Letters from Assyrian and Babylonian Scholars — State Archives of Assyria 10

State Archives of Assyria 10 — The King's Scholars to Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal

Between roughly 680 and 631 BCE, under the Assyrian kings Esarhaddon and his son Assurbanipal, the scholars attached to the royal court — chief and ordinary scribes, astrologers, haruspices (diviners who read the entrails of sacrificial animals), exorcists, physicians, and lamentation priests — wrote constantly to the palace at Nineveh. They reported eclipses, lunar and planetary omens, and unusual births; they diagnosed and treated royal illness; they set auspicious days for state ceremonies, oversaw the substitute-king ritual that shielded the real king from an ominous eclipse, and answered for their own conduct when accused of disloyalty. Three hundred and eighty-nine of their letters survive, excavated at Kuyunjik (ancient Nineveh) and held today mostly in the British Museum.

The print edition groups the letters into twenty chapters, and this collection follows that division exactly: dossiers of named correspondents — the chief scribes Nabu-zeru-lešir and Issar-šumu-ereš; the astrologers Balasi, Nabu-ahhe-eriba, Akkullanu, and Bel-ušezib; the chief haruspex Marduk-šumu-uṣur; the king's exorcist Adad-šumu-uṣur and the chief exorcist Marduk-šakin-šumi, with the exorcists Nabu-nadin-šumi, Urad-Gula, and Nabu-naṣir; the chief physician Urad-Nanaya; the lamentation priests Urad-Ea and Nabu-zeru-iddina; and Mar-Issar, Esarhaddon's agent in Babylonia — interleaved with chapters of "varia" gathering shorter or unattributed letters from scholars of the same kind. Most letters open with the same formula, "To the king, my lord: your servant [name]. Good health to the king, my lord!," before turning to the business at hand; a few are addressed the other way, from the king to his scholars.

The English below is the State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo) project'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 SAAo's own markers for damaged or restored text. Four hundred and seven lines across two hundred and fifteen of the letters are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation, and one further tablet (SAA 10 287) carries no published translation or editorial note for any line at all; every such gap is noted in place rather than filled.

Chapter One. Nabu-zeru-lešir and Issar-šumu-ereš, Chief Scribes — SAA 10 001–038
Chapter Two. Balasi, Astrologer — SAA 10 039–066
Chapter Three. Nabu-ahhe-eriba, Astrologer — SAA 10 067–083
Chapter Four. Akkullanu, Astrologer — SAA 10 084–108
Chapter Five. Bel-ušezib, Astrologer — SAA 10 109–121
Chapter Six. Astrologers — Assyrian Varia — SAA 10 122–153
Chapter Seven. Astrologers — Babylonian Varia — SAA 10 154–172
Chapter Eight. Marduk-šumu-uṣur, Chief Haruspex — SAA 10 173–177
Chapter Nine. Haruspices — Varia — SAA 10 178–184
Chapter Ten. Adad-šumu-uṣur, King's Exorcist — SAA 10 185–232
Chapter Eleven. Marduk-šakin-šumi, Chief Exorcist — SAA 10 233–272
Chapter Twelve. Nabu-nadin-šumi, Exorcist — SAA 10 273–288
Chapter Thirteen. Urad-Gula, Exorcist — SAA 10 289–295
Chapter Fourteen. Nabu-naṣir, Exorcist — SAA 10 296–307
Chapter Fifteen. Exorcists — Varia — SAA 10 308–313
Chapter Sixteen. Urad-Nanaya, Chief Physician — SAA 10 314–327
Chapter Seventeen. Physicians — Varia — SAA 10 328–337
Chapter Eighteen. Urad-Ea and Nabu-zeru-iddina, Lamentation Priests — SAA 10 338–346
Chapter Nineteen. Mar-Issar, Esarhaddon's Agent in Babylonia — SAA 10 347–370
Chapter Twenty. Miscellaneous — Varia — SAA 10 371–389

Chapter One. Nabu-zeru-lešir and Issar-šumu-ereš, Chief Scribes

SAA 10 001–038 (38 letters).

SAA 10 001 — Enthroning a Substitute King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-zeru-lešir, Adad-šumu-uṣur, Nabu-šumu-iddina, Urad-Ea, Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 13000; ABL 0332. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 679 or 674 -VI-15 BC. SAA 10 001; SAAo P334215.

Obverse

[To] the 'farmer,' [our] lord: your [servants] Nabû-zeru-leš[ir], [Ad]ad-šumu-uṣur, Nabû-šumu-[iddina], [Urad]-Ea and Issar-šumu-[ereš]. [Good hea]lth to [our lo]rd! (Break) We [shall go] to Nineveh.

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

SAA 10 002 — The Substitute King Reveals a Conspiracy

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-zeru-lešir. British Museum, K 00112; ABL 0223. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 679 or 674-VIII-15 BC. SAA 10 002; SAAo P334164.

Obverse

To the 'farmer,' my lord: your servant Nabû-zeru-lešir. Good health to my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord for many years! I wrote down whatever signs there were, be they celestial, terrestrial or of malformed births, and had them recited in front of Šamaš, one after the other. They (the substitute king and queen) were treated with wine, washed with water and anointed with oil; I had those birds cooked and made them eat them. The substitute king of the land of Akkad took the signs on himself. He cried out: "Because of what ominous sign have you enthroned a substitute king?" And he claims: "Say [in] the presence of the 'farmer': on the eve[ning of the xth, we were drinking w]ine. Ṣallaya gave b[ribes] to his servant Nabû-[uṣalli] and meanwhile he inquired about Nikkal-iddina, Šamaš-ibni, and Na'id-Marduk, speaking about upheaval of the country: 'Seize the fortified places one after another!' He is to be watched (carefully); he should no (longer) belong to the entourage of the 'farmer.' His servant Nabû-uṣalli should be questioned — he will spill everything."

