Astrological Reports to Assyrian Kings — State Archives of Assyria 8

State Archives of Assyria 8 — Reports of the Royal Scholars

Between roughly 680 and 627 BCE, under the Assyrian kings Esarhaddon and his son Assurbanipal, a network of scholars watched the sky on the crown's behalf. Some worked from Nineveh itself; others wrote from Babylonian cities — Borsippa, Cutha, and elsewhere — where court astrologers had long served the Assyrian throne. Each report follows the terse, ancient grammar of celestial omen literature descending from the series Enūma Anu Enlil: a protasis recording what was seen — the moon's appearance on the 1st day, a halo around it, a conjunction of two planets, an eclipse, a peculiarity of weather — followed by an apodosis stating what the omen was traditionally understood to mean for the king and the land, and often closing with the scholar's own name: "From Nergal-eṭir," "From Rašil, son of Nurzanu." Hermann Hunger edited 567 such tablets and fragments in 1992 as "Astrological Reports to Assyrian Kings," State Archives of Assyria volume 8 — the largest volume in the entire State Archives of Assyria series. This edition follows his own twenty-two chapters exactly: a chapter apiece for each of the fourteen scholars Hunger could name with confidence, and four further chapters gathering the Assyrian-dialect and Babylonian-dialect reports that could only be assigned generally ("varia") or not at all ("unassigned").

Most reports concern the moon and sun — whether the new moon appeared on the expected day, whether sun and moon were seen together at full moon, the length of a lunar or solar eclipse and which watch of the night or day it fell in — because Babylonian celestial divination treated these regularities, and their disruptions, as the clearest signs of the god's intent toward king and country. Planetary risings, conjunctions, and the appearance of "strange stars," along with occasional notes on weather, round out the corpus. A handful of reports are undatable to a specific year; most can be assigned only broadly to the sixty-year span shared by Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal, and one isolated report in the Babylonian unassigned dossier carries an internal date over a half-century earlier, in the reign of Sargon II.

The English below is SAAo's own published translation, reproduced complete and verbatim as continuous reading prose; nothing has been added, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers such as "(?)" and "(!)" are SAAo's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform. These are working reports on small, fragile tablets, and many break exactly where a scholar's name or a key observation would otherwise stand: 217 lines across 119 of the 567 texts are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation, and each such gap is marked in place — by SAAo's own words where SAAo records one ("blank," "rest broken away," "beginning broken away"), otherwise disclosed plainly — rather than filled. One catalogue entry, SAA 08 510, is not an independent tablet at all but SAAo's own note that it has been joined to and re-edited as SAA 08 475; that note is reproduced here as its entry rather than silently dropped.

Chapter One. Reports of Issar-šumu-ereš — SAA 08 001–038
Chapter Two. Reports of Nabu-ahhe-eriba — SAA 08 039–079
Chapter Three. Reports of Balasi — SAA 08 080–099
Chapter Four. Reports of Akkullanu — SAA 08 100–112
Chapter Five. Reports of Bulluṭu — SAA 08 113–125
Chapter Six. Reports of Nabu’a — SAA 08 126–142
Chapter Seven. Reports of Nabu-mušeṣi — SAA 08 143–159
Chapter Eight. Assyrian Reports — Varia — SAA 08 160–183
Chapter Nine. Assyrian Reports — Unassigned — SAA 08 184–243
Chapter Ten. Reports of Nergal-eṭir — SAA 08 244–287
Chapter Eleven. Reports of Nabu-iqiša of Borsippa — SAA 08 288–299
Chapter Twelve. Reports of Zakir — SAA 08 300–315
Chapter Thirteen. Reports of Munnabitu — SAA 08 316–322
Chapter Fourteen. Reports of Ašaredu the Older — SAA 08 323–335
Chapter Fifteen. Reports of Ašaredu the Younger — SAA 08 336–355
Chapter Sixteen. Reports of Aplaya of Borsippa — SAA 08 356–368
Chapter Seventeen. Reports of Nabu-šuma-iškun — SAA 08 369–379
Chapter Eighteen. Reports of Rašil — SAA 08 380–415
Chapter Nineteen. Reports of Nabu-iqbi of Cutha — SAA 08 416–436
Chapter Twenty. Reports of Ṭabiya and Ṭab-ṣilli-Marduk — SAA 08 437–448
Chapter Twenty-One. Babylonian Reports — Varia — SAA 08 449–500
Chapter Twenty-Two. Babylonian Reports — Unassigned — SAA 08 501–567

Chapter One. Reports of Issar-šumu-ereš

SAA 08 001–038. 38 texts.

SAA 08 001 — Thunder in Ab, King Ill

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0019; SAA 08, 001. Scholar: Issar-šumu-ereš. Proposed date 672-V (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 001; SAAo P336558.

Obverse

If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day is cloudy, it rains, lightning flashes: water will become scarce at the source. If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there will be darkness, variant: famine in the land. The king my lord need not worry about this illness. This is a seasonal disease; all the people who were sick are well (now). Further, the king my lord who is one who reveres the gods and prays day and night to the gods — can really anything happen to the king my lord and his offspring? God disposes; and that is good.

Reverse

Somewhere it is said as follows: "He is doing very well — his days will be short; he keeps falling ill — his days will be long." From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 002 — Venus and Mercury Setting

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0144; SAA 08, 002. Scholar: the chief scribe (Issar-šumu-ereš). SAA 08 002; SAAo P336432.

Obverse

This night the moon was surrounded by a halo in Scorpius, (that is a sign) for rain [and] flood. Venus (and) Mercury are about to set. [......] contains [......] cloud [......] he will see [......] Kalizi [......]...

Reverse

Let them [decide] about the orders and write us. The scribe [...-nap]ištu-iddin will come [on the xth] day. [I se]nt Nabû-mušeṣi, the scribe of the temple, [as the k]ing my lord said; he is bringing the former ...

Right Edge

From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 003 — Eclipse of the Sun

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00810; LAS 329; SAA 08, 003. Scholar: (Issar-šumu-ereš). SAA 08 003; SAAo P336573.

