all of [...] and [...] they looked [(...)] upon me (Sennacherib) [...] the god Sîn, the goddess Ning[al, ...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) his palace [... I made six steles (and) I fashioned] image(s) of the great gods, [my lords, upon them. Moreover, I had a royal image of myself expressing humility (lit. “one who strokes the nose”) placed before them. I had] all of [my] hand[iwork that I had undertaken in Nineveh inscribed upon them and I left (them) for ever after] for the kings, my descendants. [At any time (in the future), a future ruler, one of the kings, my descendants], who [desecrates] the work that I have done, [dismantles the (canal) system that I have constructed, (or) diverts the flow of] the waters of the[se] canals [from the plain of Nineveh: May] the great gods, as many as [are named] in [this] st[ele], by their holy decree, which cannot be al[tered, curse him with a harsh curse and (overthrow his dynasty). May they make] him and his advisors, their name, their seed, [their offspring, (and) their progeny disappear ...]. That which is (written) on [...]

Sennacherib 154

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 154; CDLI P467169.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] who before [...] ... seas [..., who] does not have a ri[v]al [in ...] lands, ... [...] who loves justice, goes to the aid of the weak, [...] ... [... the bridle that co]ntrols the insubmissive, (and) the one who strikes [enemies] with lightning, [...] whose dominion is more praised, the builder of [Assyria, ... the one who destroys] its settlements, the one who has canals dug, the one who op[ens up streams, ..., the one who establishes abun]dance and plenty ... [...] Assyria [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] Its [(sluice) gate] was not open[ed through the work of human hands. According to the heart’s desire of the gods, I made (it) gurgle with water. After I inspect]ed [the canal] and made sure [its construction was performed correctly, I offered pure] sacrifices [of fattened oxen (and) an abun]dance [of sheep to the great gods, who march at my side (and) who make my reign secure. I clo]thed [those men who dug out this canal with linen garments (and) garments with multi-colored trim, (and) I placed gold rings (and) gold pectorals on th]em. ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 155

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 155; CDLI P467170.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] did not know, moa[t(s) ... the one who makes brickwork structures (lit. “the craft of the god Kulla”) secure, from buildings for the living to tombs be]fitting the dead (made) from l[imestone, ...]: [(The god) Aššur], the one who regulates the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, the father of al[l of the gods, ...] made [my weapons] gre[ater than (those of) al]l who sit on (royal) daises. [... From] from the Upper Sea of the Setting [Sun to the Lower Sea of the Rising Sun] he made [(all of) the rulers of the (four) qua]rters (of the world) bow down at my feet and th[ey (now) pull my yoke]. [At that time, Nineveh, the] exalted [cult cent]er, ... [... who]se site had become too small, the outstanding city [...] ... and which in former days, its site [no] one [...] ... Egalzagdinu[tukua (the “Palace Without a Rival”) ...] ... [... Moreover, its people did not know artificial irrigation, but] had [their eyes] turn[ed for rain (and) showers from the sky. ...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [...] I provided irrigat[ion annually for the cultivation of grain and sesame]. [(To) a later ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, who del]iberates (the matter) [in (his) heart but is not able to believe (it) (and) says “How did he have this canal dug] out [with (only) these few men?”: I swear] by the god Aššur, my [great] god, [that I dug out this canal with (only) these men. Moreover], I completed [the work on it within one year] (and) three months; [... was completed (and) I finished its excavation]. [In order to open] that canal, [I sent] an exorcist (and) [a lamentation singer and ... Carnelian, lapis lazuli], muššāru-stone, pappardilû-stones, [precious] stone[s, turtles (and) tortoises whose likeness(es) are cast in silver (and) gold, aromatics], (and) fine oil, I gave [as gifts] to the god Ea, [the lord of underground waters, cisterns, and ..., (and to) the god Enbilulu, the inspector of canals, (and) the god Enʾeʾimdu, the lord of] dike(s) and canal(s). [I prayed to the great gods; they heeded my supplications and ma]de [my] hand[iwork] prosper. [This (sluice) gate of the watercourse opened by itself without (the help) of spade or shovel and] let [an abundance of water] flow through. [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 156

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 156; CDLI P467171.

Tukultī-Ninurta (I), king of the world, son of Shalmaneser (I), king of Assyria: Booty of Kardu(niaš) (Babylonia). As for the one who removes my inscription (and) my name, may (the god) Aššur (and) the god Adad make his name disappear from the land. This seal was given as a gift from Assyria to Akkad. I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, after six hundred years conquered Babylon and took it out from the property of Babylon. Property of Šagarakti-Šuriaš, king of the world. Tukultī-Ninurta (I), king of the world, son of Shalmane(ser) (I), king of Assyria: [Booty] of Karduniaš (Babylonia). As for the one who removes my inscription (and) my name, may (the god) Aššur (and) the god Adad make his name disappear from the land. Property of Šagarakti-Šuriaš, king of the world. That which was (engraved) upon a seal of lapis lazuli.

Sennacherib 157

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 157; CDLI P467172.

Obverse

You [will write] as follows upon the small seal-shaped pearl that [...]: Palace of Sennacherib, king of As[syria]: I had a stone that I carri[ed here from the city] Gala[...] I was having (it) inc[ised in] my [presence]. Whoev[er] era[ses my inscribed name (or) places] (it) in the servi[ce of a god] or (another) pe[rson, may the deities Aš]šur, Sîn, (and) Šamaš [make] his name (and) his seed [disappear].

Reverse

Palace of Sennacherib, ki[ng of Assyria]: I had a stone that I carried here from the city Gala[...] I was having (it) inc[ised] in my presence. Whoever e[rases] my inscribed name (or) [places (it) in the serv]ice of a god or [(another) person], may the deities [Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Adad, Ištar, (and) [...] make his na[me] (and) his seed disapp[ear].

Sennacherib 158

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 158; CDLI P467173.

Obverse

Inscription A

(Lacuna) [... f]or oracl[es ... May] the Igīgū gods ... [...] May the Anunnakū gods reverently [look after] the skillfully crafted things that [I ...] in [...].

Inscription B

[The Ta]blet of Destinies, the bond of supreme pow[er], dominion over the gods of heaven and netherw[orld], sovereignty over the Igīgū and Anu[nnakū] gods, [the se]cret of the heavens and the netherwo[rld, the b]ond of the cover of the heavens (lit. “Anu”) and the netherworld (Ganzer), the lead-rope of ma[nkind, wh]ich (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, took in his hand and held [at his breast — a re]presentation of his form, a replica of his proper appearance, [is ...] on it (the Tablet of Destinies): He grasps [in his] hand [the le]ad-rope of the great heavens, the bond of the [Igīgū] and Anunnakū gods. He (Sennacherib) had an image of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of [Assyria], the one who fashioned image(s) of the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, Šam[aš], Adad, Bēlet-ilī, (and) Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuri, [the shep]herd who expresses humility (lit. “one who strokes the nose”), the agent of (the god) Aššur, his lord, placed [in fr]ont of the representation of (the god) Aššur, his lord. [O Aššur, fat]her of heaven, king of the gods, the one who decrees f[at]es, [on]ly you hold the Tabl[et of] Destinies of the gods in your h[and]s. Look after the reign of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and determine as my fate a [go]od destiny, a destiny of good health, (and) kingship. Lift up my head among al[l] who sit on (royal) daises, so that (rev. 5) the foundation of my [th]rone will be as secure as a mountain until the di[stant] future. For me, the one who provides for you, make [all of the land]s from ea[st to] we[st] sub[mit] to my yoke (so that) [the peo]ple, the black-headed, pray to [you (and so that) my sons], my [gran]dsons, [my] dynasty, (and) [my progeny] end[ure for]ever with the black-headed (people).

Reverse

(Lacuna?)

Sennacherib 159

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 159; CDLI P467174.

To (the god) Aššur, king of all of the gods, the one who created himself, father of the great gods, whose form took its beautiful shape in the apsû, king of heaven and netherworld, lord of all gods, the one who molds the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, the one who formed the cover of the heavens (lit. “the god Anu”) and the netherworld, creator of the whole of the inhabited world, (5) the one who dwells in the bright firmament, the Enlil of the gods, the one who decrees fates, (and) the one who dwells in Ešarra, which is in Baltil (Aššur), the great lord, his lord: [Sennach]erib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, had a kettledrum of reddish bronze, ca[st by ...], (10) which is covered with leather through the craft of the deity Šikaggu, [...], skillfully made fo[r his life], the prolongation of his days, his happiness, the securing of [his] reign, [...], and to rec[oncile him (Aššur) ...] and to appease his heart ... [...] on the fifth day, the seventh day, [...] and the festival [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 160

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 160; CDLI P467175.

Obverse

Sennacherib, king of Assy[ria], the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods: [Through] divination, at the command of the gods Šamaš and [Adad, I built] the akītu-house of the steppe for the [qerītu]-festival, which had been forgotten for a long time. I named it [Eabb]augga, “House (where) Tiāmat Is Put to Death.” I named its cella Edubduba[bba, “House that Makes] the Host of Tiāmat [Trem]ble.” [Through] the craft of the deity Ninagal [and] my own expertise, I had a gate of reddish bronze made that is entirely (one single) metal b[and]. Acco[rding to] the command that the gods Šamaš and Adad gave me through divination, I depicted on this gate an image of [(the god) Aššur, who] is going to fight [Tiāmat], (showing) the bow as he carries (it), in the chariot which he rides, (and) the Deluge [which he has h]arnessed, (and) the god Amurru as the driver who rides with him. According to the command of the gods Šamaš and Adad, I depicted on this gate (a scene showing) the god[s, as many as] go in front of him and go behind him, those who ride in vehicles (and) those who go on foot; [th]eir pos[itions] as they are arrayed before (the god) Aššur and arrayed behind (the god) Aššur; (and) Tiāmat, <with> the creatures (created) [inside] her, against whom (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, goes to fight. According to the command of the gods Šamaš and Adad, ditto (= I depicted on this gate a scene showing) the rest of the gods who go on foot. [Acco]rding to the command of the gods Šamaš and Adad, I did not depict (the scene) before Aššur captures Tiāmat, carries off the beasts of Tiāmat, gives [...] his [...]s as they run about on foot like this one, [...] who are not depi[cted] with them. I put in writing (the details of the scene) on this gate an[d] splendidly erected (it) [...] in silver, gold, (and) bronze.

Reverse

To break down utensils of silver, gold, (and) [reddish] bronze, to melt down (metal) from 1,000 talents to one shekel, (and) to smelt (them) together: (20) I myself, the one who understands their technique (and) who grasps their casting, have mastered (these skills). If you do not believe (the record of) the casting of this bronze, I (hereby) swear by the king of the gods, (the god) Aššur, the god who created me, where this inscription is written down and where the image of (the god) Aššur and the image of the gods, as many as go to fight against Tiāmat with him, are depicted, that I myself had this metal-work cast. So that it will be known to future generations: (25) I increased therein the amount of tin. Know through this that I myself had this metal-work cast. The image of (the god) Aššur, who goes to fight against Tiāmat. The image of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. The deities Šarur, Šargaz, Kakka, Nusku, Mandānu, Tišpak, Ninurta of the Wall, Kusu, Ḫaya, (and) the Sebetti — these are the gods who go in front of (the god) Aššur. The deities Mullissu, Šērūa, Sîn, Ningal, Šamaš, Aya, Kippat-māti, (30) Anu, Antu, Adad, Šala, Ea, D[amqina, (...)], Bēlet-ilī, (and) Ninurta — these are the gods who [g]o behind (the god) Aš[šur]. The victorious weapon is placed in the chariot of (the god) Aššur. Tiāmat with the creatures (created) inside her.

Sennacherib 161

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 161; CDLI P467176.