SAA 10 003 — Burying the Substitute King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-zeru-lešir, Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0025; ABL 1376. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 679 or 674-IX-25 BC. SAA 10 003; SAAo P334873.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-zeru-lešir and Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and [Marduk] ble[ss] the king, [our lo]rd! We went with N[N] and N[N] to the palace [of...]. The mausoleum [...] of the re[ar ...] (Break)

Reverse

If [the king, our lord, orders, we will make] a tomb [and put the substitute] king in it. (Break) What [is it that the king], our [lord], orders?

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

SAA 10 004 — Substitute King Ascends Throne in Akkad

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 01918; CT 53 206. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 004; SAAo P313621.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... entered the city of] Akkad and ascended (the throne). I [...] in the city of Akkad; the foundation stone has been complet[ely] bui[lt in ...]; they are p[roducing] the bricks.

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

Reverse

I have given the ord[ers and they are doing (the work)]. If [my] lo[rd commands, ... in] the palace [the substitute k]ing [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 10 005 — Auspicious Days for Treaty Ceremonies

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, Rm 0073; ABL 0384. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 673-XII-19 or 672-II-19 BC. SAA 10 005; SAAo P334260.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Issar-šumu-ereš. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! The 20th, the 22nd and the 25th are good days for concluding the treaty. We shall undertake (that) they may conclude it whenever the king, my lord, says.

SAA 10 006 — Convening Scribes for Treaty Ceremonies

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0009; ABL 0386. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-I-07 BC. SAA 10 006; SAAo P334262.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Issar-šumu-ereš. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! The scribes of the cities of Nin[eveh], Kilizi and Arbela (could) ent[er] the treaty; they have (already) come. (However), those of Assur [have] not (yet) [come]. The king, my lord, [knows] that they are cler[gymen]; If it suits the king, my lord, let the former who have (already) come, enter the treaty; the citizens of Nineveh and Calah would be free soon and could enter (the treaty) under (the statues of) Bel and Nabû on the 8th day.

Reverse

Alternatively, (if) the king, my lord, orders, let them go, do their work, and get free (again); let them reconvene on the 15th, come here and all enter the treaty in the said place at the same time. However, it is written as follows in the hemerologies of the month Nisan (I): "He should not swear on the 15th day, (or else) the god will seize him." (Hence) they should en[ter] the treaty on the 15th day, at d[awn], (but) conclude it only in the night of the 16[th] day before the stars.

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

SAA 10 007 — Scholars to Enter the Treaty

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 00572; ABL 0033. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-I-15 BC. SAA 10 007; SAAo P333985.

Obverse

[To] the king, my lord: your [servant] Issar-šumu-ereš. [Good] health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! The scribes, the haruspices, the exorcists, the physicians and the augurs staying in the palace and living in the city will enter the treaty on the 16th of Nisan (I).

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 00522; ABL 0031. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 or 669-IV-[...] BC. SAA 10 015; SAAo P333983.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Issar-šumu-ereš. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! As to what the king, my lord, wrote to me: "Has any curse been written there?" — I have checked and there is none. A curse has (definitely) not been written.

SAA 10 016 — Blessings to the Queen Mother

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0271; ABL 0677. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 016; SAAo P334475.

Obverse

To the mother of the king, [my lord]: your servant Issar-šumu-[ereš]. Good health to the mother of the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the mother of the king, my lord! (Break)

Reverse

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

Reverse

On the 26th: the wailing; on the 27th: the redemption; on the 28th: Tammuz. This is the way the display takes place in Nineveh. In Calah, the display (takes place) on the 27th and the 28th in like manner. In [Arbe]la, the displays [take place] on the 27th, the 28th and the 2[9th]. (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 020 — Arranging a Festival

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0517; LAS 343. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 020; SAAo P336238.

Reverse

"If it should occ[ur], what is the word about it?" — the 14th day (signifies) the Eastland, the month Sivan (III) (signifies) the Westland, and the relevant 'decision' (pertains) to Ur. And if it occurs, the (interpretation concerning the) region it afflicts and the wind blowing will be quoted as well.

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

SAA 10 027 — Gems for a Statue

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0024; ABL 1375. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 668 BC. SAA 10 027; SAAo P334872.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Issar-šumu-ereš. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, [my lo]rd! Concerning the four [...]-gems of the statue [of ...] about which the ki[ng, my lord, wrote to me]: "[......] (Break)

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

[...] not to enter [...] who (or which) is not [acceptable] to the king, my lord; what should I [...], what should I [...]? I would like to undertake and per[form] the work of the king, my lord, and even do it in excess (literally: pay interest)! He (said) "W[ho ... has] ever vis[ited] the king and [...] in ...? He did not visit me when I w[as] crown prince, how could he now visit me?"

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

SAA 10 028

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 02909; ABL 0041. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 028; SAAo P333993.

Obverse

To the king, [my lord]: your servant Issar-šu[mu-ereš]. Good health to the king, [my lord]! May Nabû and [Marduk] b[less] the king, my lord! As to what the king, my lord, recen[tly] wr[ote to me]: "As [...] all [......] of the [queen] mother [...] (Break)

Reverse

SAA 10 036

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 13083; CT 53 477. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 036; SAAo P313890.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

Perhaps the king, [my lor]d [will say]: "[...] what has been accepted" — the king, my (or our) lord [...] to the brothers of [Assurbanipal], [your] lordly sons. (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 10 037

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Issar-šumu-ereš. British Museum, K 01313; CT 53 177. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 037; SAAo P313592.

[As the king previously] sa[id], the present month is intercalary; the matter should be dropped. Let the king go, kiss the ground and perform the sacrifices in the coming month. (Rest destroyed)

Bottom Edge

As to what was said to the king: "On the 1st day he may not go outdoors", does the crown prince now go out of the outer gate? Said the king: "The crown prince should enter into my presence." What has entering to do with going out?

Reverse

Concerning Aššur-mukin-pale[ya] about whom the king, my lord, spoke — the 4th day is good, let him come. The planet Mercury (signifies) the crown prince, and it is bright, clothed with brilliance. (So) in view of what sh[ould he] not [come]? The moon comp[leted] the day in [this] month.