Obverse

[Mannu-k]i-Harran [wrote me] today: "The sun was [eclips]ed on the 29th; [what day do you have] today? We have [the ...th] [...] We reject this [date ......]. (Break)

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

Reverse

If the earth quakes in Nisan (I): His land will [defect] from the ruler. Had it not begun (in) Adar (XII), rai[n ...]; now [its] interpretation is this: because it quaked in Adar (XII) and Nisan (I) after [another], therefore (the omens) "it kept quaking, att[ack of an enemy]" (applies). Had there been one month between them, it would have [...]. Now it is also appropriate to cit[e] (the) Nisan (omens). From Issar-šumu-ereš.

Edge

Let them bring in that polyptych of Enuma Anu Enlil which we wrote, (and) let the king, my lord, have a look. Also, let them give us the Akkadian tablet of the king; the stars, 3 of each, should be drawn therein after (its model). An eunuch should be appointed to open the seal (and) to supervise the drawing.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 020 — Cancer in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0268; SAA 08, 020. Scholar: Issar-šumu-ereš. SAA 08 020; SAAo P336653.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [If the moon is surrounded by a halo] and [two stars] stand in it: [a reign] of long [days]. [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and [Ca]ncer stands in it: [the king] of Akkad will extend the life.

Bottom Edge

[Fr]om Issar-šumu-ereš.

Reverse

(Blank)

SAA 08 021 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0081; LAS 350; SAA 08, 021. Scholar: (Issar-šumu-ereš). SAA 08 021; SAAo P336240.

Obverse

(As to) what the king, my lord wrote to me: 'The clouds were dense, how did you observe that the gods saw each other (in opposition)?' — (the clouds) dispersed before daybreak; when he whom the king, my lord, knows revealed himself, we saw where the moon was standing. It amounts to an actual observation.

Reverse

Now, does not the king, my lord, (indeed) hear that they saw each other on the 14th?

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 022

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0233; SAA 08, 022. Scholar: Issar-šumu-ereš. SAA 08 022; SAAo P336654.

Obverse

[If the moon and sun] are in balance: [the land] will become stable; [reli]able [speech] will be placed in the mouth of people; [the king of the land] will make the throne last long. [If the Field star] comes close [to] the front of the moon and stands (there): [......], variant: there will be an attack of the enemy. [......] brother [...] (Break)

Reverse

[2 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[If] the moon [does not wait] for the sun [but sets]: raging of lion[s and wolves]. — On the 15th day they wi[ll be seen]. The sighting of Sat[urn is a good sign] for the king my lord. From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 040 — Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00781; SAA 08, 040. Scholar: Nabu-ah[he-eriba]. SAA 08 040; SAAo P336488.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) on the 13th [day] the king [......]. If the sun stands in the halo of the moon: in all lands (people) will speak the truth; the son will speak the truth with his father; universal peace. — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon; the sign is equivalent to the sign of the 13th day. Because the moon was seen on the 13th day, because of that Saturn stood in the halo of the moon.

Reverse

If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. If Regulus is dark: the king will become furious and will lead his notables out [for killing], but he will return [...] and not kill (them) and will get [......]. [If Sat]urn in front of Regulus [......]. (rest destroyed)

[2 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Edge

From Nabû-ah[he-eriba].

SAA 08 041 — Mars, Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00864; SAA 08, 041. Scholar: [Nabu]-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 041; SAAo P336425.

Obverse

If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon. If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars stands in it: loss of cattle; the Westland will become smaller. That is bad for the Westland.

[2 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Regulus stands in it: in that year pregnant women [wil]l give birth to male children. — Re[gulus] stands in the halo of the moon. [From Nabû]-ahhe-eriba.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 042 — The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse in Elul

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00839; SAA 08, 042. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. Proposed date 673)-VI-13 (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 042; SAAo P336571.

Obverse

The moon will be seen [together with] the sun in Elul (VI) on the 15th day, it will let [the eclip]se pass by. (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) [The moon will] be seen together with the sun, it will let [the eclipse] pass by, it will not make (it). From Nabû-ahhe-eriba. [Elu]l (VI), 13th day.

SAA 08 043 — Thunder in Ab

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 1043; SAA 08, 043. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 043; SAAo P336559.

Obverse

If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: floods will become scarce at the source. If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there will be darkness in the land. "Day without clouds" means Ab (V). If it rains in Ab (V): fall of people.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

If a west storm rises: fall of the Westland. If Adad thunders twice: the land which has sent you hostile messages will send you messages of peace. From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 044 — Solar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0227; SAA 08, 044. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 044; SAAo P336487.

Obverse

If the sun is surrounded by a halo and its gate ope[ns] to the south: the south wind will blow [...] If on the day of disappearance of the moon the south wind [blows]: rain [......]. The day of disappearance of the moon [......].

[2 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

The moon [will complete] the day in [month x]. From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 045 — Mars Stationary in Leo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0102; SAA 08, 045. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 045; SAAo P336535.

Obverse

Obverse

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 052 — Mars Stationary in Sagittarius

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0236; SAA 08, 052. Scholar: [Nabu-ahhe-eri]ba. SAA 08 052; SAAo P336533.

Obverse

[If Šarur and] Šargaz [of the sting of Scor]pius are faint: [......] are fallen. — Mars stands inside Sagittarius; "the sting of Scorpius" is said of Sagittarius. Mars became stationary in Sagittarius and stood there.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

Afterwards, in Sivan (III), it will turn and move forw[ard ......]. (blank) [From Nabû-ahhe-eri]ba.

Obverse

[If the moon] becomes visible on the 28th [day]: good for Akkad, bad for E[lam]. The moon st[ood there] on the 28th day. This sign counterbalances the sign o[f the 12th day].

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

When I wr[ote] to the king my lord, saying "the gods have opened the ears of the king [my lord]," (I meant) if something [happens] to [the king and] he worries, th[e gods ...] first send a message fr[om heaven] saying: ["Let him be on his guard", ......].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Edge

The king my lord [......].

[1 line of the Edge is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 064 — Full Moon on 13th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00877; SAA 08, 064. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 064; SAAo P336415.

Obverse

If the moon [is ...] in its course: [there will be] evil. — It [will be seen] on the 13th day (with the sun). 4 months after ea[ch other] (the moon) completed the day; it rose high in [...], on the 13th day [it was seen with the sun]. The king my lord need not [be afraid] of the bad omen. If the moon at its appearance "pile[s up]" the sky: it will rain, variant: the floo[d will come].