Obverse

[To (the god) Aššur], the king of the gods, the father of the gods, the lofty one, the creator, the great god, [the one who molds] the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, the one who holds the lead-rope of the [great] heavens, (the) deep-hearted (one) who deliberates (only) with himself, the assiduous one, [the regu]lator, the one who decrees fates, the splendid one, the perfect one, (5) [the l]eader of absolutely everything, controller of the gods of heaven (and) netherworld; the exalted force that makes devastation come like the Deluge to the land where there is negligence (and) [har]dship, who makes a destructive flood sweep over all four quarters (of the world) — which are unsubmissive to his governor (Sennacherib) — so that (10) tribute and payment is imposed upon them (and) so that they carry their (work) baskets daily, without interruption; the lord of everything who holds the lead-rope of heaven and netherworld, the one who dwells in Eḫursagkurkur<ra> — the awe-inspiring shrine, exalted sanctuary, (and) holy dwelling place — the awesome radiance (and) awe-inspiring luminosity that (15) has mercy on their governor(s), his great [..., who] quickly accepts [supplicat]ions (and) prayers addressed to him, [who] makes his angry weapons rage [against] the unyielding, [...] the road to joy, [...] ... weapons [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [The leg(s) of the b]ed are [one and] two-thirds cubits, measured by the royal cubit. The length of the thr[one] is [three and] one-thirds cubits, measured by the royal cubit. Its width is [one and] two-thirds cubits. Water surrounds lamassu-figures. There are four lamassu-figures on the two rungs of the sides; two ditto (= lamassu-figure) on the frontpiece. The entire throne: The length of the kitturru is one and two-thirds cubits. (Its) height is two-thirds of a cubit. The width of the kuptu, as far as the mušḫuššu-dragon, is two-thirds of a cubit. Wording (of the inscription) that (is) on the bed (and) the throne at the footend. It is a single (text). That of the chest was not copied.

Sennacherib 162

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 162; CDLI P467177.

Obverse, Column i

(Completely missing)

Obverse, Column ii

[... t]o my land [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse, Column iii

(Lacuna) [... I ...] to (the god) Aššur, king of [the gods, ... for (...)] the securing of my reign, the increasing of [..., ..., ...] the foundation of my throne for [...] days. May (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, the great god, ... look kindly up[on] my [de]eds. When he looks, may the works that are the desire of ..., as much I ha[ve do]ne, please him and be acceptable to him. May he make the people of the four quarters (of the world) bow down to him so that they pull his yoke. May he make the substantial tribute of the settlements, the abundance of heaven (and) earth, pour into Ešarra, the seat of his great divinty, annually. May the goddess Mullissu, the queen of Ešarra, the consort of (the god) Aššur, creator of the great gods, have a good word about Sennacherib, king of Assyria, set upon her lips daily before (the god) Aššur. May (the god) Aššur and the goddess Mullissu discuss [the ... of po]wer, the attainment of very old age, the lengthening of his (Sennacherib’s) days, the securing of his reign, (and) the ... of the throne of his kingship forever and ever. The length of the sideboard is six and two-thirds cubits, measured by the royal cubit. The frontpiece is three and one-third cubits, measured by the royal cubit. (There are) twelve gold platings on the side of the bed; (iii 20´) six ditto (= gold platings) on the side. (There is) a ... mušḫuššu-dragon on top of the sidewalls. The matress (has) a nalbattu-form that has [...] ... of pa[ppardilû]-stones, (and) ḫašḫur-api (ornaments) of obsidian, carnelian, (and) lapis-lazuli arranged around (it). The lower matress is gold (and) water is ... on (it). The legs are lamassu-figures. Beneath the lamassu-figures a [...] claw(-shaped ornament). (iii 25´) There are eight lamassu-figures on the two rungs of the sid[es]. (There is) one lamassu-figure on each ... [(...)]. Water surrounds lamassu-figures .... The rungs are ... with water. The leg(s) of the be[d] are one and two-thirds cubits, measured by the royal cubit. The length of the thr[one] is three and one-thirds cubits, measured by the royal cubit. Its width is one and two-thirds cubits. Water surroun[ds] lamassu-figures. There are four lamassu-figures on the two rungs of the sides; two ditto (= lamassu-figure) on the frontpiece. The entire throne: The length of the kitturru is one and two-thirds cubits. (Its) height is two-thirds of a cubit. The width of the kuptu, as far as the mušḫuššu-dragon, is two-thirds of a cubit. Wording (of the inscription) that was cut off (and) erased from the bed (and) the throne of the god Bēl (Marduk) that were in the temple of (the god) Aššur (and of the inscription) written upon (them) in the name of Ashurbanipal. Simānu (III), twenty-seventh day, eponymy of Awiānu (655), [they were] re[turned [to] Ba[byl]on.

Reverse, Column iv

(Lacuna) (The Ashurbanipal inscription is not edited here)

Sennacherib 163

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 163; CDLI P467178.

Obverse

(Lacuna) the one who brings [his] cult cent[ers] to completion, [makes enemy land(s) submissive] (and) destroys [their] settlem[ents, ...]: When [I refur]bis[hed] the image(s) of (the god) Aššur, my l[ord, ... (and) carried out to perfe]ction the rites of Ešar[ra], (5´) just like Sargon (II), king [of Assyria], my [fat]her — my father [...]. Its place [...] my [... (the god) Aš]šur (No translation possible) (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) The arrangement (of the inscription) that (is) upon the (paving) slabs of alallu-stone in the temple of the god Aššur upon which the king stands (when) he kisses the ground.

Chapter Two. Assur

Sennacherib 164

Prism; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 164; CDLI P467179.

[At] that time, the private room ... of the palace of Baltil (Aššur), the seat of the kings, my ancestors, from distant days, of Tiglath-pileser (I), son of Aššur-rēša-iši (I), king of Assyria, became dilapidated. Ashurnasirpal (II), king of Assyria, son of Tukultī-Ninurta (II), king of Assyria, renovated its dilapidated section(s). That private room ... (and) its construction was inexpert (and thus) I tore down that cella. I had a large private room constructed anew to be my lordly seat [(and)] through the craft of well-trained master builders I built (and) completed (it) from its foundations to its battlements. I roofed it with magnificent beams of cedar grown on Mount Amanus. I fastened (metal bands) on facing doors of white cedar [and] I installed (them) in its gate. I invited inside it (the god) Aššur, the great lord, (and) the gods and god[desses] living in Baltil (Aššur), (and then) I made splend[id] offerings before them (of) enormous wild bul[ls] (and) fattened sheep. By the exalted command of the god [Aš]šur, the great lord, the father of the gods, the one who decrees fates, inside the palace ... may I attain [ol]d age, which without ...., (and) be sated with happi[ness].

Sennacherib 165

Prism; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 165; CDLI P467180.

Column i

(28 illegible lines) I seized the chariots, horses, wagons, (and) mu[les] that he had abandoned in the thick of battle. I joyfully entered his palace, which is in Babylon, and (then) I opened his treasury and brought out gold, silver, gold (and) silver utensils, precious stones, all kinds of possessions (and) property without number, a substantial tribute, (together with) his palace women, courtiers, attendants, male singers, female singers, all of the craftsmen, [as ma]ny as there were, (and) his palace attendants, and I counted (them) as booty. With the strength of the god Aššur, my lord, I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered 75 of his fortified cities, fortresses of Chaldea, and 420 small(er) settlements in their environs. I brought out the auxiliary forces of the Arameans (and) Chaldeans who were in Uruk, Nippur, Kish, Ḫursagkalamma, Cutha, (and) Sippar, together with the [gu]ilty citizens, and I counted (them) as [bo]oty. On [my] return mar[ch, I defeated all together] the Tuʾmūna, [Riḫiḫu], Yadaqqu, [Ubudu], Gibrê, [Malaḫu], Gurumu, [Ubulu], Damunu, [Gambulu], Ḫindaru, [Ruʾuʾa], Puqudu, [Ḫamrānu], Ḫagarānu, [Nabatu], (and) Liʾtaʾ[u], insubmissive [Arameans]. ... [...] (Lacuna)

Column ii

I marc[hed to the land of the Kassites and the land of the Yasubigallians, who since time immemorial] had not submitted to [the kings], my [ancestors. In the] high [mou]ntains, difficult terrain, I rode [on horse]back and had my personal chariot carried o[n (men’s) ne]cks. In [very rugged] terrain I roamed about on foot like a wild bull. I surrounded (and) conquered the cities Bīt-[Ki]lamzaḫ, Ḫardišpu, (and) Bīt-Kubatti, their fortified walled cities. I brought out of them people, horses, mules, donkeys, oxen, and sheep and goats, and I counted (them) as booty. Moreover, I destroyed, devastated, (and) turned into ruins their small(er) settlements, which were without number. I burned with fire [pav]ilion(s) (and) tents, their [ab]odes, and reduced (them) to ashes. I made that city Bīt-Kilamzaḫ a fortress again (and) I strengthened its walls more than before, and (then) I settled [the]rein the people of the lands that I had conquered. I brought down from the mountains the people of the land of the Kassites and the land of the Yasubigallians who had fled from my weapon[s] and I made (them) dwell in the cities Ḫardišpu (and) Bīt-Kubatti. I placed them under the authority of a eunuch of mine, the governor of the city Arrapḫa. I had a stele made, had all the victorious conquests that I achieved over them written on it, and I erected (it) in (that) city. I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and took the road to the land Ellipi. Before my arrival, Ispabāra, their king, abandoned his fortified cities (and) his treasury and fled far away. I overwhelmed all of his wide land like a fog. I surrounded, conquered, destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire the cities Marubištu (and) Akkuddu, cities of his royal house, together with thirty-four small(er) settlements in their environs. I carried off people, young (and) old, male and female, horses, mules, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep and goats without number, and (then) I brought him (Ispabāra) to nought and made his land smaller. [I detached from his land] the cities Ṣi(ṣ)ṣirtu (and) Kummaḫlum, fortified cities, together with the small(er) settlements in their environs (and) [the dis]trict of the land Bīt-Barrû in its entirety, [and] I added (this area) [to the ter]ritory of Assyria. [I took the city El]enzaš as a [royal] city [and] a fortress for [that] distri[ct, and (then) I changed] its former [name and] (Lacuna)

Column iii

[...] Kammūsu-nadbi of the land [Moab], Aya-rāmu of [the land Edom, all of] the kings of the land Amurru, [they brought] exten[sive] gifts, four times (the normal amount), [as their substantial audience] gift before me [and] kissed my feet. Moreover, (as for) [Ṣidqâ], the king of the city Ashkelon [who had not submitted] to my yoke, [I forcibly removed] the gods of [his father’s house, himself], his wife, his sons, [his] daug[hters, his brothers], (and other) offspring of his father’s house [and took him] to Assyria. [I set] Šarru-lū-dāri, [son of Rūkibtu], their for[mer] king, over the people of the city Ashke[lon and] imposed upon him the payment of tribute (and) gift[s (in recognition) of my overlordship] so that he (now) pul[ls my yoke]. In the course of [my] campa[ign], I surrounded, conquered, (and) plun[dered] the cities [Bīt-Daganna], Joppa, [Banayabarqa], (and) Azuru, the cities [of Ṣidqâ that had not submitted] to me quickly. (As for) the governors, the nobles, and [the people of the city Ekron] who [had thrown] Padî, their king [who was bound by treaty] and oaths to Assyria, [into iron fetters and] who had handed him over to Hezekiah [of the land Judah] in a hostile manner, they became frightened on acc[ount of the villainous acts they had committed. They formed a confederation with] the kings of [Egypt] (and) the archers, [chariots, (and) horses] of the king of the land Meluḫḫa, forces without [number, and] they came to [their] ai[d]. In the plain of the city El[tekeh], they sharpened their weapons [while drawing up] in battle[line] before me. [With the support of the god Aššur, my lord], I fou[ght] with them [and ...] I captured ... [...]. I surrounded, conquered, (and) plun[dered] the cities Elte[keh (and) Tamnâ. I approached] the city Ekron [and] I killed the governors (and) nobles [who had committed crime(s)] and [hung their corpses on towers around the city; ...] (Lacuna)

Column viii

(Lacuna) (22 illegible lines)

Sennacherib 166 — Aššur Temple Inscription

Prismatic cylinder; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 166; CDLI P467181.

Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), lead[er] of a widespread population, the one who fashioned image(s) of the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, Šamaš, [Adad], Nergal, Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuru, Bēlet-ilī, and the (other) great gods, the one who carries out to perfection the rites of Ešarra and Emašmaš, who knows well how to revere the gods of heaven and the gods of Assyria, the builder of Assyria, the one who brings his cult centers to completion, the one who uproots enemies (and) destroys their settlements, circumspect ruler whose dominion is more praised than (that of all) kings who sit on (royal) daises, the support of his land, the one who is trustworthy in battle and combat, (and) the protection of his troops, I: At that time, with regard to Eḫursaggalkurkurra, which is within Ešarra, the sanctuary of (the god) Aššur — the great lord, my lord — (and) whose proper orientation fell by the wayside in distant days: Its gate opened toward the south. With the extensive wisdom that the god Ea had given me, with the perspicacity that (the god) Aššur had granted to me, I took counsel with myself and made up my mind to open the gate of Eḫursaggalkurkurra towards the rising sun, facing east. I found out the will of the gods Šamaš (and) Adad and they answered me with a firm ‘yes,’ and (then) the gods Šamaš and Adad commanded that tha[t] gate be opened towards the rising sun, facing east. At that time, I made several breaches in the wall, and (then) I opened a new gate towards (the god) Aššur, my lord, towards the east, and named it “The Royal Gate.” I built anew the bīt-šuḫūru and widened its gate. At that gate of the bīt-šuḫūru, four bull-shaped son-of-Šamaš figures of reddish bronze raise up in their hands a sun disk (and) hold up the roof above, (while) below, their feet are firmly planted in place on two bronze daises, (one) of a bronze fish man (and one) of a bronze carp man. On the right and left of the gate, a lion-man figure and a scorpion-man figure hold the door bolt(s). I named that (lit. “those”) gate “The Gate of the Path of the Enlil-Stars.” I built anew its courtyard and named it “The Courtyard of the Row of Pedestals for the Igīgū gods.” I gave the gate that faces the rising sun, towards the river, the name “The Gate of the Firmament.” I gave its entrance gate to the courtyard the name “The Entrance of the Igīgū gods.” I gave the gate that faces south the name “The Kamsū-Igīgū Gate.” I gave its entrance gate to the courtyard the name “The Gate of the Abun[dance] of the Land.” I gave its gate that faces north the name “The Gate of the Wagon Star.” I gave its entrance gate to the courtyard the name “The Gate of the Dais of Destinies.” I completed the gate of the cella, the bīt-šaḫūru, its walls, together with its courtyard, (its) rooms, (and) (its) gates, from its foundations to its crenellations with the craft of the god Kulla and I raised its superstructure (as high) as a mountain. With my innate expertise, I named the gates and [th]eir courtyard and I gave (them) their names. O foundation inscription, speak favorable things to (the god) Aššur about Sennach[erib], king of Assyria, the one who loves correct behavior, the one who fashioned the image of his god, (and) the one who built (this) temple, so that his offspring, his sons, (and) his grandsons may flourish together with Baltil (Aššur) and Ešarra (and) endure forever with the black-headed (people). May any future ruler whom (the god) Aššur names for shepherding the land and people (and) during whose reign that temple becomes dilapidated renovate its dilapidated section(s). May he find my inscribed objects, anoint (them) with oil, make an offering, (and) put (them) back in their (text: “its”) place. (The god) Aššur will (then) hear his prayers. (As for) the one who alters my inscribed object (and) disrespects my words, may (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, and the great gods of heaven and netherworld curse him with a harsh curse, and may they overthrow his kingship, deprive him of his life, (and) make his name, his seed, his offspring, (and) his progeny disappear from the mouth of the people.

Sennacherib 167

Stele; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 167; CDLI P467182.

[Sennacheri]b, [great king, strong king], king of the world, king of Assyria, [the one who fashioned image(s) of] the deities Aššur, Mullissu, [... and] the (other) great [god]s, the one who makes great (5) [their purification rites], the one who carries out to perfection the forgotten ri[tes of Ešar]ra through divination, at the command of [the gods Šamaš (and)] Adad, the one who renovated Baltil (Aššur), the one who [...] its purification rites, the one who returns the unfinished [protective spirit of E]šarra to [its place, I]: [T]hen, after I had made the image of (the god) Aššur, the great lord, [my lord, and the image(s) of] the great [god]s, and [installed them] in their peaceful dwellings, in the month [Nisannu (I)], the first month, (the month) of [father Enlil, the month of the he]liacal rising of the Plow-star: (15) The festival of the [fea]st of the king of the gods, (the god) Aššur, which [fr]om distant days, because of [chaos] and disrup[t]ion, (and) the a[kītu]-house of the steppe had been forgotten; the ri[t]es of [the king of the god]s, (the god) Aššur, had been performed in[side the city]. Wi[th] (regard to) that [wo]rk, [I ma]de up [my mind] t[o (re)build] that [a]kītu-[house, and (then) I fo]und out [the will of the gods Šamaš (and) Adad, and they answered] me [with a firm ‘yes’] and [commanded me to (re)bui]ld (it). [In a favorable month, on a propitious day, through the craft of the purificat]ion priest (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 168

Tablet; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 168; CDLI P467183.

Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), leader of a widespread population, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, the one who carries out to perfection the forgotten rites of Ešarra through divination, at the command of (5) the gods Šamaš and Adad, the one who makes great their purification rites, the one who returns the abandoned protective spirit of Ešarra to its place, who knows well how to revere the gods of heaven and the gods of Assyria, who exalts the great gods in their dwellings, who makes their accoutrements great, the builder of Assyria, the one who brings his cult centers to completion, the one who makes enemy land(s) obedient, the one who destroys their settlements, the one who has canals dug, the one who opens streams, the one who makes watercourses gush, the one who establishes abundance and plenty in the wide plains of Assyria, the one who provides irrigation water in the meadows of Assyria — (15) which from the days of yore no one in Assyria had seen or known canals and artificial irrigation and which none in bygone times had used — the one who makes brickwork structures (lit. “the craft of the god Kulla”) secure, from buildings for the living to tombs befitting the dead (made) from limestone, stone from the mountains, with which none of (20) the kings of the past (who came) before me in Assyria had used, circumspect ruler whose dominion is more praised than (that of all) kings who sit on (royal) daises, the support of his land, the one who is trustworthy in battle and combat, (and) the protection of his troops, I: Then, after I had made the image of (the god) Aššur, the great lord, my lord, and the image(s) of the great gods, and installed them in their peaceful dwellings, in the month Nisannu (I), the first month, (the month) of father Enlil, the month of the heliacal rising of (25) the Plow-star: The festival of the feast of the king of the gods, (the god) Aššur, which from distant days, because of chaos and disruption, (and) the akītu-house of the steppe had been forgotten; the rites of the king of the gods, (the god) Aššur, had been performed inside the city. With (regard to) that work, I made up my mind to (re)build th(at) akītu-house, and (then) I found out the will of the gods Šamaš (and) Adad, and they answered me with a firm ‘yes’ and commanded me to (re)build (it). In a favorable month, on a propitious day, through the craft of the purification priest (and) the wisdom of the exorcist, I laid its foundation with limestone, stone from the mountains, and I raised its superstructure. I completed it from its foundations to its crenellations with stone from the mountains and raised it as high as a mountain. I had two canals dug around each of its sides, and (then) (35) I had it surrounded with a lush garden, an orchard with fruit, and placed a splendid plantation around it. After I destroyed Babylon, smashed its gods, (and) put its people to the sword, I removed its earth in order to make the site of that city unrecognizable and I had (it) carried to the sea by the Euphrates River. (When) its dirt (40) reached Dilmun and the people of Dilmun saw (it), fear (and) terror of (the god) Aššur fell upon them and they brought their audience gift(s) to me. Together with their audience gift(s), they sent people mustered from their land, corvée workers, (with) bronze spades (and) bronze plowshares, tools manufactured in their land, in order to demolish Babylon. In order to pacify (the god) Aššur, my lord, for people to sing the praises of his might, (and) for the admiration of future people, I removed dirt from Babylon and piled (it) up in heaps (and) mounds in that akītu-house. While laying the foundation of the akītu-house, the audience gift of Karib-il, king of the land Saba — pappardilû-stone, choice stones, (and) fine aromatics — [wa]s presented to me (50) and from that audience gift I laid stones (and) aromatics in its foundation. Like ..., I ... silver, gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, ḫulālu-stone, muššaru-stone, pappardilû-stone, papparmīnu-stone, dāmātu-paste, (and) all of the finest aromatics in the foundation of that akītu-house. I sprinkled that foundation with perfumed oil (and) fine oil as (abundantly as) river water. O you, foundation inscription, speak favorable things to (the god) Aššur about Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who loves correct behavior, the one who fashioned the image of (the god) Aššur, (and) the one who built (this) temple, so that his offspring, his sons, (and) his grandsons may flourish together with Baltil (Aššur) and Ešarra (and) endure forever with the black-headed (people). May any future ruler whom (the god) Aššur names for shepherding the land and people (and) during whose reign that temple becomes dilapidated renovate its dilapidated section(s). May he find my inscribed objects, anoint (them) with oil, make an offering, (and) put (them) back in their (text: “its”) place. (The god) Aššur will (then) hear his prayers. (As for) the one who alters my inscribed object (and) disrespects my words, who does [un]kind things t[o] ... and their offspring, may (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, and the great gods of heaven and netherworld curse him with a harsh, [ir]reversible curse, and may they overthrow his kingship, deprive him of his life, (and) make his name, his seed, his offspring, and his progeny disappear in all lands.

Sennacherib 169 — Kisallu Inscription

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 8 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 169; CDLI P467184.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, I: With white limestone, I laid the foundation(s) of the courtyard of Ešarra, the palace of the gods.

Sennacherib 170 — Block Inscription

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 4 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 170; CDLI P467185.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods.

Sennacherib 171

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 171; CDLI P467186.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods: With limestone, stone from the mountains, I raised this akītu-house as high as a mountain, from its foundations to its crenellations.

Sennacherib 172

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 8 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 172; CDLI P467187.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Nergal, Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuri, Bēlet-ilī, and the (other) great gods, I: With white limestone, I laid the foundation(s) of the akītu-house, the residence of (the god) Aššur, my lord.

Sennacherib 173

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 15 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 173; CDLI P467188.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of the deities Aššur, Šerūa, Anu, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuri, Bēlet-ilī, Kaka, Ḫaya, Kusu, Lumḫa, Dunga, Egalkiba, and the (other) great gods, I: With limestone, stone from the mountains, I laid the foundation(s) of the akītu-house for the festival of the feast of (the god) Aššur.

Sennacherib 174

Series of blocks; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 7 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 174; CDLI P467189.

Sennacherib, king of the world, [king of Assyria, the one who fashioned] image(s) of the deities Aššur, ... [(...)], and the (other) great gods, I: [With] limestone, stone from the mountains, I had the akītu-house of the steppe [(for)] the festival of the feas[t] of (the god) Aššur, built an[ew] from its foundations to [its] crenellations and I raised (it) [as high as a mountain].

Sennacherib 175

Series of blocks; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 175; CDLI P467190.

Sennacherib, king of the world, [king of Assyria], the one who fashioned image(s) of the deities Aššur, [Mullissu], Šerūa, Sîn, Nik[kal], Šamaš, Aya, Anu, Antu, Adad, Šala, Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuri, [Bēlet]-ilī, Ḫaya, Kusu, [Lumḫa], Dunga, Egalkiba, [and the] (other) great gods, [I: With limes]tone, stone from the [mountai]ns, [I had] the akī[tu]-house [of the steppe built] anew [and] I raised (it) as high as a mountain.

Sennacherib 176

Series of blocks; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 176; CDLI P467191.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...], Bēlet-ilī, [...], Ḫaya, [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 177

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 177; CDLI P467192.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built (this) temple for the god Zababa.