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

SAA 10 053 — Assigning Dates for a Visit

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi, Nabu-ahhe-eriba. British Museum, K 00565; ABL 0077. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 053; SAAo P334026.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Balasî and Nabû-ahhe-eriba. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, our lord! Concerning Aššur-mukin-paleya about whom the king, our lord, wrote to us, may Aššur, Bel, Nabû, Sin, Šamaš and Adad bless him, and may the king, our lord, see him prosper. It is (a) good (time) for (his) going (to the king): the 2nd is a good day, and the 4th is a very good day.

SAA 10 054 — Timing a Visit

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi. British Museum, K 05496; ABL 0929. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 054; SAAo P334628.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Balasî. Good health to the king, [my lord]! [May] Nabû and Marduk [bless the king, my lord]! (Break)

Reverse

Let the man come tom[or]row. May Bel and Nabû bless the king! See his success!

SAA 10 055 — Earthquake in Sivan

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi. British Museum, Rm 0556; ABL 1080. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-III-[...] BC. SAA 10 055; SAAo P334722.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) [The earth] quaked [again ......]; the relevant interpretation is as follows: If the earth quakes in the month Sivan (III), settlements in abandoned outlying regions will become settled again at the command of Illil.

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

Reverse

Let them find out where the evil (portended by) the eclipse has materialized, and eradicate it. Somebody should g[o] and [perform (the rituals)] in Nine[veh]. (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

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

Edge

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

SAA 10 056 — The Meaning of an Earthquake

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0037; ABL 0355. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-III-[...] BC. SAA 10 056; SAAo P334231.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Balasî. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the interpretation of the omen about which the king, my lord, wrote to me: "(It is said that) the king will be vilified amongst his magnates — what losses will ensue?" — interpretations of monthly omens are like this: one is never similar to another, their interpretations go separately.

Reverse

Now this one: if he will be slighted, its explanation can only be the earthquake. It has quaked: that is bad. They should perform the ritual against the earthquake, your gods will (then) make (the evil) pass by. "Ea has done, Ea has undone." He who caused the earthquake has also created the apotropaic ritual against it. Was there no earthquake in the times of the king's fathers and grandfathers? Did I not see earthquakes when I was small? The god has (only) wanted to open the king's ears: "He should pray (literally 'open his fists') to the god, perform the apotropaic ritual and be on his guard."

SAA 10 057 — The King Should not be Afraid of the Eclipse

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0109; ABL 0691. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 667-I-16 BC. SAA 10 057; SAAo P334489.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Balasî. Good health to the king, my lord! The king sho[uld not] be afraid of this eclipse! The planets Jupiter, Venus and [Sa]turn were present [during the eclipse]. [The gre]at [gods ......]... (Break)

Reverse

[May ......] give [life of distant days, old age and fullness of life to the kin]g, [my] lo[rd]. [Akkull]anu will read and explain [the rep]ort on the lunar [eclipse] [be]fore the king.

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

SAA 10 058 — Omens from Birds and a Request

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0169; ABL 0353. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 058; SAAo P334229.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Balasî. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the raven about which the king, my lord, wrote to me, (here are the relevant omens): If a raven brings something into the house of a man, the said man will obtain something that does not belong to him. If a falcon or a raven drops something it carries into the house of a man, (or) according to a variant, before a man, the said house will have išdihu. Išdihu (means) profit. If a bird carries flesh, a bird, or anything, and drops it into the house of a man, the said man will receive a large inheritance.

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Balasi, Bamaya. British Museum, K 00496. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 664-IX-[...] BC. SAA 10 063; SAAo P336679.

Obverse

To the king, [our] lo[rd: your servants Bal[asî] and Bamaya. Good he[alth] to the king, our lord! May Nabû and M[arduk] bl[ess] the king, our lord! The moon and sun appeared together on the 14th day. Before we saw the king, our lord's letter, we kept watch, wrote [a report], and gave it to [...]. He did not [......] mouth [.....] we sei[z]ed [...]. Now then we shall watch the appearance (of the moon) in Tebet (X) and write to the king, our lord.

Reverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-ahhe-eriba. Good health to the king, my lord! [May] Aššur, Bel, Nabû, Sin, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela [...] (Break)

Reverse

[The king may ask] the scribe of the pa[lace]. The house is sealed.

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

SAA 10 083

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-ahhe-eriba. British Museum, K 13066; ABL 0696. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 083; SAAo P334493.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant] Nabû-ahhe-[eriba]. [Good hea]lth to the king, [my lord]! May [Nabû], Marduk, Ištar of [Nineveh] and [Ištar] of Arbela give long lasting [days], everlasting years, happiness and joy to the king, my lord! (10) [As to what the king], my [lord], wr[ote to me] (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 088 — Venus Approaching Cancer

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, K 13170; RMA 212A. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-III-[...] BC. SAA 10 088; SAAo P336515.

Obverse

(Beginning lost)

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

Reverse

Per[haps the king, my lord, will say]: "[......]." Venus [is approaching] the constellation [Cancer]; here [is the relevant interpretation]: If the Goat star [approaches Cancer: there will be] peace and reconciliation [in the country]; the gods [will have] mercy on the country; [empty storage bins] will become full, [the crops of the country will prosper; the sick [of the country will recover]; pregnant women [will carry their foetuses to full term; the great] gods [will abandon the sanctuaries of the country; the temples of the great gods will be restored]. (Break)

Edge

[...] is not [...] for oppression [...]. For the god's sake, wherefore [...]?

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

SAA 10 089 — Why is Nothing being Done Month after Month?

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0191; ABL 1397. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-IV-12 BC. SAA 10 089; SAAo P334883.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [The moon] was eclip[sed ......] [fa]ll of oxen [...] o[f] horses [...] But attention should be paid to ransoming the king's [...]! "When it (or he) emerges during it, the king will be well." I have now brought up this matter and spoken to the king, (for) it concerns us. Have we now ...ed our case [li]ttle or much? And what harm (would it do)? [The king should indeed pay] attention to this matter. [Why], up to now, [the king] has not given [...]? [......]...