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[— It became visible in a piled-up cl]oud. If [the Anzu star ...] is bright: either [frost] or cold [...]. The Anzu star [is Mars]. "Frost" [is "cold"]. If the strange star [comes close to] Gemini: [the ruler will die]. "The ruler will die," as it says, [refers] to [...].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Edge

From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 065 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00736; SAA 08, 065. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 065; SAAo P336459.

Obverse

If the moon and sun are in balance: reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king of the world will make the throne last long. — It will be seen on the 14th day. The remainder of the words are (also) favorable for the king my lord; (when the moon) went into clouds we did not see it. If the moon at its appearance glides through clouds: the flood will come.

[3 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

"to glide" is "to go." If the moon at its appearance "piles up" the sky: it will rain. — It is seen in a piled-up cloud. From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 066 — Scorpius in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01412 + K 01508; SAA 08, 066. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 066; SAAo P336461.

Obverse

If the moon and sun are in balance: reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king [of the world] will make his throne la[st long]. (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) [If at the appearance of the moon] the sting [of Scorpius] surrounds it [like a halo]: the flood will [come]. Thi[s night], a halo surr[ounded the moon, al]l of Scorp[ius stood] inside it. If at the moon's appearance the south wind blows: in this month there will be regularly south wind. From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 067 — Full Moon on 15th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00984; SAA 08, 067. Scholar: [Nabu-ahhe]-eriba. SAA 08 067; SAAo P336577.

Obverse

[The moon] will be seen on the 15th [day with] the sun; it will omit [an eclipse], it will not make it. (Blank)

Reverse

(Blank) From [Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 068 — Taurus in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00740; SAA 08, 068. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 068; SAAo P336431.

Obverse

If the moon is surrounded by a halo and the star (called) "Crown of Anu" stands in it: [the king] is well; there will be tru[th and justice] in the land. — Taurus stands in the halo of the moon. For two days in a row it stood in the halo of the moon.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Blank) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 069 — Solar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00780; LAS 328; SAA 08, 069. Scholar: (Nabu-ahhe-eriba). SAA 08 069; SAAo P336486.

Obverse

[If] the sun rises and go[es] forward: the king of the world will make his reign lo[ng]. If in Adar (XII) the sun is surrounded by a halo in the morning: in this month the flood will come; variant: it will rain. This is in a sign from Jupiter; the rest of the words are like its sign, and concern rain and flood.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 070

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0287; SAA 08, 070. Scholar: [Nabu-ahhe-erib]a. SAA 08 070; SAAo P336522.

Obverse

[If ...] looks [at the foundation of the s]ky [...] the sky catches the ground [...], there wil[l be] rising of wind, variant: heat. [Me]rcury [...] its position [...] will be seen [...] ["Heat"] (means) hot we[ather]. [...] star [......].

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Break) [From Nabû-ahhe-erib]a.

SAA 08 071 — Jupiter in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0052; SAA 08, 071. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 071; SAAo P336422.

Obverse

The night of the 2nd day, Jupiter stood in the halo of the moon. Let them perform a namburbi ritual; the halo was not a closed one.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Blank) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 072 — Moon in Pleiades

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0053; SAA 08, 072. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 072; SAAo P336657.

Obverse

If the Pleiades come close to the front of the moon and stand there: the great gods will ... for the better understanding of the land. Sin interceded for the king with the gods; the king is safe. If the Field star comes close to the front of the moon and stan[ds] there: in that [year] ... [...], variant: [there will be] an attack of [the enemy].

Reverse

The Pleiades are (equivalent to) [Mars]; this night the moon approa[ched ...]. (blank) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 073 — Mercury Sighted in Capricorn

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00868; SAA 08, 073. Scholar: Nabu-ahhe-eriba. SAA 08 073; SAAo P336536.

Obverse

If the Yoke star is low and dark when it comes out: [the land] will go to ruin. [The Yoke st]ar (means) Mercury; [it] is faint (and) [...] are scarce.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

Reverse

If Anta[surra ...] a star which is in front [......] in that month [.....]. (Space) — Mercury is se[en ......]. From [Nabû-ahhe-eriba].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 077

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0034; SAA 08, 077. Scholar: [Nabu-ahhe-eriba]. SAA 08 077; SAAo P336543.

Obverse

SAA 08 082 — Mars and Saturn in Lunar Halo on Full Moon Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00712; SAA 08, 082. Scholar: Balasi. Proposed date 670-XII-16 (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 082; SAAo P336417.

Obverse

[If the moon] becomes late at an inappropriate time and does not become visible: attack of a ruling city. — It sets on the 15th day and is seen with the sun on the 16th day. If Mars keeps going around a planet: barley will become expensive. If the Raven star reaches the path of the sun: business will diminish; variant: there will be clamor. These are words concerning Akkad. Mars remained four fingers distant from Saturn, it did not come close. It did not reach it. I have (nevertheless) copied (the relevant omen). What does it matter? Let the pertinent namburbi ritual be performed. If the moon is seen on the 16th day: the king of Subartu will become strong and have no opponent.

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) From Balasî.

SAA 08 095 — Saturn Near Moon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0080; LAS 326; SAA 08, 095. Scholar: (Balasi). SAA 08 095; SAAo P336485.

Obverse

If the sun stays in the position of the moon: the king of the land will sit firmly on the throne. [If] a sun disk stands above the moon (and) below the moon: the foundation of the throne will become stable; the king of the land will stay in his truth. If the sun disk and the moon are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding.

Reverse

Reverse

If the Obsidian star (and) Antares, which stand in the br[east] of Sc[orpius, s]tood in front of the moon, this is a normal sign. Let them intercalate a month; all the stars of the sky have fallen behind. Adar (XII) must not pass unfavorably; let them intercalate!

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 099 — Thunder at Month’s End

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00786; SAA 08, 099. Scholar: Balasi. SAA 08 099; SAAo P336552.