Sennacherib 178

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 178; CDLI P467193.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, I: With limestone, stone from the mountains, I laid the foundation(s) of the Step Gate of the Palace, which is in Baltil (Aššur).

Sennacherib 179

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 179; CDLI P467194.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built (this) house for Aššur-ilī-muballissu.

Sennacherib 180

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 180; CDLI P467195.

I, Sennach[erib], king of Assyria, the one who fashioned [image(s) of (the god) Aššur] (and) the great gods, [built] this house for my second son Aššur-ilī-[muballissu and] I laid its [foundation(s)].

Sennacherib 181

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 26 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 181; CDLI P467196.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, built this house for my second son Aššur-ilī-muballissu, who (is) in the service of (the god) Aššur, and I laid its foundation(s) with limestone, stone from the mountains.

Sennacherib 182

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 5 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 182; CDLI P467197.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of [(the god) Aššur] and the great gods, built this house [for] my second son Aššur-ilī-muballissu, who was created for the service of (the god) Aššur, and I laid its foundation(s) with limestone, stone from the mountains.

Sennacherib 183

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 183; CDLI P467198.

(This text was not available for study so it is not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 184

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 184; CDLI P467199.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur (and) the great gods, built (this) house and gave (it) to my second son Aššur-ilī-muballissu. I strengthened and laid its foundation(s) with limestone, stone from the mountains.

Sennacherib 185

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 185; CDLI P467200.

I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built (this) house and gave (it) to my second son [Aš]šur-<ilī>-muballissu. ... (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 186

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 186; CDLI P467201.

Sennac[herib, king of the world, king of Assyria], the one who fashioned image(s) of [(the god) Aššur and the great gods ...] with all of [...] my lord [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 187

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 187; CDLI P467202.

Sennac[herib, ...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 188

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 188; CDLI P467203.

Sennac[herib], king of the world, king [of Assyria], (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 189

Block; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 189; CDLI P467204.

(The text was not available for study for no edition is provided in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 190

Door socket; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 190; CDLI P467205.

[F]or [(the god) Aššur, ... who dwells in E]šarra, the great lord, [his] lord: [Sennacherib, (king of the world), king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of] the deities Aššur, Anu, Sîn, [..., and the (other) great gods], judicious ruler, the one who carries out to perfection (5) the ri[tes of Ešarra ...] ... [... after] I enlarged [...] (and) made the sanctuaries splendid, this gate [...] ... gods, I widened its entryway and [... had] twin doors of cedar, the pure wood, [made and] had (them) secured in their position(s) [upon kašurrû-stone, stone from the mountains, in the Gate ...]. In the inner gate, which through [...] for the coming and g[oi]ng of (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [... fo]r eternity.

Sennacherib 191

Door socket; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 191; CDLI P467206.

For (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, the great lord, [his] lord: Sennach[erib], king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aš[šur] and the great gods, [had] twin doors of cedar, the pure wood, [made] for [his] life, the lengthening of [his] days, the securing of [his] reign, (and) the well-being of his offspring, [and] he had (them) secured in their position(s) upon kašur[rû]-stone, stone from the mountains, in the Gate of the Wa[gon] Star.

Sennacherib 192

Water basin; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 192; CDLI P467207.

(This text is not edited in RINAP 3 no edition is warranted since it is not sufficiently preserved.)

Sennacherib 193

Plating; metal; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 193; CDLI P467208.

[For (the god) Aššur, king of the god]s, the father who engendered the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, [...], the one who decrees fates, lord of the lands, ..., [who resides in Eḫursaggalkurk]urra, which is inside Ešarra, the great lord, his lord: [Sennacherib], great [king], strong king, king of the world king of Assyria, ..., [..., the one who fashioned] image(s) of the deities Aššur, Šerūa, ..., [...], Ištar of Bīt-Kidmuri, Bēlet-ilī, [Kaka], Ḫaya, Kusu, Lumḫa, Dunga, Egal[kiba], and the (other) great gods: For his life, the lengthening of his days, the securing of his reign, (and) the well-being of [his offspring], ... for [ete]rnity ... [...] (10) ... bronze ... [...] ... dais he cast <through the crafts>manship of the god Ninagal and [...]. ... temple of the god Dagān [...] ... the Dais of Destinies, the path of (the god) Aššur, [...] lord, [...] ... [...] ... [...].

Sennacherib 194

Plating; metal; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 194; CDLI P467209.

(Lacuna) [...] of/which [... the support of] his land [...] great lord [...]: [At that time, with regard to Eḫursag]galkurkurra, which [is within Ešarra, the sanctuary of (the god) Aššur — the great lord, my lord — (and) whose proper orientation fell by the wayside in distant days]: Its gate opened toward the sou[th ...] of Eḫursaggalkurkurra [...] [...] that gate ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 195 — Samītu Inscription

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 5 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 195; CDLI P467210.

For (the god) Aššur, the father of the gods, his lord: Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, greatly embellished the frieze of the battlemented parapet of Ešarra with baked bricks (and) stone.

Sennacherib 196 — Bīt-tikāti Inscription

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 10 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 196; CDLI P467211.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, I: With baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln, I had the tikātu-house of the courtyard (where) the pedestals of the Igīgū gods (stand) in rows made anew and I raised (it) as high as a mountain.

Sennacherib 197

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 197; CDLI P467212.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur [and the great gods, I: With baked bricks] from a (ritually) pure kiln, I had the tikātu-house of the courtyard (where) the pedest[als of the Igīgū gods] (stand) in rows, made anew and I [raised (it) as high as a mountain].

Sennacherib 198

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 7 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 198; CDLI P467213.

Sennach[erib], king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, [I: ... the ... of] Ešarra, [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna?)

Sennacherib 199

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 199; CDLI P467214.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aš[šur] and the great gods, I: With baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln, I had the Step Gate of the Palace in Baltil (Aššur) built anew.

Sennacherib 200

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 200; CDLI P467215.

[Sennach]erib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of [(the god) Aššur and the great god]s: [With baked bricks] from a (ritually) pure kiln, I [built] the Step Gate of the Palace [in Baltil (Aššur)] anew [and I] raised (it) as high as a mountain.

Sennacherib 201

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 201; CDLI P467216.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashi[oned image(s) of (the god) Aššur] and the great gods: With baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln, I [had] the Step Gate [of the Palace in Baltil (Aššur) built] anew [and I] rai[sed (it) as high as a mountain].

Sennacherib 202

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 202; CDLI P467217.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, I: With baked bricks from a (ritually) pure [kiln], I raised the Step Gate of the Palace in Baltil (Aššur) as high as a mountain.

Sennacherib 203

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 22 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 203; CDLI P467218.

Palace of Rest, an eternal dwelling, the firmly-founded family house of Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 204

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 8 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 204; CDLI P467219.

Palace of Sleep, a restful tomb, the eternal dwelling of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 205

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 205; CDLI P467220.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, the one who fashioned image(s) of (the god) Aššur and the great gods, I: I built a house for Aššur-nādin-šumi, my eldest son, and laid its foundation(s) with limestone, stone from the mountains. I had (it) made with the craft of the god Kulla and I raised (it) as high as a mountain.

Sennacherib 206 — Ashur duplicates of text Sennacherib 99

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 206.

(For an edition, see Sennacherib 99)

Sennacherib 207

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 207; CDLI P467221.

(This text was not available for study so it was not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 208

Brick; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 208; CDLI P467222.

(This text was not available for study so it was not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 209

Tablet; clay; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 209; CDLI P467223.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [...] of gold, two bull-shaped [son-of-Šamaš figures of ...] I opened [a n]ew [gate ... towards the east], and [named it “The Royal] Gate.” [...] I built (anew) [the ga]te (of) ... and [widened ...] that [gate of the ce]lla had become dilap[idated and ...] of gold, a bull-shaped son-of-Šamaš figure of gold, a scorpion-m[an figure of ..., ...] I widened [the gate of the c]ella and [I named it] “The Gate of the Path of the En[lil-Stars.”] Four bull-shaped son-of-Šamaš figures of reddish bronze ra[ise] up in their hands a sun disk (and) [hold up the roof] above, (while) below, their feet are firmly planted in place on two bronze daises, (one) of a [bronze] fish man [(and one) of a bronze carp man]. On the right and left of the gate, [...] two nāʾeru-figures of silver, two storm demon figures of silver, [...]. I built anew its courtyard and [...] with silver slabs. I paved [(...)] for the processional way of (the god) Aššur, my lord. [I named it] “The Courtyard of [the Row of Pedestals for the Igīgū gods.”] Inside that courtyard, [...] a portab[le] bronze brazier [...] At the lighting of the fire before (the god) Aššur, my lord, [...]. For the (ritual) bath of (the god) Aššur, I [...]. [I gave] the gate that faces the rising sun, towards [the river, the name “The Gate of the Firmament.” I gave] its entrance gate to the cou[rtyard the name “Th]e Entran[ce of the Igīgū gods.” I gave] the gate that fac[es south the name “The Kamsū-Igīgū Gate.” I gave its] entran[ce] gate [to the courtyard the name “The Gate of the Abundance of the Land.” I gave] the gate that fa[ces north the name “The Gate of the Wagon Star.” I gave its] entrance gate [to the courtyard the name “The Gate of the Dais of Destinies.”]

Reverse

Its images [...] in the gates [...] the gate [...] (Lacuna)

Chapter Three. Nimrud, Tarbisu, and Kilizu

Sennacherib 210

Bead; stone; Nimrud (Kalhu). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 210; CDLI P467224.

Palace of Sennach[erib, king of Assyria]: papparmīnu-stone from the land/mountain [...]. Whoever [places (it)] in the service [of a god (or another) person (or) erases] my inscribed name, [may] the deities Aššur, Mullissu, [...] make his name (and) his seed dis[appear].

Sennacherib 211

Lion weight; metal; Nimrud (Kalhu). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 211; CDLI P467225.

Akkadian Inscription

Palace of Sennacherib, king of Assyria: One-half mina.

Aramaic Inscription

One-half (mina).

Sennacherib 212

Tablet (with seal impressions); clay; Nimrud (Kalhu). 9 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 212; CDLI P467226.

The Seal of Destinies [by which] (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, seals (the destinies of) the Igīgū and Anunnakū gods, the heavens, the netherworld, and man[kind]. Whatever he seals cannot be changed. Whoever (tries to) change (what he seals), may (the god) Aššur, king of the gods, (and) the goddess Mullissu, together with their children, kill him with their mighty weapons. I am Sennacherib, king of [As]syria, the ruler who reveres you. Whoever erases (my) [inscr]ibed name (or) alters this Seal of Destinies belonging to you, erase his name (and) his seed from the land.

Sennacherib 213 — First Campaign Cylinder

Cylinder; clay; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 213; CDLI P467227.

Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of Assyria, unrivalled king, true shepherd, favorite of the great gods, guardian of truth who loves justice, renders assistance, goes to the aid of the weak, (and) strives after good deeds, perfect man, virile warrior, foremost of all rulers, the bridle that controls the insubmissive, (and) the one who strikes enemies with lightning: The god Aššur, the great mountain, granted to me unrivalled sovereignty and made my weapons greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises. At the beginning of my kingship, after I sat on the lordly throne (and) set to governing the people of Assyria in obedience and peace, Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), an evil foe, a rebel (with) a treacherous mind, an evildoer whose villainous acts are true, sought friendship with Šutur-Naḫundu (Šutur-Naḫḫunte II), an Elamite, by presenting him with gold, silver, (and) precious stones; then, he continuously requested reinforcements from him. To the land of Sumer and Akkad, he (Šutur-Naḫundu) sent to his (Marduk-apla-iddina’s) assistance Imbappa, his field marshal, together with the massed body of his troops, Tannānu, (his) third man, ten unit commanders, including Nergal-nāṣir, a Sutian who marches before them, 80,000 archers (and) lancers, 850 wagons, (and) the 12,200 horses that were with them. Moreover, he, the evil Chaldean, evildoer, (and) offspring of murder, gathered together Uruk, Larsa, Ur, Eridu, Kullaba, Kissik, (and) Nēmed-Laguda, the lands of the Bīt-Yakīn, Bīt-Amukkāni, Bīt-Ašillāni (Bīt-Šillāni), Bīt-Saʾalli, (and) Bīt-Dakkūri, all of the Chaldeans, as many as there were; on the bank(s) of the Tigris River, the Tuʾmūna, Riḫiḫu, Yadaqqu, Gibrê, (and) Maliḫu (Malaḫu); on the bank(s) of the Surappu River, the Gurumu, Ubulu, Damunu, Gambulu, Hindaru, Ruʾuʾa, (and) Puqudu; on the bank(s) of the Euphrates River, the Ḫamrānu, Ḫagarānu, Nabatu, (and) Liʾtaʾu — Arameans who did not know (fear of) death; (15) Nippur, Dilbat, Marad, Kish, Ḫursagkalamma, Babylon, Borsippa, (and) Cutha, all of Karduniaš (Babylonia) and prepared (them) for battle. When they reported his (Marduk-apla-iddina's) evil deeds to me, Sennacherib, the attentive man of the steppe, I raged up like a lion and ordered the march into [Babyl]on to confront him. He (Marduk-apla-iddina), the (very) image of an evil gallû-demon, heard about the advance of my expeditionary force, and (then) he reinforced their companies with horses (and) Elamite, Aramean, (and) Chaldean archers, together with Nergal-nāṣir and ten unit commanders of the king of the land Elam who did not know (fear of) death, (and) the countless forces who were with them. He brought their contingents together in Cutha and had (them) keep watch at outposts for the approach of my expeditionary force. I put my yoked teams in order. On the twentieth day of the month Šabāṭu (XI), like a powerful wild ox, I took the lead of my troops from Baltil (Aššur), but I did not wait for the main force of my army, nor did I wait for the rear guard. (20) I sent (my) chief eunuch (and) my provincial governors to Kish ahead of me, (saying): “Find out news of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), and do not be careless about putting a strong watch on him!” He (Marduk-apla-iddina) saw my provincial governors, and (then) came out of the Zababa Gate with all of his troops and did battle with my magnates in the plain of Kish. The enemy prevailed over my magnates in the thick of battle and they (my magnates) were afraid to clash with his ... They sent their messenger to me in the plain of Cutha for help. In my rage, I unleashed a fierce assault on Cutha, and (then) I slaughtered the warriors surrounding its wall like sheep and took possession of the city. I brought out horses, the Elamite, Aramean, (and) Chaldean archers, the Elamite unit commanders, and Nergal-nāṣir, together with the guilty citizens, and I counted them (as) booty. I raged up like a lion and became furious like the Deluge. With my merciless warriors, I set out for Kish against Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan). Moreover, he, (that) evildoer, saw the disturbance from afar and fear fell upon him. He abandoned all of his troops and fled to the land Guzummānu. I defeated Tannānu, together with the Elamite, Chaldean, and Aramean troops who had stood by him and had come to his aid, and I scattered his forces. I captured alive Adīnu, a nephew of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), together with Basqānu, a brother of Iatiʾe, queen of the Arabs, along with their troops. I seized the chariots, wagons, horses, mules, donkeys, camels, (and) Bactrian camels that he had abandoned during the battle. With a rejoicing heart and a radiant face, I rushed to Babylon and entered the palace of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan) to plunder the possessions and property therein. I opened his treasury and brought out gold, silver, gold (and) silver utensils, precious stones, beds, armchairs, a processional carriage, royal paraphernalia of his with gold (and) silver mountings, all kinds of possessions (and) property, a substantial treasure, (together with) his wife, his palace women, female stewards, eunuchs, courtiers, attendants, male singers, female singers, palace servant(s) who cheered up his princely mind, all of the craftsmen, as many as there were, (and) his palace attendants, and I counted (them) as booty. I pursued him to the land Guzummānu and sent (my) warriors into the midst of swamps and marshes. For five days they sought him out, but his (hiding) place could not be found. I gathered all together the rest of his horses and troops, who were weary, (and) who had fled like deer instead of going with him, from the midst of the open country and plain. In the course of my campaign, I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered the cities Amatu, Ḫauae, Supapu, Bīt-Sannabi, Quṭayyin, Qidrīna, Dūr-Ladini, Bitāti, Bānītu, Guzummānu, Dūr-Yanṣuri, Dūr-Abī-Yataʾ, Dūr-Rudumme, Bīt-Raḫê, Ḫapiša, Sadi-AN, Ḫurudu, Ṣaḫrina, Iltuk, Allallu, Sabḫānu, Kār-Nergal, Apak, Bīt-Dannāya, Bīt-Abdāya, Baḫir, Marirâ, Marad, Yaqimuna, Kupruna, Bīt-Kudurri, Sūqa-Marusi, altogether 34 fortified walled cities of the land of the Bīt-Dakkūri, together with 250 small(er) settlements in their environs; the cities Dūr-Appê, Dūr-Tanê, Dūr-Samaʾ, Sarrabātu, Ṣalaḫātu, Dūr-Abdāya, Sappi-ḫimari, Ṣibtu-ša-Makka-mê, altogether 8 fortified walled cities of the land of the Bīt-Saʾalli, together with 120 small(er) settlements in their environs; the cities Sapīya (Šapīya), Sarrabānu, Larak, Parak-māri, Bīt-Ilu-bāni, Aḫudu, Ālu-ša-Iṣṣur-Adad, Ālu-šaḫarratu, Manaḫḫu, Ālu-ša-amēlê, Dūr-Aqqīya, Nagītu, Nūr-abīnu, Ḫar-Ṣuarra, Dūr-Rukbi, Danda-Ḫulla, Dūr-Bir-Dada, Bīt-rēʾê, Dūr-Ugurri, Gindaina (Ḫindaina), Dūr-Uayit, Bīt-Taurâ, Sapḫuna, Buḫarru, (45) Ḫarbat-Iddina, Ḫarbat-Kalbi, Šaparrê, Bīt-Bāni-ilūʾa, Sulādu, Bīt-Iltama-samaʾ, Bīt-Dīni-ili, Daqalu, Ḫamīṣa, Bēlā, Tairu, Kiprānu, Iltaratu, Aqqar-ša-Kīna, Sagabatu-ša-Mardukia, altogether 39 fortified walled cities of the land of the Bīt-Amukkāni, together with 350 small(er) settlements in their environs; (and) the cities Bīt-Zabīdāya, Larsa, Kullaba, Eridu, Kissik, Nēmed-Laguda, (and) Dūr-Yakīn, including the city Kār-Nabû, which is on the shore of the Bitter Sea, altogether 8 fortified walled cities of the land of the Bīt-Yakīn, together with 100 small(er) settlements in their environs; the (grand) total is 88 fortified walled cities of Chaldea, together with 820 small(er) settlements in their environs. I let (my) troops eat the grain (and) dates in their gardens (and) their crops in the countryside. I destroyed (them), devastated (them), burned (them) with fire, (and) I turned (them) into forgotten ruin hills. I brought out the auxiliary forces of the Arameans (and) Chaldeans who were in Uruk, Nippur, Kish, (and) Ḫursagkalamma, together with the guilty citizens, and I counted (them) as booty. I let (my) army eat the grain (and) dates in their gardens, the fields they had labored in, (and) the crops in the countryside, which is their life’s necessity. I appointed over them Bēl-ibni, a son of a rab banî (and) a scion of Šuanna (Babylon), who had grown up like a young puppy in my palace, as king of the land of Sumer and Akkad. On my return march, I defeated all together the Tuʾmūna, Riḫiḫu, Ubudu, Gibrê, Maliḫu (Malaḫu), Gurumu, Ubulu, Damunu, Gambulu, Ḫindaru, Ruʾuʾa, Puqudu, Ḫamrānu, Ḫagarānu, Nabatu, (and) Liʾtaʾu, insubmissive Arameans, and I plundered them. In the course of my campaign, I received a substantial payment from Nabû-bēl-šumāti, the official in charge of the city Ḫararatu (Ḫarutu): gold, silver, large musukkannu-trees, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep and goats. I <put> to the sword the population of the city Ḫirimmu, a dangerous enemy who since time immemorial had not submitted to the kings, my ancestors, and I did not leave one alive. I reorganized that district (and) imposed for eternity one ox, ten sheep, ten homers of wine, (and) twenty homers of dates as his first-fruits offerings for the ginû-offerings to the gods of Assyria, my lords. I carried off into Assyria a substantial booty (consisting of) 208,000 people, male and female, 7,200 horses (and) mules, 11,073 donkeys, 5,230 camels, 80,100 oxen, (and) 800,100 sheep and goats. This is apart from the people, donkeys, camels, oxen, and sheep and goats that all of my troops had carried away and appropriated for themselves. Moreover, I struck with the sword the soldiers of the enemy, a recalcitrant force who had not submitted quickly to my yoke, and hung (their corpses) on poles. At that time, Egallammes, the temple of the god Nergal that is inside the city Tarbiṣu, which Shalmaneser (III), a former ruler, son of Ashurnasirpal (II), (and grand)son of Tukultī-Ninurta (II), had built, became dilapidated. I tore down that temple in its entirety (and) reached its foundation pit. I filled in a terrace in an area (measuring) 200 cubits along (its) longer side (and) 100 cubits along (its) shorter side, (thus) adding to the size of the former temple. I made Egallammes larger than before. I built (and) completed (it) from its foundations to its battlements through the craft of clever master builders. For the god Nergal, who (lives) in the city Tarbiṣu, my lord, I indeed did a splendid job, which surpassed previous (work) and was worthy of (high) praise. I brought the god Nergal, the lord of exalted strength, almighty (and) perfect, the foremost (warrior who has) no rival, inside it and I graciously settled (him) in his august dwelling. I made splendid (and) pure offerings (of) plump bulls (and) fattened sheep before him, and I held festivities inside that temple. I had the victorious conquests that I achieved over all of (my) enemies with his great support written on (my) inscribed object(s) and I deposited (them) for posterity, for the kings, my descendants. In the future, may a future ruler, when this temple becomes old and dilapidated, find my inscribed objects, anoint (them) with oil, make an offe[ring], (and) securely place (them) with inscribed object(s) bearing his name. The god Nergal will (then) hear his prayers. The line count of the inscription is 69 (lines).

Sennacherib 214

Cone; clay; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 214; CDLI P467228.

For the god Nergal, his lord: I, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built Egallammes, which is in the city Tarbiṣu, from its foundations to its crenellations for my life, the well-being of my offspring, the overthrow of my enemies, the success of the harvest of Assyria, (and) the well-being of Assyria. [I deposited] (my) clay cones (therein).

Sennacherib 215

Slab; stone; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). 3 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 215; CDLI P467229.

Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had Egallammes, the temple of the god Nergal, which is in the city Tarbiṣu, built and I made (it) as bright as day.

Sennacherib 216 — Sennacherib [brick] N

Brick; clay; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). 10 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 216; CDLI P467230.

For the god Nergal, his lord: Sennacherib, king of Assyria, built (and) completed Egallammes, which is in the city Tarbiṣu, from its foundations to its crenellations.

Sennacherib 217

Brick; clay; Tell Sherif Khan (Tarbisu). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 217; CDLI P467231.

(This text was not available for study so it is not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 218

Slab; stone; Qasr Shamamuk (Kilizu). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 218; CDLI P467232.

Sennacherib, great king, king of the world, king of Assyria, had the (inner) wall (and) the outer wall of the city Kilīzu built anew and raised as high as mountains.

Sennacherib 219 — Sennacherib [brick] M

Brick; clay; Qasr Shamamuk (Kilizu). 16 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 219; CDLI P467233.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, had the outer wall of the city Kilīzu built with baked bricks.