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

Reverse

A reed [...] should be constructed, and (the ritual) "Giving a person's substitute to the Ereškigal" should be performed. You should stay in your palace, let them perform (the rituals) in another place. Why is nothing done month after mo[nth]? [It is] a fault! Something [will cer]tainly [ensue] from it! [......] Assyr[ia ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 10 090 — Why did the King Enthrone a Substitute?

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, K 00939A; ABL 0046. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-V-08 BC. SAA 10 090; SAAo P333998.

Obverse

To the king, [my lord]: your servant Akkullanu. Goo[d health] to the king, my lord! May Nabû and [Marduk] bless the king, my lord! Concerning the substitute image about which the king, [my lord], wrote to his servant: "It was sitting (on the throne) in the city of Akkad from the 14th of Tammuz (IV) till the 5th of Ab (V)" — for what purpose did they act in this way? And why did they enthrone it in Akkad? Had they done it in the city of your father where you yourself are living, it would have removed your evil! Why you? And why an evil of Babylonia? Have they (perhaps) said to you on this matter: "Your father en[throned] (his substitutes) there." These (words) are rubbish! Why did the ki[ng] not say to them like this: "[The evil] of my father [was in on]e region, mine is in [another]; [the evil] of Assyria and Babylonia [are not interrelated]: when a sign pertaining to [Assyria appears, (the ritual) should be performed here], and when a sign pertaining to [Babylonia appears, it should be done there]." Now the king of Babylonia [is well ......] You are still [......] (Break)

Reverse

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

SAA 10 094 — Full Moon on 15th Day; Reminder Concerning Offerings

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, K 01242; ABL 0050. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-X-15 BC. SAA 10 094; SAAo P334002.

Obverse

To the king, [my lo]rd: your servant Akkul[lanu]. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May I hear (about) the king, my lord's health and well-being in the answer to my letter. Concerning the observation of the moon and the sun, [her]e is the relevant interpretation: If on the 14th of Tebet (X) [the moon] is not seen [with the s]un: [there will be deaths], and the god will eat.

Reverse

[If on the 15th day the moon and the sun are seen together: a strong enemy will raise his weapons against the country, and the enemy] will demolish [the city gates]. [If] (the opposition) is observed [on the 15th day]: bad for Akkad, [g]ood for the Eastland and the Westland. If a fog rolls in Tebet (X): eclipse of all countries." Concerning the king's sacrifices which are performed in the kanūnu festival, shall I go and supervise the sacrifices? Or shall I stay here? What is it that the king says? (If I didn't ask), the king, my lord, would say: "Why did you not remind me?"

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

SAA 10 095 — Report on Priests; Kanunu Festival

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, K 01168; ABL 0049. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 095; SAAo P334001.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Akkullanu. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the priest about whom the king, my lord, wrote to me, now then — today is the third day already — he has thought it over and said to me as follows: "What is this? It should be cleared up! If there is anything left of it, let them send it to me, and I will make it double at once. Within [......] has not sent [...] as to where it would be. "Concerning what the ki[ng said, viz. 'Three years ago you [......],' is this not what [......]? "The container for firewood [......] "white frit [......] of the son of the priest [......] in the pa[pāhu chapel ......] and the head [......] inside it [......] (Break)

Reverse

"the river ordeal on accou[nt of ......] "Let me [......] this "Now [......] Also let them have a word with the governor [of GN]; why are the king's [...]s negligent? The [......]s have left their work. Let the king inquire [about ...] the sacrifices of the deputy governor of [GN]: "Why [have you not provided them]?" The king should make it crystal-cl[ear to him] that these days of the kanūnu (festival) must not be left loose! The kanūnu is on the evening of the 10th. Huge sacrifices will be (performed) on the 11th and the 12th day. Furthermore, as regards the priest of the temple of Sibitti of Nineveh about whom I wrote to the king, my lord: "He wants to tell something — he should be questioned" — the king, my lord, wrote to me: "Let him be in attendance." So far nobody has questioned him.

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

Right Edge

The name of the son of the priest of the Šamaš temple is Zarî, (he is) the son of Nadin-apli.

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

SAA 10 096 — Affairs of the Aššur Temple

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, K 00122; ABL 0043. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 665-660 BC. SAA 10 096; SAAo P333995.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Akkullanu. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the constant sheep offering and the regular deliveries to Aššur about which the king, my lord, wrote to his servant: "Who of the magnates have not agreed to give them?" — I was not able to specify (them and thus) did not write to the king, my lord yesterday. (Now then) here are the magnates who have not given the sheep offerings: The governors of Barhalzi, Raṣappa, Kilizi, Isana, Tillê, Kullania, and Arpadda. All (these) have not given the constant sheep-offering. Raṣappa, Barhalzi, Diquqina, the chief of granaries, Dayyan-Adad, Isana, Halzi-atbar, Birtu, Arzuhina, Arbela, Guzana, Šahuppa, Tamnuna, Talmusa. All these have not given the regular deliveries of barley and emmer.

Reverse

Furthermore, concerning the priest of the cook's house, the priest of the confectioner's and the chief baker, about whom the king, my lord, inquired, they were originally shaved. Their story is as follows: The priest of the little cook's house was shaved by Sennacherib, (but) a priest from Nineveh, Aššur-zeru-iddina, denounced him and he was flogged with leather whips. He retained his headgear, (however, since) he had committed no serious crime. The father of the (present) priest of the confectioner's house set the (sacrificial) table of Aššur; whereupon he was killed. This one was appointed by your father to take care of the table. He is son of an owner of a headgear; (it is only) due to an oversight (that) he has not been shaved. And concerning the chief baker, Sennacherib ap[pointed] him to supervise their 'bread.' Indeed he was shaved and received his headgear in his reign. It is now the eighth year since he died, and his son is at present 'standing with his hair' (expecting to be shaved).