Obverse

If [Adad thunders] on the day of disappearance of the moon: the irrigated field [...]. If it ra[ins] on the day of disappearance of the moon: business will be stable; the irrigated fie[ld will prosper]. (If) Adad th[unders] in the middle of the sun: there will be mercy in the land. In the middle of the sun, as it says, (means) at sunrise, before the rising of the sun, Adad [uttered] his lament.

Reverse

In the morning he said ... (Blank) From Balasî.

Chapter Four. Reports of Akkullanu

SAA 08 100–112. 13 texts.

SAA 08 100 — Occultation of Jupiter

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0003; SAA 08, 100. Scholar: (Akkullanu). SAA 08 100; SAAo P336496.

Obverse

If Jupiter stands inside the moon: in this year the king will die; variant: there will be an eclipse of the moon and sun; a great king will die. If Jupiter enters the moon: there will be famine in the Westland; the king of Elam will fall in battle; in Subartu a noble will revolt against his lord.

Reverse

[From Na]bû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 135 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00792; SAA 08, 135. Scholar: Nabu’a [of] Ashur. SAA 08 135; SAAo P334574.

Obverse

We kept [wat]ch on the 13th day; [we did not see the moon] and sun, there were [clou]ds. [...] the moon, there were clouds.

Bottom Edge

On the 14th [day] the moon and sun saw each other. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord!

Reverse

(Blank) [From] Nabû'a [of] Assur.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 136 — Full Moon on 13th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00802; SAA 08, 136. Scholar: Nabu’a of Ashur. SAA 08 136; SAAo P334575.

Obverse

We kept watch; on the 13th day the moon and sun were seen together. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord!

Reverse

From Nabû'a of Assur. (Blank)

SAA 08 137 — Full Moon on 15th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0037; SAA 08, 137. Scholar: Nabu’a of Ashur. SAA 08 137; SAAo P334579.

Obverse

We kept watch on the 13th and the 14th day; on the 15th day the moon and sun saw each other. May Aššur, Šamaš, Bel and Nabû bless the king my lord!

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

If Adad thunders in the middle of Taurus: the king will conquer a country not belonging to him.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 164 — Auspicious Days in Iyyar

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00920; SAA 08, 164. Scholar: Aššur-naṣir. SAA 08 164; SAAo P336662.

Obverse

[Iyyar (I]I), the 2nd day: [favorable]. The 6th day: [let him take] a wif[e, he will live to ol]d age. The 8th day: an important person will be favorable. The 10th day: at court, favorable. The 12th day: in the street, favorable. The 15th day: perfect seed. The 16th day: joy of heart. The 18th day: convert the cleaned (barley). (Break)

Reverse

Obverse

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 202 — Full Moon on 15th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00727; SAA 08, 202. SAA 08 202; SAAo P336477.

Obverse

Obverse

(Too fragmentary for translation) (Rest broken away)

[9 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Beginning broken away)

[4 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 227

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0508; SAA 08, 227. SAA 08 227; SAAo P336586.

Obverse

Nisan (I), the 1st day, the 3rd day, the [x]th day [...] are good [day]s for performing [...]. [The 1st day is] good, the 3rd day is good [...] [... the] 7th [day] is good, the 8th day [...] [... is] good, before [...] [...] he must not [...] [...] Marduk [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 237 — Birth Omens and Others

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00798; SAA 08, 237. SAA 08 237; SAAo P336148.

Obverse

If a cow gives birth to three (young): the mind of the land will change. If a cow gives birth to three (young), and 2 are male, 1 female: severity (of cold in that) year; the harvest will not prosper. If a falcon hunts in a man's house: there will be deaths in the man's house. [If] a falcon hunts and [another] falcon takes it away: [the e]nemy will plunder and put [......].

Reverse

(Break) [If a snake] hangs down [from ... of the ent]rance and cuts off the way to a [man's] house: this house will have a protective deity. I searched in the tablet about snakes; this (omen) is pertinent.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 238 — Birth Omens

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00849; SAA 08, 238. SAA 08 238; SAAo P336146.

Obverse

If a cow gives birth to twins: destruct[ion of the land]; fighting; the enemy will attack the prince, and the house of its (the cow's) owner will be scattered. If a cow gives birth to three (young): the mind of the land [will change]. If a mare gives birth to twins: [attack of the enemy]. If a mare [gives birth] to a male and a female, and they have normal hair of the face, feet, [nose, and] hooves: these cattle [will increase]; the king will attack and [overthrow] the land of his enemy; he will plunder the land of his enemy; for its (the mare's) owner there will be worry.

Reverse

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 242 — Birth Omens

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00777; SAA 08, 242. SAA 08 242; SAAo P336675.

Obverse

[If ...]......, that cattle-pen will ... [If an ano]maly has a bump in its back ...[...] your adversary will submit [to you]. [If] an anomaly has an excrescence: the days of the ruler will be long; the [ki]ng will achieve supreme royal power, will have a large army, and will see a reign of prosperity. That cattle-pen will improve. Perhaps the king my lord will say: "Why did you not quote (any omens) from Šumma izbu? There are no [...] in what I [...]. from Šumma i[zbu ......] you quoted ... [......]...[......].

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 243 — Snake Omens

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00743; SAA 08, 243. SAA 08 243; SAAo P336152.

Obverse

If a snake is seen in a temple: the offerings of that temple will continue for a long time. If a snake keeps scaring (people) in a temple: angry gods will return to the country. If a snake is seen in the temple of Ištar: there will be a food-offering of Ištar.

Reverse

Obverse

If the Pleiades come close to the top of the moon and stand there: the king will exercise world dominion and expand his land. From Nabû-iqiša of Borsippa. May Bel and Nabû grant long days and happiness to the king of all lands, my lord! ... the king established our freedom (from corvée work). (Yet) at this very moment, I build a storeroom in the Review Palace with my brothers, and the townspeople with whom the king has made me take (fields), have killed my farmer and harass me saying: "Perform your ilku-duty with us!"

Reverse

Reverse

If a planet rises in Elul (VI): rising (of business), thriving of grain. If in Elul (VI) the Kidney star becomes visible: the plough of the land will prosper. The Kidney star is Mercury. From Ašaredu, son of Damqa, servant of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 326 — Morning First of Jupiter near Pleiades

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01394; RMA 187A; SAA 08, 326. Scholar: [A]šaredu the Older. Proposed date 670-II (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 326; SAAo P238065.