Chapter Four. Šibaniba, Tulul al-Lak, Judi Dagh, Bavian, and the Jerwan Aqueduct

Sennacherib 220

Brick; clay; Tell Billa (Šibaniba). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 220; CDLI P467234.

(The text was not available for study so it is not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 221

Brick; clay; Tulul al-Lak. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 221; CDLI P467235.

(The text was not available for study so it is not edited in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 222 — Judi Dagh Inscription

Rock face; stone; Judi Dagh. 6 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 222; CDLI P467236.

The deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Ninurta, and Ištar, the great gods who stand at the side of the king, their favorite, and make his weapons prevail over all enemies: Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, the attentive prince (who is) your protégé, who by your [firm] ‘yes’ marched about and who made the insubmissive lands (and) disobedient people of the mountains bow down at his feet: At that time, the cities Tumurrum, Šarum, Ḫalbuda, Kipšu, Ezāma, Qūa, (and) Qana, which were on the border of the land Katmuḫi, which were situated like the nests of eagle(s) on the peaks of Mount Nipur, (and) which since time immemorial (20) were an obstinate force that did not known how to respect (any) authority during (the reigns of) the kings, my ancestors — during the reign of my lordship, their gods abandoned them and made them vulnerable. (No translation possible) I marched against them. I had my camp pitched [at] the foot of Mount Nipur and ... my crack combat troops. Mount Nipur [to] ... [...] I surrounded. I ... [...] the gorges, the outflows of the mountains. [...] upon the high peaks, ... [...] the stars of the heavens ... to ... [...] in a chair ... [...] ... their summits [...]. Like a (fierce) wild bull, [I took] the [lead of t]hem (the soldiers in my camp). Where it was too difficult for (my) chair, I leapt forward on my (own) [two feet] like a mountain goat. Wh[ere] my knees became extremely tir[ed], I sat down up[on] the mountain rock and drank cold water from a water skin to (quench) my thirst. ... I surrounded, conquered, (and) devastated those ... Their escapees [(...)] upon the peak[s of Mount] Nipur .... I pursued their ... on the peaks of the mountains. Then, ... I had a stele made and had written (on it) the mighty victories of (the god) Aššur, my lord. I er[ected (it) for] ever [after] on the peak of Mount Nipur, where .... (As) for the one who [alt]ers my inscription, may (the god) Aššur (and) the great gods glare at him angrily (and) overth[row him].

Sennacherib 223 — Bavian Inscription

Rock face; stone; Bavian. 5 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 223; CDLI P467237.

Deities Aššur, Anu, Enlil, Ea, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Nabû, [Nerg]al, Ištar, (and) the Sebetti, the great gods, who install the lord (and) name the ruler to lead the black-headed (people) all over the inhabited world: Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), the prince who provides for them, by your firm ‘yes’ I marched about safely from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea, and (then) I made rulers of the (four) quarters (of the world) bow down at my feet and they (now) pull my yoke: At that time, I greatly enlarged the site of Nineveh. I had its (inner) wall and its outer wall, which had never been constructed before, built anew and I raised (them) as high as mountain(s). Its fields, which had been turned into wastelands due to lack of water, were woven over with spider webs. Moreover, its people did not know artificial irrigation, but had their eyes turned for rain (and) showers from the sky. I climbed high and I had eighteen canals dug from the cities Masiti, Banbarina, Šapparišu, Kār-Šamaš-nāṣir, Kār-nūri, Talmusu, Ḫatâ, Dalāyin, Rēš-ēni, Sulu, Dūr-Ištar, Šibaniba, Isparirra, Gingiliniš, Nampagāte, Tillu, Alum-riksi, (and) the water that is above the city Ḫadabiti and I directed their courses into the Ḫusur River. I had a canal dug from the border of the city Kisiri to Nineveh (and) I caused those waters to flow inside it. I named it Patti-Sennacherib. [I directed] the mass of those waters from Mount Tas, a rugged mountain near the land Urarṭu, to my land. Previously, that canal was called the [...] canal. Now, I, by the command of the god Aššur, the great lord, my lord, added to it the waters on the right and left of the mountain, which are beside it, and [the waters] of the cities Mēsu, Kukkinu, (and) Piturra, cities in its environs. I d[u]g [that] canal with (only) seventy men and I named it Nār-Sennacherib. I added (its water) to the water from the wells and the canals that I had previously d[ug], and (then) I directed their courses to Nineveh, the exalted cult center, my royal residence, whose site [the king]s, my [ancestor]s, since time imme[morial] had not made large (enough), nor had they expertly carried out its artful execution. Now I, Sennacherib — king of Assyria, foremost of [all] rulers, who [march]ed about [freely] from east to we[st] — thanks to the waters of the canals that I caused to be dug, [I could pl]ant around Nineveh gardens, vines, every type of fruit, [...] ..., products of every mountain, fruit trees from all over the world, (including) spi[ces] and [olive trees]. Where water could not reach, I left waterless and [...] a game preserve called [...] all of the orchards, for entering the fields, above the city (and) below (the city), <from> the city Tarbiṣu to the (city) Ālu-ša-Libbālāyu (Aššur), I provided irrigation annually for the cultivation of grain and sesame. (To) a later ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, who deliberates (the matter) in (his) heart but is not able to believe (it), (and) s[ays] “How did he have this canal dug out wi[th] (only) these few men?”: [I swear] by the god Aššur, my great god, that I dug out this canal with (only) these [men]. Moreover, I completed the work on it within one year (and) three months; [...] was completed (and) I finished digging its excavation. In order to open that canal, I sent an exorcist (and) a lamentation singer and ... [...] Carnelian, lapis lazuli, muššāru-stone, ḫulālu-stone, pappardilû-stones, precious stones, turtles (and) tortoises whose likeness(es) are ca[st] in silver (and) gold, aromatics, (and) fine oil, I gave as gifts to the god Ea, the lord of underground waters, cisterns, and ..., (and to) the god Enbilulu, the inspector of canals, (and) to the god Enʾeʾimdu, the lord of [dike(s) and canal(s)]. I prayed to the great gods; they heeded my supplications and made my handiwork prosper. This (sluice) gate of the watercourse opened by itself [without (the help)] of spade or shovel and let an abundance of water flow through. Its (sluice) gate was not ope[ned] through the work of human hands. According to the heart’s desire of the gods, I made (it) gurgle with water. After I inspected the canal and made sure its construction was performed correctly, I offered pure sacrifices of fattened oxen (and) an abundance of sheep to the great gods, who march at my side (and) who make my reign secure. I clothed those men who dug out this canal with linen garments (and) garments with multi-colored trim, (and) I placed gold rings (and) gold pectorals on them. In this year with the flowing (lit. “going”) of this canal which I had dug, I drew up a battleline with Umman-menanu (Ḫumban-menanu), the king of the land Elam, and the king of Babylon, together with the numerous kings of the mountains and Sealand who were their allies, in the plain of the city Ḫalulê. By the command of the god Aššur, the great lord, my lord, I charged into their midst like a fierce arrow, and I repelled their troops. I dispersed their assembled host and scattered their forces. I captured alive in the midst of battle the magnates of the king of the land Elam, including Nabû-šuma-iškun, a son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), king of the land Karduniaš (Babylonia). Terror of doing serious battle with me overwhelmed the king of the land Elam and the king of Babylon and they released their excrement inside their chariots. In order to save their lives, they fled to their (own) land(s) and did not return ever again (saying): “Perhaps Sennacherib, king of Assyria, is so angry that he will return to the land Elam.” Fear (and) terror fell upon all of the Elamites and they abandoned their land, and (then), in order to save their lives, they betook themselves to a rugged mountain like eagle(s) and their hearts throbbed like (those of) pursued birds. Until they died, they did not make their way (back) (lit. “they did not open a path”) and they no longer made war. On my second campaign, I marched quickly to Babylon, which I planned to conquer, and (then) I blew like [the onset] of a storm and enveloped it like a (dense) fog. I besieged the city; then, by means of sapping and ladders, I [captured (it)] (and) plundered [the city]. Its people, young and old, I did not spare, and I filled the city squares with their corpses. I carried off alive to my land Šūzubu (Mušēzib-Marduk), the king of Babylon, together with his family (and) his [...]s. I handed the property of that city — silver, gold, choice stones, possessions (and) property — over to my [people] and they kept it for themselves. My people seized and smashed the gods living inside it, and (then) they took their [possessions] (and) property. The god Adad (and) the goddess Šala, gods of the city Ekallātum whom Marduk-nādin-aḫḫē, king of Akkad, had taken and brought to Babylon during the reign of Tiglath-pileser (I), king of Assyria — I had (them) brought out of Babylon after 418 years and I returned them to the city E[kallātum], their (proper) place. I destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire the city, and (its) buildings, from its foundations to its crenellations. I removed the brick(s) and earth, as much as there was, from the (inner) wall and outer wall, the temples, (and) the ziggurrat, (and) I threw (it) into the Araḫtu river. I dug canals into the center of that city and (thus) leveled their site with water. I destroyed the outline of its foundations and (thereby) made its destruction surpass that of the Deluge. So that in the future, the site of that city and (its) temples will be unrecognizable, I dissolved it (Babylon) in water and annihilated (it), (making it) like a meadow. At the “mouth” of the canal that I caused to be dug into the mountain, [I ma]de six stele[s] (and) I fashioned image(s) of the great gods, my lords, upon them. Moreover, I had a royal image of myself expressing humility (lit. “one who strokes the nose”) placed before them. I had all of my handiwork that I had undertaken in Nineveh inscribed upon them and I left (them) for ever after for the kings, my descendants. At any time (in the future), a future ruler, one of the kings, my descendants, who desecrates the work that I have done, dismantles the (canal) system that I have constructed, (or) div[e]rts the flow of the waters of these canals from the plain of Nineveh: May the great gods, as many as are named in this stele, by their holy decree, which cannot be al[tered], curse him with a harsh [curse] and overthrow his dynasty.

Sennacherib 224 — [Jerwan] Inscription A

Block; stone; Jerwan Aqueduct. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 224; CDLI P467238.

The palace of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 225 — [Jerwan] Inscription A

Block; stone; Jerwan Aqueduct. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 225; CDLI P467239.

The palace of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 226 — [Jerwan] Inscription B

Series of blocks; stone; Jerwan Aqueduct. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 226; CDLI P467240.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: Over a long distance, I had the water of the two Ḫazur Rivers, the water of the Pulpullia River, the water of the city Ḫanusa, the water of the city Gammagara, (5) (and) water from mountain springs on the right and left sides of it added to it (and thereby) I had a canal dug to the plain of Nineveh. I had an aqueduct constructed (by packing down) white limestone over deep wadis (and thereby) enabled those waters to flow over it.

Sennacherib 227 — [Jerwan] Inscription C

Series of blocks; stone; Jerwan Aqueduct. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 227; CDLI P467241.

[Sennacherib ...]: I had a [can]al d[ug] over a long distance, from the Ḫusu[r] River [...] I had an aqueduct constructed (by packing down) limestone [over dee]p [wadis (and thereby) ...] water[s ...].

Sennacherib 228 — [Jerwan] Inscription D

Series of blocks; stone; Jerwan Aqueduct. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 228; CDLI P467242.

Fragment A

At tha[t t]ime [... I marched] quick[ly] to Babylon [and ...], the king of Karduniaš (Babylonia), who [...]

Fragment B

[...] captured [...] ... [... h]e, Mar[duk-apla]-iddin[a (II) (Merodach-baladan) ... hea]rd about [the advance of my expeditionary force] and fear and [t]err[or fell upon him ...]

Fragment C

[...] his city gates [...] Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan) [...] I brought out [... from] that [...] and I counted (them) as booty.

Fragment D

I brought out [...] precious [stones], utensils of ... [...] attendants, male singers, [...] and [I counted (them) as] booty. [...]

Fragment E

[...] his [...]s, his chariots [...], the utensils of [his] pal[ace, ...] inside Bab[ylon ...]