Edge

Reverse

behind schedu[le ......] one-column tablet [......] I saw [......] at my disposal [......] tablets [......] (Rest destroyed)

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

[To] the king, my lord: yo[ur servant] Akkullanu. [Good] health [t]o the king, my lord! [May] Nabû and Marduk [bl]ess the king, my lord! (Break)

Reverse

The kanūnu will be [in] the evening.

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

SAA 10 107 — Corruption in the Temple of Aššur

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Akkullanu. British Museum, Rm 0069; ABL 0429. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 107; SAAo P334295.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Akkullanu. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! The golden plate which disappeared from the Aššur temple has been seen in the hands of the stonecutter Qurdî-Nergal. Now the gold was for his eyes (i.e., meant for him). I am going to question the scribe now.

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, 1904-10-09, 0015; ABL 1373. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 110; SAAo P237537.

Obverse

To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant Bel-ušezib. May Bel, Nabû and Šamaš bless the king, my lord! 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 ap]pearance wears a crown: the king will reach the highest rank. The mayor of Babylon [...... Na'id-Ma]rduk of Bit-Yakin on account of [...]. He became angry and [......] in his presence [...]-ilu son of Illil-zera-ibni in his presence [...] He said to him as follows: "[...], and let them be thrown into prison." [... ...]-ilu is saying: "Concerning (Break)

Reverse

SAA 10 114 — Eclipse Hidden by Gods

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, K 00772; ABL 0895. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 114; SAAo P237880.

Obverse

To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant Bel-u[šezi]b. May Bel, Nabû and Šamaš bless the king, my lord! (If) an eclipse occurs but is not seen in the capital, that eclipse has passed by. The capital is the city where the king resides. Now there are clouds everywhere; we do not know whether the eclipse took place or not. Let the lord of kings write to Assur and all the cities, to Babylon, to Nippur, to Uruk and Borsippa; maybe they observed it in these cities. The king should constantly listen.

Reverse

Many signs of the eclipse came in Adar (XII) and in Nisan (I), and I communicated all of them to the king, my lord; and if they perform the apotropaic ritual of the eclipse [...], will that do any harm? It is advantageous to perform it, the king should not leave it. The great gods who dwell in the city of the king, my lord, covered the sky and did not show the eclipse, so that the king would know that this eclipse does not concern the king, my lord, and his country. The king can be glad. "(If) Adad thunders in Nisan (I), the crop will diminish."

SAA 10 115 — Arrests and Interrogations

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, K 06118; CT 54 170. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 115; SAAo P238595.

Obverse

To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant Bel-uš[ezib]. [May] Bel, Nabû and Šamaš [bless] the king, [my] l[ord]! (As) [I have] already once or twice [written] to the king, my lord, the men who [...] from [...], their statement in Assyria [......] in Elam. Ina-tešî-[eṭir ...] has been arrested. Nabû-naṣir, the pre[late ...] (Break)

Reverse

Let him deliver [...] to us. Let the archers assemble on the [...th] and take the oath [...]. [......] [...] Ina-tešî-eṭir [...] [...]. Also, did he not speak with the king [...], saying: "He is of [...]?"

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

Right Edge

Let them interrogate him and [...] let the king establish the truth.

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

SAA 10 116 — Full Moon on 14th Day; Suggestions for Appointments

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, K 10120 + K 16127; ABL 1344+. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 116; SAAo P238887.

Obverse

[To] the king of the lands, my lord: your servant B[el-ušezib]. [May Bel, Nabû and] Šamaš [bless] the king, [my] lord! [... on the 4th of Shebat (XI) [...] [......] on the 14th day the moon [was seen] with [the sun]. [If on the 14th day the moon and sun are seen] together: [reliable speech; the land will become hap]py; the gods [will remember] Ak[kad favorably]; joy will be set up among people; [the king will become happy]; [the cattle of] Akkad [will] lie [in the steppe] undisturbed. [If the moon and sun are in balance]: reliable [spe]ech [will be placed in the mouth of people; the king will make his thr]one last long. (Break)

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

Reverse

Aššur [...... a]cceptable. Let the lord of kings [find out and] hear [what] he has to say; [a]s he is an ab[le] scribe, they [...] him with the two styluses of his father. The lord of kings [should ask] the chief scribe; it is not good to exasperate [...]. [If] it is acceptable [to the king], my [lo]rd, [let him appoi]nt him as the scribe of the house, and [let] the king [charge] him with his watch. I have written (this) as a reminder [to the king], my lord; let the lord of kings do [as he] deems best. The [...] of Nabû-šarru-ukin [......]

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

Right Edge

I have sent four tablets [concerning] the palace superintendent to the king, [my] lo[rd]; I do not know if the king has heard them.

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

SAA 10 117 — Occultation of Perseus

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, K 13191; CT 54 258. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 117; SAAo P239192.

Obverse

[To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant] Bel-ušezib. May [Bel, Nabû and Šamaš] bless [the king, m]y [lord]! [On the xth Perseus] approached the moon. [If Perseus comes close to the top of the moon and stands there]: [the king] will go in triumph. [......] his land will become extended. (Break)

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

Reverse

[...... s]tand [...] [......] will release and [...] some[body] [......] Sin-eriba [......] of Iddin-ahi, the criminal [......] and [wrote] to the king about him [......] saw and somebody [......] he intends to [......] the king [...] not his sign [......] goes [...]. [......] chose his [...] [Let the lord of kings su]mmon him [......] to Ṣillaya [......] It should be known [to 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 10 118 — Appointment in Borsippa

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Bel-ušezib. British Museum, Rm 0280; CT 54 441. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 118; SAAo P240153.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] there is concerning them [......] they are getting scared [......] Let all the [...] be put in confinement; [let] those who [are] guilty [be punished], but let the lord of kings par[don] those whose guilt is ...; and [let ......], whoever they are. [......] a prelate who is acceptable to him [......] should be placed [......] should go [......] let them ... and bless the king. [......] the king [...] his guilt

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

Bottom Edge

(Break) [.....] the exorcist [NN], son of [NN]

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû'a. May Aššur, Šamaš, Bel and Nabû bless the king, my lord, and let the king, my lord, attain his desire!