Obverse

[If J]upiter becomes visible in Iyyar (II): [the land wil]l eat abundant food. [If J]upiter becomes visible in the p[ath of the Anu stars: the flo]od will come, and the harvest of the land will prosper. [If J]upiter is red at its appearance: there will be [abun]dance in Akkad. [If] Marduk reaches the Pleiades: there will be [...] ...

Reverse

[From A]šaredu the older, [servant] of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 327 — Conjunction of Saturn and Mars

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1879-07-08, 0100; RMA 172; SAA 08, 327. Scholar: Ašaredu the Older. Proposed date 670-XII-16 (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 327; SAAo P236880.

Obverse

If the moon in Adar (XII) on the 14th or the 15th day is not seen together with the sun: destruction of Ur. If the moon becomes late at an inappropriate time and does not become visible: attack of a ruling city; years of ... [...]. If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen] together: the king of Subartu [will have no] rival. (This is) from a [.....] tablet. If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and [Mars stands in it]: loss of cattle; in all lands [cultivated fields and] dates will not prosper [......] ... [......]. (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) [If a strange star] comes close to a planet: loss of c[attle. — Ma]rs comes close to Saturn. [If] a planet affects the stars of the sky: the king will finish all lands. — Mars becomes bright and affects the stars. From Ašaredu the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 328 — Fog in Shebat

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0018; RMA 250; SAA 08, 328. Scholar: Ašaredu the Older. Proposed date 668-XI (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 328; SAAo P237639.

Obverse

[If] there is fog in the land: the harvest will become abundant, business will become steady. [If] there is fog in the land continually: the dynasty of the land will rule the world. [If] a fog rolls in [in] Shebat (XI): eclipse of the Kassites.

Reverse

Reverse

If the moon [becomes visible] in Tammuz (IV) on the 30th day: dispersal of all lands. The king should not make war against evil. (The moon) wears a crown, is red, and its horns are short: good for the king. [From Aša]redu the older, [servant of] the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 332

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0177; RMA 087; SAA 08, 332. Scholar: Ašaredu the Older. SAA 08 332; SAAo P237290.

Obverse

If the moon at its appearance stands in a stable position: waiting for rain. If (the moon) wears a crown of a dark day: the moon will smite the enemy. A dark day (means) cloudy day, a dark day (means) [...] day, [it says] in [a commentary]. If the moon [......]. (Break)

Bottom Edge

(Broken away)

Reverse

If [there is fog] in the land [continually]: the dynasty of the land will rule the world. From Ašaredu the older, servant of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0178; RMA 220; SAA 08, 340. Scholar: Ašaredu the Younger. SAA 08 340; SAAo P237291.

Obverse

If a planet rises in Elul (VI): rising of business, thriving of grain. May the lord of kings be everlasting!

Reverse

Reverse

From Rašil the older, servant of [the king].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 389 — New Moon on 1st Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0242; RMA 026; SAA 08, 389. Scholar: Rašil the Older. SAA 08 389; SAAo P237319.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the harvest of the land will prosper; [the king wi]ll reach the highest rank. If the moon's horns both equal each other: quiet dwelling for the land.

Reverse

If the moon's (horns) at its appearance are very pointed: the king will rule the land wherever he goes, variant: he will knock down wherever he wants to subdue. From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 390 — New Moon on 30th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00809; RMA 066; SAA 08, 390. Scholar: Rašil the Older. SAA 08 390; SAAo P237896.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlam[û will devour] the wealth of the Westland. If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor [of an enemy] in the land. If the moon at its appearance stands low and becomes visible: [the enemy] will plunder in the land.

Reverse

[If the moon at its app]earance stands low and becomes visible: a present from a distant land will come [to] the king of the world, variant: a messenger will come. [From] Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 391 — New Moon on 30th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01395; RMA 059; SAA 08, 391. Scholar: Rašil the Older. SAA 08 391; SAAo P238066.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of an enemy. If the moon at its appearance is high and becomes visible: the enemy will plunder in the land. If the moon at its appearance is visible early: the month will bring worry.

Reverse

If the moon's horns at its appearance look to the ground: the flood will come. From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 392 — New Moon on 30th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0050; SAA 08, 392. Scholar: Rašil the Older. SAA 08 392; SAAo P336399.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of an ememy. If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the wealth of the Westland.

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

If (at) the sun's rising cloudbanks lie in its path: the emblems of the land will fall. From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 402

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01909; SAA 08, 402. Scholar: Rašil the Older. SAA 08 402; SAAo P238106.

Obverse

The [......] which from [......] of heaven and earth [...] will come [...] The king need not be concerned; let him act according to the exti[spicies, and the king] my lord will become hap[py].

Bottom Edge

Your days [...]

Reverse

winds [......] on [......] (Break)

Edge

[From] Rašil the older, [servant] of the king.

[1 line of the Edge is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 403 — Morning Last of Venus, Saturn in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01330; RMA 174A; SAA 08, 403. Scholar: Rašil, son of Nu[rzanu]. SAA 08 403; SAAo P238039.

Obverse

If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and [the sun] stands in it: [they will speak the truth in the land]; the son [will speak the truth] with his father. Venus [......] a month and 10 days [...] ... [...]. If Venus [disappears] in Nisan (I) [from the 1st] to the 30th day in [the east: there will be] wailin[g in the land].

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

To the king my lord, your servant Ṭab-ṣilli-Marduk, son of Bel-[up]ahhi[r]. May Bel and Nabû decree well-being, happiness, health, length of days, long duration of reign and stability of the foundation of the throne [of] the king my lord forever!

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 446 — New Moon on 1st Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01308; RMA 011A; SAA 08, 446. Scholar: Ṭab-[ṣilli-Marduk]. SAA 08 446; SAAo P238028.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: [reliable speech]; the land will become [happy]. If the moon at its appearance [wears a crown]: constantly [the harvest of the land will prosper]; the land [will dwell] as if in pastures near the city; the king [will reach] the highest rank. If the day [reaches its] normal length: a reign of [long] days; the years of the king [will be many].

Reverse

From Ṭab-[ṣilli-Marduk].