Fragment F

[On my second campaign, the god] Aššur, my lord, [encou]raged m[e and I marched to the land of the Kassites and] the land of the Ya[subigall]i[ans, who since time immemorial had] not [submit]ted [to the kings], my ancestors.

Fragment G

[I] brought out [from them ...] damdāmu-mules, donkeys, oxen, and [sheep and goats], and I counted (them) as booty. [Moreover], I destroyed, devastated, (and) [turned into ruins their small(er) settlements, which] were without number.

Fragment H

[I ...] al[l of] his wide [land] and [overwhelmed (it)] like a fog. [I surr]ounded, conquered, [destroyed, devastated, (and) burned with fire] the cities Marubištu, [Akk]uddu, (and) [Bīt-Bar]rû, which (lie) behind the mountain[s, cities of his] royal house, to[gether with thirty-four small(er)] settlements in [their] environs.

Fragment I

Until I [...] ... [...] the city Elenzi[aš ...] I took hold of and the wall [...]

Fragment J

[...] a[r]ro[w ... i]n a pitched battle [...] and they took the direct ro[ad ...]

Fragment K

[... the exorc]ist, the physician, the auger, [...], the carpenter, the silversmith, the smith, the [...] the work of the weaving craft, the expert [...]

Chapter Five. The Wadi Bastura Tunnel, Samarra, Tikrit, Babylon, and Sippar

Sennacherib 229

Series of blocks; stone; Wadi Bastura Tunnel. 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 229; CDLI P467243.

Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria: (As for) the three watercourses which (flow) from Mount Ḫāni, a mountain above the city Arbela, I dug out the springs which are on the right and left banks of those watercourses and (thus) added (the springs’ water) to them. I dug a (subterranean) watercourse and directed (all of) their course(s) inside the city Arbela, the dwelling of the goddess Ištar, the exalted lady.

Sennacherib 230 — Baltimore/Washington Inscription

Tablet; stone; Samarra (Sur-marrati). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 230; CDLI P467244.

The deities Aššur — great lord, the father of the gods — Anu, Enlil, and Ea, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar, (and) the Sebetti, the great gods who stand at the side of the king who reveres them and make his weapons prevail over all enemies: Sennacherib, great king, strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), the king who was chosen by you, guardian of truth who loves justice, renders assistance, goes to the aid of the weak, (and) strives after good deeds, perfect man, virile warrior, foremost of all rulers, the bridle that controls the insubmissive, (and) the one who strikes enemies with lightning: The god Aššur, the great mountain, granted to me unrivalled sovereig[nty] and made my weapons greater than (those of) all who sit on (royal) daises. He made all of the rulers of the (four) quarters (of the world) from the Upper Sea of the Setting Sun to the Lower Sea of the Rising Sun bow down at my feet and they (now) pull my yoke. On four of my campaigns (during) which I went down to Chaldea and marched to the city Kār-Nabû, which is on the shore of the Bitter Sea, I conquered their cities, and (then) plundered (them), destroyed (them), devastated (them), (10) (and) burned (them) with fire; and on three of my campaigns (during) which I marched to Elam, I destroyed its settlements. On my eighth campaign, I ordered the march to Babylon. (As for) the Babylonians who heard about the approach of my expeditionary force, terror and fear fell upon [th]em. They opened the treasury of Esagil and took out the gold, silver, (and) choice stones of the god Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Zarpanītu in abundance. They sent (it) to Umman-menanu (Ḫumban-menanu), the king of the land Elam. They wrote to him as follows: “Come to Babylon to our aid and align yourself with us! Let us put our trust in you!” He, the king of the land Elam, was a rash fellow who does not have sense or insight. On the first occasion, in the time of Ḫallušu-(Inšušinak I), his father, I went down to his district and captured the cities Nagītu (and) Nagītu-diʾbina, (and) the lands Ḫilmu, Pillatu, and Ḫupapanu, districts of his that are on the other side of Bitter Sea, and plundered (them), destroyed (them), devastated (them), and burned (them) with fire. On the second occasion, in the time of Kudurru (Kudur-Naḫḫunte), his brother, I went to the land Elam and, in the course of my campaign, I surrounded, conquered, (and) plundered the cities Bīt-Ḫaʾiri (and) Raṣā, cities on the border of Assyria that the king of the land Elam had taken away by [fo]rce in the time of my ancestor(s). I had archers (and) shield bearers stationed inside them. I brought (those cities) back inside the border of Assyria and placed (them) under the authority of the garrison commander of Dēr. The cities Bīt-Arrabi, Ālum-qašti, Bubê, Dunni-Šamaš, Ekal-šalla, Burutu, Bīt-Risiya, Dūr-Dannu-Nergal, Bīt-Aḫlamê, (25) Ālum-ša-Bēlet-bīti, Ibrat, Kuṣurtāyin, Dūru, Dannat-Sulāya, Šilibtu, Bīt-Aṣūsi, Kār-Zēra-iqīša, Bīt-Giṣṣi, Bīt-Katpalāni, Dimtu-ša-Sul[āya], Dimtu-ša-Mār-bīti-ēṭir, Ḫarri-ašlakê, Rabbāya, Rāsu, Tīl-U[ḫuri], Ḫamrānu, Tīl-Ḫumba, Dimtu-ša-Dumeli, Bīt-Ubiya, Baltī-[līšir], Taqab-līšir, Alu-ša-nāqidāte, Sarḫu-Dēri, Bīt-Aḫḫē-iddina, [Ilteuba], (30) Muḫuṣē..., Damtê, Dimtu-ša-Bēlet-bīti, Akkabarina, Bīt-[Imbiya], Massūtu, Bīt-Unzāya, Bīt-Qīsiya, Dimtu-ša-Šullume, [...], Dimtu-ša-Nabû-šarḫi-ilāni, Apdinu, Tīl-Raqu, Ālum-šarri, [...], the walled fortresses of the land Rā[ši], and the small(er) cities in [their] environs, [which were without number], the cities Ḫamānu (and) Naṭītu, as far as the pa[ss] of the land Bīt-Bunakku — I conqu[ered, and plundered (them), (35) destr]oyed (them), devastated (them), [bu]rned (them) with fire, (and) turned (them) into a heap of ruins. When he, [the king of the land Elam, ...] heard about [the conquest] of his cities, terr[or] and fear fell upon [him]. He brought [the rest of the people of his land] into fortresses. He [abandoned] the city Ma[dak]tu, [his] royal city, [and] s[et out] for the city Ḫaydala (Ḫidālu), which is in the mountains, far aw[ay]. I ordered the mar[ch to the city Madaktu], his royal city. In the month Ṭebētu (X), bitter cold [set in and continuous rain fell, and (then) w]ind, rain, (and) snow came in equal force. [I was afraid] of the gorges, the out[flows of the mountains, (so) I turned around and too]k the ro[a]d [t]o As[syria]. After my (departure), he, the king of [the land Elam], rou[sed ... Then, he] brought down [...] the rest of [the people of] his land, who [...] fr[om ...] to the land [... and settled (them) on the alluvium. ...] to the land [...] ... [...] not ha[ving sense or insight] ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] he received [...] ... [...] He did not [order their work, (but) gathered] his army] (and) for[ces ...] ... [...]. [...] ... [... the land B]īt-Adi[ni, ...] ... [... the U]bu[lu, Mal]aḫu, R[apiqu, ...] In their multitude, [...] ... [...] ... [...] ... [... Like a spring in]vas[ion] of a swarm of [locu]sts, [... to d]o bat[tle (...)] ... [... The dust of their feet covered the] wide [heavens like a heavy cloud in the deep of w]inter. I [myself prayed to the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl, Nabû, Nergal], Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbe[la, the gods who support me, for victory over (my) strong enemy and] they immediately heeded my [pr]ayers (and) cam[e to my aid]. [...] I raged up [like a fer]ocious [...], and (then) put on ar[mor (and) placed a helmet suitable for combat on my head. In my anger, I rode quickly in] my exalted battle chariot, which lays [enemies low. I took in my hands the mig]hty [bow] that the god Aššur had granted to me [...] ... my chariot on (their) flan[ks and front lines ...]. [...] I roared [loudly] like a storm (and) thun[dered] like the god Adad. [By the command of the god Aššur, the great lord, my lord], I blew [like the onset of a severe storm against the] enemy. With the weapon of the god Aššu[r, my lord, and my fierce battle array, I turned them back and] made them [retre]at. The massed body of tro[ops ...] ... upon them. Ḫu[mbān-undāša ...] (No translation possible) his sons [...] they burned [...] ... [...] the god Aššur, my lord [...] [I] qu[ick]ly [slaughtered and defeated his magnates], who wear [gold (decorated)] bel[t]-daggers and [have reddish gold sling] strap[s fastened to their forearms, like] fattened [bulls restrain]ed with fetters. I s[lit their throats like sheep (and thus) cut off] the[ir] precious [li]ves [like thread. Like a flood in full spate after a] seasonal [rainstorm ...], I made [the]ir blood f[low over the broad earth. The swift] thorough[breds harnessed to] my [ch]ari[ot plunged] into [floods] of their blood [(just) like a river. The wheels of my war chariot, which lays criminals and villains low], were bath[ed] in blood and gore. [I filled the plain with the corpses of their warriors like grass. When the second] double-hour of the night had passed, [I stopped their] slaughter. [I cut off (their) lips and (thus) destroyed their pride]. I cu[t off their hands] like the stems of cucumbers in season. I received [gold (and) shining silver sling straps from their wrists (and) slashed off their belts] with sharp swords. I took away gold (and) silver (decorated) [be]lt-[daggers] from their waists. (As for) him, U[mman-menanu (Ḫumban-menanu), along with the king of Babylon, terror of doing battle] with me overwhelmed them like alû-demons. [Their hearts throbbed] like the [pursued] young of pigeons, they passed their [uri]ne hotly (and) they released [their excrement] inside their chariots. [In order to save their lives], they trampled the [corp]ses of their troops as they pushed on. To the midst of the wag[ons ...]. At my [fe]et, they beseeched my lordship, (saying): “Let us live [... so that we might proclaim] your [f]ame.” After I myself had seen that they had released their excrement [inside their chariots], I left them alone, sparing (their) lives. (As for) the rest of the magnates of the land [Elam, including Nabû-šuma-iškun], a son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), descendant of Yakīn, who [were standing] in si[lver (decorated)] chariots, [...] ..., who had raised their arms because they were terrified of (doing) serious battle with me, [...] ... with the sword (and) I captured the living in the thick of battle. [I brought back] all toget[her ... the wagons alo]ng with their mules and the chariots along with with their horses, whose drivers I had killed in the thick of (that) [mighty] ba[ttle] and which had themselves been released so that they galloped about on their own. I took away from them their camps and their royal tents. They, like runaways, returned empty-ha[nded] to their (own) land(s). So that no one will ever forget the might of the god Aššur, my lord, (and) that all humanity might magnify the prai[se] of his heroism, on the (very) spot where I defeated the king of Babylon and Umman-menanu (Ḫumban-menanu), the king of the land Elam, all of their lands, together with the lands Parsuaš, Anzan, Paširu, Ellipi, all of Chaldea, as many as there were, (and) all of the Arameans, I reaped their skulls like withered grain and piled (them) up like pyramids. I had a stele made, had all the victorious conquests that I achieved over my enemies with the support of the great gods, my lords, written on it, and I erected (it) on the plain of the city Ḫalulê. At that time, the city Sūr-marrati, which is on the bank of the Tigris River (and) which had been abandoned from distant days and had gone to ruin — after I myself had arranged a march to the lands Elam and Chaldea, because I had spent the night inside it in the course of my campaign, the (re)populating of that city came to my attention at that time and I put my mind to it, and (then) I greatly enlarged the site of the city, had its wall built anew, and raised (it) as high as a mountain. Beside the wall, I dug a moat around its (entire) circumference. I planted palm grove(s and) grape vine(s) in the meadow. I had an inscribed object made and had inscribed on it all the mighty victories that I achieved over my enemies wi[th] the support of the god Aššur, my lord, and (then) I placed (it) inside the wall. At any time (in the future), [may] one of the kings, my descendants, whom the god Aššur names for shepherding the land and people, renovate its dilapidated section(s) when that wall becomes old and dilapidated. May he find an inscribed object bearing my name, anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, and return (it) to its place [wi]th his own inscription. The god Aššur will (then) hear his prayers. Araḫsamna (VIII), the twenty-fifth day, eponymy of Nabû-kēnu-uṣur, governor of the city Samaria, fourteenth year of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 231

Tablet; stone; Tikrit. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 231; CDLI P467245.