Reverse

We kept the watch; on the 14th day the moon and the sun saw each other.

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

Reverse

SAA 10 143 — We can either Teach Astronomy or do Corvee Work

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Scribes of Kilizi. British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0009; ABL 0346. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 143; SAAo P334224.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants, the scribes of Kilizi. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king! We watched the moon; on the 14th day the moon and the sun saw each other. (This means) well-being.

Reverse

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

Reverse

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

SAA 10 151 — Clouds; No Crescent Seen

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0465; CT 53 915. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 151; SAAo P314324.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [There were] clouds. We did not [see] the moon here, probably because of the cl[ouds]. The king, my lord, should send messeng[ers] to the Inner City and Arbela, find out about the m[atter], and quickly [inform] the king, my lord.

Reverse

The report of Calah [......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 10 152 — Rising of Aries

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0779; CT 53 945. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-I-09 BC. SAA 10 152; SAAo P314354.

(Break) From A[šaredu] the Youn[ger]. Long [since] I [......]. They should believe me.

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

SAA 10 156 — Appeal to the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Ašaredu the Younger. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0869; ABL 0743. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 156; SAAo P237439.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Ašaredu. May Nabû and Marduk [bless the king of the lands, my lord]! (Break)

Reverse

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

SAA 10 160 — Twenty Able Scholars, Fit for Royal Service

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šapik-zeri. British Museum, K 03034 + K 07655 (+) K 05440a + 1882-05-22, 0123; CT 54 057+. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 160; SAAo P237220.

Obverse

[To the ki]ng of the lands, the strong king, the king of the world, his lord: your servant Marduk-šapik-zeri, the dead body, the leprous skull, the constricted breath whom the king, my lord, raised up and appointed from among corpses. May I die as the substitute of the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the lord of kings, my lord! I have now been kept in confinement for two years and, for fear of the king, my lord, though there have been good and bad portents for me to observe in the sky, I have not dared to report them to the king, my lord. Now, however, afraid that it might turn into my fault, I have decided to write to the king, my lord. If Jupiter becomes steady in the morning: enemy kings will make peace; one king will send peaceful messages to another. If Auriga carries radiance: the foundation of the king's throne will be everlasting. If Jupiter stands in Pisces: the Tigris and the Euphrates will be filled with silt. Idim (means) "silt," idim (means) "spring," diri (means) "to be full: there will be prosperity and abundance in the land. [If ...... ......] will send [peacef]ul messages [to ...]. [If ...... ......] there will be [...]. [If ...... ......] will experience joy [...... ......] will be happy. [If the stars of Leo ...]: the king will be victorious wherever he goes. [......]: there will be battle. Me (means) battle. [......] Urmah (means) "lion"; Regulus is bright. [......] strengthening of the king of Subartu [If ......: the king of ... will become strong] and overthrow his enemies [in all lands] in battle. [......] I saw [...... being afra]id of the king my [......] [...] in tru[th ......] I wrote [...]. Now then [......] [...] my apprenticeship. Let the king, my lord, see [...]; let me die of the sword of the king, my lord, but let me not die in imprisonment and hunger! Let the king, my lord, summon me, and if I am to die, let me die; if I am to live, let me keep watching the stars of the sky, and if there is a portent that I see, let me report it to the lord of kings, my [lord]. I fully master my father's profession, the discipline of lamentation; I have studied and chanted the Series. I am competent in [...], 'mouth-washing,' and purification of the palace [...]. I have examined healthy and sick flesh. I have read the (astrological omen series) Enūma Anu Enlil [...] and made astronomical observations. I have read the (anomaly series) Šumma izbu, the (physiognomical works) [Kataduqqû, Alandi]mmû and Nigdimdimmû, [... and the (terrestrial omen series) Šum]ma ālu. [All this I lear]ned [in my youth]. Under the aegis of the king, my lord, I have perfected my [...], and [......]. I am competent in the profession of my father; [let the lord of kings] do [......]. Among the [...... apprentices] who studied with me [in ......], there are [......] who [have returned] from Elam, [scribes, chanters], exorcists, haruspices, and physicians; [I shall gather them] and give them [to the king], my lord.

Reverse

[NN] has crossed over from Elam; [he fully masters] extispicy and is an expert in [Enūma A]nu Enlil, ancient and Sumerian hermeneutics [and the secrets of heaven and e]arth; he is useful to the king, my lord. [NN], an exorcist, is a refugee in Assyria; he is useful to the king, my lord. Sin-aha-šubši, an exorcist, is us[eful] to the king, my lord. Marduk-naṣir fully masters the Series and the discipline of lamentation; [he is usef]ul to the king, [my lo]rd. Ningišzida-bel-mati fully masters the discipline of lamentation; he is useful [to the ki]ng, my lord. The apprentice Ningišzida-iqbi fully masters [...] the discipline of lamentation; he is useful to the king, my lord. Aqrea is a refugee in Assyria; he has brandmarks on his face and wrists but is a very competent exorcist, and is useful to the king, my lord. Kudurru [is] a refugee in Ass[yria]; he is a competent [haruspex] and has read exorcism and scribal lore; he is use[ful to the king], my lord. His son Bel-rimanni [......]; he is useful [to] the king, my lord. [NN ......] is a competent [harusp]ex, [useful to the king, my lord.] [NN ......] ... [......]; he is useful [to the king], my lord. [NN ......]; he is useful [to the king, m]y [lord]. [NN ...] is a competent [... and has read] the vast lore of [...]; he is useful to the king, my lord]. His son Nabû-šuma-iddin [......]; he is useful [to the ki]ng, my lord. [NN] is [a refugee in Assyria; he ......] stelae and is useful [to the king, m]y [lord]. [NN] fully masters [...]; he and his family are ......] useful [to the ki]ng, my lord. His son Nabû-kudurri-uṣur [is a compet]ent chanter, useful to the king, my lord. La-baši is proficient in the Series and exorcism, he is useful to the king, my lord. Kudurru is proficient in extispicy and has read Enūma Anu Enlil; he is useful to the king, my lord. Aha-šubši is a very able physician; he is useful to (the king) my lord. In all twenty able scholars worth royal desire who will be useful to the king, my lord, and are guaranteed to meet the king my lord's desire. I shall gather them and give them to the king, my lord. I am a dead body. Let me behold the face of the king, my lord, and die.