SAA 08 447 — The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01393; RMA 052; Pfeiffer, AOS 6, 1935, 211-212 (no. 312); SAA 08, 447. Scholar: Ṭab-ṣilli-Marduk nephew of Bel-naṣir. SAA 08 447; SAAo P238064.

Obverse

[In Iy]yar (II) (the moon) will complete the day; [on the 14th] day the moon and sun will be seen together. The 13th [day], the night of the 14th day, is the [da]y of the watch (to be held), and there will be no eclipse.

Reverse

I guarantee it seven times, an eclipse will not take place. I have written a definitive word to the king. From Ṭab-ṣilli-Marduk, nephew of Bel-naṣir.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 448 — Jupiter Near Venus

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01332; RMA 194; SAA 08, 448. Scholar: Ṭab-ṣilli-[Marduk] son of Bel-uppahir. SAA 08 448; SAAo P238041.

Obverse

If Jupiter passes to the right of Venus: a strong one will conquer the land of the Guti in battle. If Jupiter ... to the right of Venus [and] stands there: for three years ... [......]. (Break)

Reverse

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 459 — Full Moon on 14th Day, Planet Sighted in Taurus

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00960; SAA 08, 459. Scholar: [Bel-le’i, descend]ant of Egibi. SAA 08 459; SAAo P237950.

Obverse

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. [If] the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. [If] the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the king will reach the highest rank.

Reverse

Reverse

From Bel-naṣir.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 469 — Eclipse of the Moon, Occultation of Jupiter

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0232; RMA 235A; SAA 08, 469. Scholar: Bel-šuma-iškun. SAA 08 469; SAAo P237316.

Obverse

[2 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Beginning broken away)

[3 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 474 — Full Moon on 13th day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01606; RMA 085A; SAA 08, 474. Scholar: Bel-ušezib. SAA 08 474; SAAo P238090.

Obverse

If the moon [is seen] at an inappropriate ti[me: business will diminish]. — On the 13th day one god [is seen with the other]. If on the 13th day the moon and sun [are seen together]: unreliable speech; the ways [of the land will not prosper]. To [the king] of all lands, my lord, [your servant Bel-ušezib. May] Be[l, Nabû, and] Marduk [bless] the king [my lord. May they grant] life for dist[ant] days, [......] world rule, [......] happiness and joy [......]! The king of all lands, my lord, [......] of 1 talent of gold [......]; the face of the king my lord [......].

Reverse

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 500 — Venus Near Saturn

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0194; RMA 067; SAA 08, 500. Scholar: Šuma-iddin. SAA 08 500; SAAo P237299.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the wealth of the Westland. Sivan (III) means the Westland; it is bad for the Westland. Saturn did not approach Venus for (less than) 1 cubit; there is no sign from it.

Reverse

(Blank) From Šuma-iddin.

Chapter Twenty-Two. Babylonian Reports — Unassigned

SAA 08 501–567. 67 texts.

SAA 08 501 — Full Moon on 14th Day, Saturn in Lunar Halo

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 2, 345; RMA 136S; SAA 08, 501. Assigned to Sargon II's reign (721–705 BC). SAA 08 501; SAAo P240205.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [If the moon and sun] are in opposition: the king [of the land will widen his understanding ...]. I.e., on the 14th day the moon is seen [with the sun]. [If a sun disk stands] above the moon, vari[ant: below the moon]: the foundation of the throne of the land's [king will be stable; the king of the land] will stand in his truth. — On the 14th day [the sun stands] with the moon. [If the sun] stands in the halo of the moon: [in all lands they will speak the truth, and the son [will speak the truth] with his father.

Reverse

(Break) Kislev (IX), 14th day, year 1, Sargon king of Babylon.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 502 — Planetary Omens, Prediction of Eclipses

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08713; RMA 272; cf. Dietrich, Aramaer, 1970, 35, 41, 150-151 (rev. 13-18); SAA 08, 502. Proposed date 679-IX (SAAo's own year-month[-day] notation, Babylonian calendar). SAA 08 502; SAAo P238776.

Obverse

If in Marchesvan (VIII) Adad thunders, the day [becomes cloudy, it rains], a rainbow stretches, lightning [flashes: a famous important person will fall]. The lord of kings must not say as follows: "[When a sign] came, [why] did you not write?" — [I wrote a report], but when I gave it to the eunuchs, they did not [...] me. "A famous important person," as it says, [does] not [apply to them; it] ... against someone else. If (the stars) Šarur and Šargaz of the sting of Scorpius gain radiance: the weapons of Akkad will attack. The sting of Scorpius is the great lord Pabilsag. — Venus stands in Sagittarius. If Nergal stands in Scorpius: a strong enemy will carry off the land; Enlil will give his weapons to the enemy; few enemy troops will defeat my numerous troops. If Scorpius is dark: the kings of all lands will engage in hostilities, variant: the kings of all lands will rival with each other. If the sides of Scorpius are very dark: people will become bad. — Mars stands in it. [If] Libra is dark: for three years locusts will attack and devour the harvest of the land, variant: locusts will devour the land; the land will have to eat a reduced harvest; three years ... — Mars stands in Scorpius; this is its interpretation:

Reverse

Reverse

[If the moon at] its [appe]arance wears a crown: the harvest of the land will prosper; [the king] will reach the highest rank. [If the moon] becomes visible in Nisan (I) on the 1st day: the north [win]d will blow; the king of Akkad [and] his [noble]s will become happy. Mercury [became vi]sible in the west in Aries; it is good for the king my lord, [bad for the Westland]. The king of the Westland will fall in battle. [The troops of the king] my lord who are in Egypt will conquer [...].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 506 — New Moon on 1st Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0203; RMA 045; SAA 08, 506. SAA 08 506; SAAo P237304.

Obverse

[If] the moon [becomes visible] on the 1st day: reliable speech; the [land will become happy]. If the moon's position at its appearance is stable: the gods will make a favorable decision about the land. I.e., it becomes visible on the 1st day. If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of [long] day[s. ......]

Reverse

— [The 30th day] will complete [the length of the month. On the 14th day] (the moon) will be seen [with the sun]. Elul (VI), Tishri (VII), [Marchesvan (VIII), Kislev (IX)], these four months the moon became visible on the 1st day. [That is good] for the king my [lord ......]. The ki[ng ......] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 507

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01341 + K 01586; SAA 08, 507. SAA 08 507; SAAo P336393.