Obverse

[Palace of Sennacherib, great king], strong king, king of the world, king of Assyria, [king of the four quarters (of the world), favorite of the] great [god]s, wise prince, [circumspect] rul[er, shepherd of the peop]le, (and) leader of a widespre[ad] population, [I]: [The god Aššur, father of the gods], looked steadfastly upon me [among all of the ru]lers and [made] my [we]apons [greater] than (those of) a[ll who sit on (royal) daises]. He gave me a ju[st] scepter [that widens borders (and) he put in my hand] a merciless [ro]d to fell ene[mies]. [I]n a pitched battle, I overwhelmed like the Deluge Marduk-apla-iddi[na (II) (Merodach-baladan), the king of] Karduniaš (Babylonia), all of the Chaldeans [and Arameans, together with the troops of the land Elam, his allies. He (Marduk-apla-iddina II) fled alone] to [the Sealand, and (then) he dug up the gods of the (full) extent of his land, together with the b]ones of his fo[re]fathers [from (their) tomb(s), ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [I had inscribed] on [it all the mighty victories that I achi]eved [over my enemies with the support of the god Aššur, my lord, and I deposited (it) in its foundation(s)] for ever after. At any time (in the future), [may one of the kings, my descendants, whom the god Aššur] nam[es for shepherding the land and] people, [renovate its dilapidated section(s) when that ...] becomes old and [dilapidated. May he find] an inscribed object bearing my name, [anoint (it) with oil, make an offering], (and) return (it) [t]o its place. The god Aššur [will (then) hear his] pray[ers].

Sennacherib 232

Block; stone; Babylon (Bābili). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 232; CDLI P467246.

Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 233

Lion-head finial; stone; Tell Abu Habbah (Sippar-Yahrurum). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 233; CDLI P467247.

[Senn]acherib, king of the world, [king of Assyria], gave (this object) [to] Esarhaddon, his senior-ranking son.

Chapter Six. Other Late Neo-Assyrian Inscriptions Possibly of Sennacherib

Sennacherib 1001

Stele; stone; Harran (Harran). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1001; CDLI P467248.

(Too little of the text is preversed so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 1002

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1002; CDLI P467249.

[... Sennach]erib, king of [Assyria (...)].

Sennacherib 1003

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1003; CDLI P467250.

[... Sennac]herib [...].

Sennacherib 1004

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1004; CDLI P467251.

[... Senn]ach[erib ...] my kingship [...] ... [...].

Sennacherib 1005

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1005; CDLI P467252.

[... Sennac]herib [...].

Sennacherib 1006

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1006; CDLI P467253.

[...] from him [...] their name(s) (and) their seed, [as well as (those of) his advis]ors, [...].

Sennacherib 1007

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1007; CDLI P467254.

[... Sennach]erib, king of Assyria [(...)].

Sennacherib 1008

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1008; CDLI P467255.

[... Sennach]erib, king of [Assyria (...)].

Sennacherib 1009

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1009; CDLI P467256.

[... Senn]acherib, king [...].

Sennacherib 1010

Vessel; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1010; CDLI P467257.

[...] Sennach[erib ...].

Sennacherib 1011

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1011; CDLI P467258.

(Lacuna) [may they] make [...] disapp[ear].

Sennacherib 1012

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1012; CDLI P467259.

(Lacuna) [...] the deity [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1013

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1013; CDLI P467260.

(This text has only one sign preserved so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 1014

Bead; stone; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1014; CDLI P467261.

(Lacuna) [...] Šamaš, [...]

Sennacherib 1015 — Azekah Inscription

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1015; CDLI P467262.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [... the god Aššur, my lord, encouraged] me and [I marched] to the land Ju[dah. In] the course of my campaign, [I received] a payment from the kin[gs of ... With the str]ength of (the god) Aššur, my lord, [I ...] the district [of ...-Y]aū (Hezekiah) of the land Judah like [... (5´) ...] the city Azaqâ, a place upon which he relied, which (is situated) between my ... and the land Judah, [...] is situated upon a mountain peak. Like the blade(s) of daggers, without number, they rise up high into the heavens [...] were well fortified and rival high mountains. Looking upon (them), like [...] from the heavens [...] [... by having r]amps [trodden down], mighty battering rams brought up, and the assault of foot soldiers, [my] wa[rriors ... When] they saw the [...] of my [ho]rses and heard the clangor of the vast troops of (the god) Aššur, th[ey] became frightened [... I surround]ed, conquered, plundered, destroyed, devastated, (and) [burned with fire]. [...] a royal city of the land Philistia that ...-Yaū (Hezekiah) had taken away (and) fortified, and (then) [...] ... like a bush [...] it was surrounded by tall towers and was exceedingly difficult [...] the palace was secured before them like a mountain and rose [...] was dark, the sun did not illuminate it. Its waters were forever in darkness and its outflow [...] its [mo]uth had been hacked out with axes, the moat adjacent to it was deep, and ... [...]. [...] he had [his] battle-seasoned [troops] garrisoned inside it. He girt his weapons in orde[r to ...]. I made all the troops of the land Amurru carry earth and [...] against them. On the seventh try, ... its great walls [I smashed] like a [like] a [potter’s] vessel. [...] I b[rought] out of it [... oxen, and shee]p and goats, [and I counted (them) as] boo[ty. ...] ... [...]

Reverse

(Reverse completely missing)

Sennacherib 1016

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1016; CDLI P467263.

Obverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] ... [...] I cut free and [...] of my lord [...] grass [...] herds of horses (and) donkeys [...] I made dwell (as safely) as on a meadow and [...] ... prospered [...] pastures, [...] he was deeply cutting [... on]agers (and) gazelles [...] their mountain [...] turtle(s) [... la]id eggs [...] my palatial halls [...] I divided [...] ... [...] I made stand (there), and (then) they grew very thick and tall. [...] ... two bull colossi of wh[ite] limestone [...] the gate of that watercourse, I had erected. [...] the strong wave and wild tide that rise up and [...] canal(s), dike(s), and irrigation ditch(es) eroded their bank(s) and [... when] there was [bre]ach, harvests were submerged [...] I had magnificent [...]s of iron made and [...] the outflow of water ... [...] ... [...] when its flood was in full spate [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Reverse

(Lacuna) [...] ... [... of] my mouth which is to be feared and obeyed [...] ... [...] and a desert, a region [...] Zab River and the Tigris River (No translation possible) [... the land] Elam [...] Akkad (No translation possible) (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1017

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1017; CDLI P467264.

(Lacuna) The foot path [...] onagers (and) gazelles [...] roamed about and [...] among the kings who came before [me ...] region [... Senna]cherib, king of As[syria, ...] that ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1018

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1018; CDLI P467265.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] the great gods [... of] my [lordsh]ip [I had inscribed] upon them [...] I erected and ... [...] [...] the kings, my descendants, [...] the people ... [... the] great [go]ds [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1019

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1019; CDLI P467266.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [... of m]y lordship [...] ... they seized him [...] inside Uruk ... [... Ku]dur-Naḫundu (Kudur-Naḫḫunte), the E[lamite, ...] the gods Nabû, Marduk, [...] he/they had ta[ken ...] before me [...] he changed/reported and brought back [... th]ey brought back and (thus) pacified [...] to fight ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1020

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1020; CDLI P467267.

(This text is a Neo-Assyrian legal transaction so it is not transliterated in RINAP 3.)

Sennacherib 1021

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1021; CDLI P467268.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [... Senn]acherib [...] ... (Lacuna?)

Sennacherib 1022

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1022; CDLI P467269.

Obverse

(Lacuna)

Column i

[...] and [... paym]ent [...] his [...] [...] ... (Lacuna) (Lacuna)

Column ii

[...] upon h[im ...]. Moreover, he, [...] the (very) image of a gallû-dem[on, ...] ... troops [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1023

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1023; CDLI P467270.

(The god) Aššur, the father of the gods, the one who [...], the bridle that controls [...]; the god Anu, the powerful, [... whose ...] cannot be alte[red, ...]; the god Ea, the wise, the lord [...] who casts [...] down on grassland, [...]; the god Enlil, the greatest lord, the foremost of [...]; the god Sîn, the pure god, the lord of the crown, the one who [...] the one who widens [...]; the god Šamaš, the exalted judge, ... [...]; the god Adad, the canal inspector of heaven and earth, the one who gi[ves ...] to the people ... [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1024

Tablet or prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1024; CDLI P467271.

(Lacuna) [...] Marduk(-)[...] ... in the territor[y of ...] ... insi[de ... obedi]ence and pea[ce ...] ... [...] ... the god Sîn [...] ... as far as the city [... whom I/he en]trust[ed ...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1025

Tablet or prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1025; CDLI P467272.

(Lacuna) [...] before [...] ... [...] ... [...] bank ... [...] over the plain [of ...] ... have [... were w]oven over with spider webs. [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Sennacherib 1026

Tablet or prism; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 1026; CDLI P467273.

(Lacuna) [...] ... [...] all of th[em ...] spider webs. [...] ... [...] ... [...] (Lacuna)

Chapter Seven. Inscriptions of Sennacherib's Family

Sennacherib 2001

Stele; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 2001; CDLI P467274.

Image of Raʾīmâ, the mother of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria.

Sennacherib 2002

Vessel; stone; Qalat Sherqat (Assur). 2 exemplars. Reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BC. Sennacherib 2002; CDLI P467275.

Property of Tašmētu-šarrat, palace woman of Sennacherib, king of Assyria.

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation published by the Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period (RINAP) project's online edition (oracc.org/rinap/rinap3/), the digital edition of A. Kirk Grayson and Jamie Novotny, The Royal Inscriptions of Sennacherib, King of Assyria (704–681 BC), Part 2 (The Royal Inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian Period 3/2; Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2014), created 2014 and lemmatized by Jamie Novotny, 2013, as part of the University of Pennsylvania-based RINAP Project (2008–), fetched 2026-08-08. RINAP's own volume page states its content is "released under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license"; the project's machine-readable data files carry the further 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, A. Kirk Grayson, and Jamie Novotny 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 the 223 inscriptions edited in Grayson and Novotny's Part 2, reproduced complete and verbatim from the project's HTML reading editions and reformatted from an interlinear line-by-line display into continuous reading prose. The seven-chapter division follows the objects' own findspot, as RINAP's catalogue records it, closing with RINAP's own two appendix groups (inscriptions possibly of Sennacherib; inscriptions of his family). No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical notes such as "(Lacuna)" and "Ruling line and date missing" are RINAP's own, recording damaged, restored, or illegible cuneiform and the physical state of the object; a small number of editorial fragment and bilingual-inscription divisions are marked exactly as RINAP's own edition marks them, in bold. Twenty of the 223 texts below — Sennacherib 48, 69–72, 77, 81, 101, 183, 189, 192, 206–208, 217, 220–221, 1001, 1013, and 1020 — were not available for RINAP's editors to study; RINAP publishes no translation for them. One of these, Sennacherib 206, is a cross-reference rather than a gap: RINAP's own catalogue records it as edited instead as part of Sennacherib 99, and that redirect is disclosed in place of an invented translation.

Composite identification. Each inscription above is given by its RINAP designation, its object type, material, and known findspot, its popular name where RINAP's catalogue gives one, its number of known exemplars, and its RINAP text ID (an Oracc Q-number), under which the full transliteration, lemmatization, and further exemplar detail can be studied 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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