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

SAA 10 161 — Petition Concerning a Lawsuit

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Munnabitu. British Museum, K 05463; ABL 0928. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 161; SAAo P238465.

Obverse

[To] the king, my lord: your [ser]vant Munnabitu. Good health to the king, my lord! [May] Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Aššur-eṭir, the son of Ṣillaya, who informed the king claiming that Nabû-apla-iddin has killed his servants, is speaking to the king falsely and untruly. He has devised a cunning plan: "[...] of the king [...] (Break)

Reverse

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

SAA 10 165 — Petition Concerning Lost Property

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nergal-eṭir. British Museum, K 01055; ABL 0228. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 165; SAAo P237969.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nergal-eṭir. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! For 6 years I have been guarding Aššur-etel-šamê-erṣeti-muballissu, and Bel and Nabû have provided good health. (Break)

Reverse

(By) Bel and Na[bû ...], your gods: the king, my lord, is merciful. Let the king send a bodyguard with me, so I may go and bring out my brother and retrieve my fortune. Let me go and come back quickly! Was it not when I was living in his country, in the land of Yašubu, that the son of Ahu-leʾi ...? Why [......] on the servants?

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

Reverse

Reverse

Your [royal] fathers [......] come before the king, lord of kings [......] a thousand years, Aššur and the [great] gods [...] the king, the sun of the people [......] Aššur to the shadow [......]

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

Right Edge

witness ...[......] to fear you [......] before Aššur and the great gods [......]

SAA 10 175 — Deciding about an Extispicy Report

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, Sm 0152; ABL 0773. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 175; SAAo P334547.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Marduk-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the haruspex appointed to the service of Arbayu who last year made a report to the king, [my] lord, and said: "When A[rbayu] comes, [let them question him] and decide about [the re]port [concerning him],"

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

The village managers bring [...]; we shall let [the king, my lord], hear [whatever] we have to report. [Now, wh]at is it that the king, my lord, [or]ders?

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

SAA 10 182 — Petition to the Crown Prince

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From [...]i. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0061; CT 53 139. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-669 BC. SAA 10 182; SAAo P313554.

Obverse

[To the crown prince], my lord: [your servant Tabn]î. [Good health to the crown prince], my lord! May [Nabû and Marduk] bless the crown prince, my lord! [From] his [chi]ldhood till his maturity, [my father] took [care of] the father of the crown prince. [Steadily] he stood in his presence; he [shared the ...] of his basket with the king, his lord; he e[xperienced] the [da]ys of misfortune with the king, his lord. [The k]ing, our lord, [......] kindness [......]; he dre[ssed him] in purple [...] and ap[pointed him] the chief haruspex. Among the servants [of the king ...] and the elders of the palac[e ......] (Break) [... un]til the setu[p ......] [of the k]ing, my lord [......] Everything that he had s[aid ......] Šamaš caused to be understood through his (= my father) hands. (So) he (= the king) said: "My servant has ...ed after me; [let] me [do] my servant a favour. The first token of m[y] favour [is]: [I will assign to him] the [lead]ership of scholars. My [second fa]vour is: As long as [he is] in Assyria, l[et him be n]ear me." Further[more] he said: "If I didn't do him a favour, would it be appropriate in the sight of the gods?" (So) he did him the (said) favour, and myself, as part of the favour shown to my father, he gave to the crown prince, my lord.

Bottom Edge

And the crown prince, my lord, drew up a contract (entitling) me to have usufruct of the 'leftovers' of the crown prince, my lord. Now, what have I done wrong in [the eyes of the crown prince, my lord]?

Reverse

One haruspex is enjoying (the leftovers), but have I re[ally] been all that happy since they withheld [my ...]? Now [the crown p]rince, my lord, had added (to my misery) by dressing another haruspex in purple (robes); as for my heart, the crown prince, my lord, has broken it. How can he thus humiliate the servants of the king and the crown prince, the servants of my father's house, (that) they say: "That one, what's his favour?" I (can only) say: "Let the crown prince make me weep, (but) what is your fault? A foreign [...] is being honoured, (while) [I, a s]ervant of the king and the crown prince, have been left [in darkness! Is the ......] whom the crown prince has honoured, [......], or is he outside [or inside] the guard duty? I am [a servant of the crow]n prince; my father was the foundation [......] of kingship [......] (Break) Moreover, (whereas) [Aplay]a and Naṣiru have kept [in] their [hands] non-ca[nonical] tablets and [...s] of every possible kind, I have learned (my craft) from my (own) father. [Now], let the crown prince put his servant to a test: I am [an expert in] extispicy, tablets, writing of reports [and things] beyond (that). The crown prince, my lord, may treat his servant [as he d]eems best, [but why] did [the crown] prince, my lord, [thus] break [my heart]?

Edge

Melancholy has gripped my father [......]

SAA 10 183 — Extispicy on the Roof of the Temple of Marduk

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00915; ABL 1278. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 183; SAAo P237937.

Obverse

Concerning the hoopoe about which you said: "It has been sent as a message" — and concerning the temple of Marduk, we shall see a good month, and it (the ritual) should be performed; he does not know. Elul (VI) is a good month. Also, concerning the ritual of the haruspex, he does not know about the 2nd day; again, it is good. Let it be performed and let us be confident. Also, if it is feasible, why don't the guards and Perhu keep watch there, on account of a matter like this?