Obverse

If the moon [becomes visible] on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. If the moon at [its] appea[rance] makes [...], and its dwelling is devastated: there will be [......], and [the son] will speak the [truth with his father]. If [......]: the king of the Westland will rule the world. If there exists in [......] stars: [......] will seek the moon. If [......] (erased)

Reverse

If in Iyyar (II) the Pleiades, the Seven Gods, the great gods, rise at their appropriate time: the great gods will gather and make a favorable decision about the land. In Iyyar (II) on the 1st day [the Breast of the Panther stands] in the middle of the sky opposite [your breast, and] the Pleiad[es ri]se.

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 508 — New Moon on 1st Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1880-07-19, 0065; RMA 023; SAA 08, 508. SAA 08 508; SAAo P236921.

Obverse

If the moon becomes visible [in Tam]muz (IV) on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the king will reach the high[est rank]. If the moon wears a crown of a dark day: the moon god will smite [the enemy]. A dark day means a cloudy day [......].

Reverse

If the moon at its app[earance ....]: the king [......] the land [......]. (3 lines missing)

SAA 08 509 — New Moon on 1st Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 19677; SAA 08, 509. SAA 08 509; SAAo P336676.

Obverse

[If the moon] becomes visible [on the 1st day: reliable] speech; the land will become happy. [If the day reaches its normal] length: [a reign of long days].

Reverse

(Blank)

SAA 08 510

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) the enemy [will plunder in the land]. If the moon at [......] ... [......].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 516 — Predicting Months’ Lengths

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0066; SAA 08, 516. SAA 08 516; SAAo P336390.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [the moon will com]plete the day in Adar (XII); on the 14th day it will be see[n together] with (the sun). [The moon] will reject the day in Nisan (I); [the moon] will reject the day in Iyyar (II); [the moon] will be close to rejecting in Sivan (III). Much [... is] not before me. [...] the king of kings [......]

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 517 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0089; SAA 08, 517. SAA 08 517; SAAo P336441.

Obverse

If the moon reaches the sun and follows it closely, and one horn meets the other: there will be truth in the land, and the son will speak the truth with his father. — On the 14th day one god will be seen with the other. If the moon and sun follow each other closely: the king of the land will widen his understanding; the foundation of the throne of the king of the land will become stable. — On the 14th day one god will be seen with the other. (If) on the 14th day the moon and sun are seen together: the speech of the land will become reliable; the land will become happy; the gods will remember Akkad favorably; joy among the troops; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: clouds will be gathered; this month holds rain. If one horn meets the other: the flood will come. — On the 14th day one god is seen with the other.

Reverse

(Blank as far as preserved)

SAA 08 541 — Venus and Mars

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08704; RMA 236F; SAA 08, 541. SAA 08 541; SAAo P238771.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) rai[nbow ......]. If ... [......] rainbow [...]. If Venus is red: plenty for the peop[le ...]. If the light of Venus at its rising is like a clo[ud ......]. If Venus at its rising until the end of Ab (V) [......]. If Mars [carries] white radiance: [......]. [This is] doubly good for the ki[ng my lord]. [If a planet stands in] the east: attack of Subartu and [the Kassites against the land]. [If .......]. [If Nergal in] his appearance [is white and scintillates like the fi[xed stars: ......; the cat]tle of Akkad will lie undistur[bed in the steppe; sesame and d]ates will prosper. For [......].

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[NN], son of Nur-..., descendant of [...]; [...]hâ, descendant of Gilû [...]; [...] the Araean [...] many [......] all [......] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 542

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00967; RMA 277I; SAA 08, 542. SAA 08 542; SAAo P237955.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed or untranslatable) [If ...] Mars [......]: cattle [and ......] will not prosper; the Westland [...].

Reverse

[If two stars] stand in the halo of the moon: [a reign of] long [days]. [From ...]...[...].

SAA 08 543 — Cancer in Lunar Halo, Planets

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0065; SAA 08, 543. SAA 08 543; SAAo P336430.

Obverse

If in Kislev (IX) [Scorpius'] breast is bright, [its tail is dark], its horns are opposing each other: rain and flood [will be early] for the la[nd; locusts] will attack and devour the land; fall of cattle [and shepherds' huts]; weapons will be raised and [the enemy land will ...], variant: will be conquered [......]. Mercury and [......].

Reverse

If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and [......]: loss of cattle [......]. If ditto and a star stands in it: [the king and the troops] will be shut up [...]. If ditto, and Cancer [stands in it]: the king of Akkad [will extend] the life. Cancer [...]. If ditto, and its gate [is open] towards [...]: for the land ... [......].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 544

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01314; SAA 08, 544. SAA 08 544; SAAo P336539.

Obverse

Obverse

If at the moon's appearance the Pleiades [stand] at [its] side: the king will exercise world dominion; his land [will expand]. If the Pleiades come close to the top of the moon [and stand there]: the king will exercise world dominion; his land [will expand]. If the Pleiades stand in it: [...] the seven gods [......].

Reverse

(Break) [...] for many days [......] I have been sick [...] [...] of the king my lord [......] ... [......].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 549

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0322; RMA 246C; SAA 08, 549. SAA 08 549; SAAo P237346.

Obverse

If the rising of Enmešarra is very [red]: it will increase the flood. [If] Mercury [......]. (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning broken away) the son [will speak the truth] with [his father]. If Cancer [stands in the halo of the moon]: the king of Akkad will extend the life.

SAA 08 550

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1880-07-19, 0355; RMA 277AB; SAA 08, 550. SAA 08 550; SAAo P236949.

Obverse

[...] ... turned. [— ...] stands in front of Pabilsag. [If ......] Scorpius stands: there will be [...] in the land. [The sting of Scorpius] is Pabilsag. (Break)

Reverse

will dwell in p[eace; the gods] will listen to prayers and answer [the diviner's queries].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 551

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01328; RMA 277E; SAA 08, 551. Scholar: [...], son of Kudurru. SAA 08 551; SAAo P238037.

Obverse

[If ...] comes close to the front of the moon and stands there: [......] ... [......] of the world will take place. (Space) [From ...], son of Kudurru.

SAA 08 552 — Meteor

[1 line of the Obverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Break) ... [......]. This [is its interpretation: ......] good [......].

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 556

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 12013; RMA 274N; SAA 08, 556. SAA 08 556; SAAo P239051.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation)

[6 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

Reverse

[......] black [The king my lord can be] glad. [......] the Pleiades [......] Old Man star (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

[4 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 561

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0774; RMA 277V; SAA 08, 561. SAA 08 561; SAAo P237407.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] on the horizon the moon and sun [......] ... high when [...] [...] ... for the king [......] ... (Rest destroyed)

SAA 08 562

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0884; RMA 277W; SAA 08, 562. SAA 08 562; SAAo P237447.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation)

[5 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Bottom Edge

[1 line of the Bottom Edge is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

(Rest broken away)

[1 line of the Reverse is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 563

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0883; RMA 277Y; SAA 08, 563. SAA 08 563; SAAo P237446.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation) (Rest broken away)

[5 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 564

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0029; RMA 277Z; SAA 08, 564. SAA 08 564; SAAo P237668.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation)

[6 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[4 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Right Edge

[1 line of the Right Edge is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 565 — Hemerology

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01336; RMA 277D; SAA 08, 565. SAA 08 565; SAAo P238042.

Obverse

In Shebat (XI), on [the xth] day [......] in the palace [......] the year [......] ... [......] In Adar (XII), on the 3[rd] day [......] to the aki[tu (festival) ......] and Nabu [......] in the tem[ple ......]

Reverse

let the king sen[d ......] The 3rd day of [......] a weapon to [Marduk ...] and Nabu [......] (Break) From [NN].

SAA 08 566

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01557; RMA 277C; SAA 08, 566. SAA 08 566; SAAo P238082.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation; maybe not even a report)

[8 lines of the Obverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Bottom Edge

[1 line of the Bottom Edge is too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

Reverse

[8 lines of the Reverse are too damaged for SAAo's published translation; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 08 567 — Hemerology for Month Iyyar

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01599; SAA 08, 567. SAA 08 567; SAAo P238089.

Obverse

In Iyyar (II) on the 20th day let him gi[ve] bread [...] opposite the gate of the sacred rooms of the temple of Nusku [......] their sick eyes which ... [......]. In Iyyar (II) on the 20th day let him [kill] a [sn]ake: he will reach the highest rank. Snake ... [......]. (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning destroyed) ... [......] of the king ... [...] and Adad-[......] bodyguard ... [...] went, he killed Kudurru, son of Bel-[...], an informer, and when he denou[nced] Bel-naṣir ... [...], these months in front [...] staff-bearer [......].

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation of the State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo, oracc.museum.upenn.edu/saao/saa08/), the digital edition of Hermann Hunger, Astrological Reports to Assyrian Kings (State Archives of Assyria 8; Helsinki University Press, 1992; reprinted 2014), lemmatised by Mikko Luukko (2016–17) as part of the research programme of the Alexander von Humboldt Chair in the Ancient History of the Near and Middle East at LMU Munich (Karen Radner, Humboldt Professorship 2015), fetched 2026-08-08. SAAo's own per-text credit line states the annotated edition is "released under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license 3.0"; the project's own machine-readable catalogue and metadata files carry the further, separate statement "This data is released under the CC0 license" (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). Both statements are recorded here; this edition credits SAAo, Hermann Hunger, and Mikko Luukko 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 SAAo's own published translation of all 567 catalogue entries edited in Hunger's Astrological Reports to Assyrian Kings, 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 twenty-two-chapter division follows the print edition's own chapters exactly — one per named scholar, plus the Assyrian and Babylonian varia/unassigned dossiers — and each tablet's obverse, reverse, and edges are marked where the source itself marks them. No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers such as "(?)," "(!)," and italicized variant readings are SAAo's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform. 217 lines across 119 of the 567 texts are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation; each such gap is marked in place rather than filled. A small number of standalone editorial notes in this volume's pagers — describing a line as blank, broken away, or otherwise physically absent — are recorded by SAAo in a separate descriptive field rather than inside the translation itself; those notes are reproduced here, in parentheses, at the point in the text where SAAo places them, using SAAo's own wording. SAA 08 510 is one such special case: SAAo's own note for this catalogue entry states only that it has been rejoined to and re-edited as SAA 08 475, and that note — not an invented translation — is what appears under its heading.

Composite identification. Each tablet above is given by its SAA 8 catalogue number, its British Museum (or, for a small number of pieces, Louvre or Istanbul Arkeoloji Müzeleri) registration or accession number where recorded, its citation in the earlier Assyriological literature — chiefly R. C. Thompson's The Reports of the Magicians and Astrologers of Nineveh and Babylon (cited by SAAo as "RMA") — where SAAo notes one, and its SAAo text ID (a CDLI P-number, or, for one duplicate/join entry, an X-number), under which the full transliteration and morphological analysis can be studied further at SAAo'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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Astrological Reports to Assyrian Kings — State Archives of Assyria 8

State Archives of Assyria 8 — Reports of the Royal Scholars

Contents

Chapter One. Reports of Issar-šumu-ereš

SAA 08 001 — Thunder in Ab, King Ill

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 002 — Venus and Mercury Setting

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

SAA 08 003 — Eclipse of the Sun

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 004 — Eclipse of the Moon in the Morning

Obverse

Reverse

Edge

SAA 08 005 — Evening Last of Venus

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 006 — Jupiter and Cancer in Lunar Halo

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 007 — Evening Last of Mars at Month’s End

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 008 — Earthquakes in Adar and Nisan

Obverse

Reverse

Edge

SAA 08 009 — New Moon on 1st Day

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

SAA 08 010 — New Moon on 1st Day

Obverse

SAA 08 011 — New Moon on 30th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 012 — New Moon on 30th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 013 — New Moon on 30th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 014 — New Moon on 28th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 015 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 016 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 017 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 018 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 019 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 020 — Cancer in Lunar Halo

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 08 021 — Full Moon on 14th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 022

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 023 — Full Moon on 15th Day

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 08 024 — Full Moon on 15th Day

Obverse

Reverse