Reverse

Alternatively, if it is not good to let the men go to the roof of the temple at dawn, some expedient must be formed on account of the bird (and) anything beyond it. [Co]ncerning the roof of the temple of Marduk about which the king, my lord, spoke, it is good to perform (the ritual) there. Elul (VI) is a good month; and the 2nd day is suitable for extispicy. Let it be performed accordingly.

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

SAA 10 184 — Extispicy Omens

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 10386; CT 53 411. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 184; SAAo P313824.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) The 'base of the throne' was firm; [......]; the base of the right-hand surface [of the 'finger' ...]; the 'path' is present; ...[......] the wide part of the left side of the 'finger' [......] the wide part of the left side of the 'finger' ...[......] [...] the 'pouch' ...[......] (Break)

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

Reverse

[...] the 'station' [......] ... the upper part [......] and the lower part is elevated; [......] is not twisted; the 'cap' is 'loose'; As to what the king, my lord, sa[id]: "Did Nabû-nadin-šumi son of [NN] become clean?" — the pur[ification ritual ......] (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Ten. Adad-šumu-uṣur, King's Exorcist

SAA 10 185–232 (48 letters).

SAA 10 185 — The Promotion of Assurbanipal

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0107 + 1882-05-22, 1119 + 1882-05-22, 1915; CT 53 031. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-II-[...] or 672-III-[...] BC. SAA 10 185; SAAo P313446.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord]: your serv[ant Adad-šumu-uṣur]. Good health t[o the king], my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! What has not been done in heaven, the king, my lord, has done upon earth and shown us: you have girded a son of yours with headband and entrusted to him the kingship of Assyria; your eldest son you have set to the kingship in Babylon. You have placed the first on your right, the second on your left side! (When) we saw (this), we blessed the king, our lord, and our hearts were delighted. May Aššur, Šamaš, Na[bû, Marduk], and the great gods of heaven and earth let [the king my lord, see] them (= the princes) prosper! May Aššur, Adad and Šamaš, ten (times) each, determine a go[od fortune] for the king, [my lord], and for his sons! May Aššur make your name endure with heaven and earth! Just as you have prepared a fine career for these sons of yours, prepare likewise a fine career for (the rest) of your numerous sons! Bring them into (your protective) shadow and shelter! May they like grass seed rule over all countries! May you be good to Assyria — may Assyria be good to you!

Reverse

(Only) yesterday and the day before yesterday, the Elamite [emissaries behaved] like [...] towards Assyria; [but now] they certainly tremble. [......], they have become worried; they have taken [the road back to their country] and [...d] themselves a dist[ance of ...]. (But) the Assyrians s[eeing (this to happen)], have let out a sigh of relief [and said]: "O ki]ng, our lord, with the kings, your sons, do a favour for Assyria!" Now, O king, my lord, the god Aššur has given you (the world) from the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun. Look upon these fine sons of yours and your heart will rejoice. The king, my lord, should banish unpleasant thoughts from his mind; such thoughts (only) make you weak. [(While) you] will grow old, jo[y ...... Arrange] the wedding night of your sons, make their hearts delighted! [... god and] man [......].

Edge

I am (but) an old man of the king, my lord; I put my trust in the king, my lord. May I hear about the health of the king, my lord, may my heart be deli[ghted]!

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

SAA 10 186 — Blessings to the Crown Prince

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00641; ABL 0010. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-669 BC. SAA 10 186; SAAo P333962.

Obverse

To the crown prince of Assyria, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur, who constantly blesses you. [Good heal]th to the crown prince [of the "Success]ion" [palace], my lord! [May Aššur, Si]n, Šamaš, [Nabû and Marduk, and the great gods of heaven and earth bless the crown prince, my lord. (Break)

Reverse

May they gi]ve [happin]ess [and heal]th [to the crown pri]nce [of the Succes]sion [Palace], my lord!

SAA 10 187 — Half my Kingdom to the Man Who Cures my Child

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 03505A; CT 53 069. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672 BC. SAA 10 187; SAAo P313484.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord!] May [Nabû and Marduk bless the king], my lord! As to what the king, my lord, wrote to me: "I am feeling very sad; how did we act that I have become so depressed for this little one of mine?" — had it been curable, you would have given away half of your kingdom to have it cured! But what can we do? O king, my lord, it is something that cannot be done. And as to what the king, my lord, said to me about the sons, your lords: "The burning question of 'who' is eating me up" — in the month Sivan (III) I wrote to the king, my lord: "Take hold of yourself, prepare for everything!" Did I not write in my ... to the king, my lord?

Reverse

May Bel and Nabû let the king, my lord, live! You are their father; you bring them up [......] Nineveh [... Su]ccession [Palace ...] (Break)

Edge

[...] good (or) bad [...]. I came (when) I heard the [... of the king], my lord.

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

SAA 10 188 — The Ghost of the Queen

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 01152; ABL 0614. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672 BC. SAA 10 188; SAAo P334426.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

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

Reverse

[The crown prince] explained [it to] my [... as follows]: "Aššur and Šamaš ordained me to be the crown prince of Assyria because of her (= the dead queen's) righteousness." (And) her ghost blesses him in the same degree as he has revered the ghost: "May his descendants rule over Assyria!" Fear of the gods creates kindness, fear of the infernal gods returns life. Let the [king, my] lord, give the order (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 189 — Royal Insignia for the Substitute King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0069; ABL 0653. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 671-IV-[...] BC. SAA 10 189; SAAo P334453.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the substitute king of Akkad, the order should be given to enthrone (him). Concerning the clothes of the king, my lord, and the garments for the statue of the substitute king, concerning the necklace [of go]ld, the sceptre and the throne, [... ba]th (Break)

Reverse

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! The charge of the 'Lady of Cults' is doing very well; the king, my lord, can be happy. May the great gods of heaven and earth let the king, my lord, see him prosper! (Break)

Reverse

for his sons [...]; the incantation "Iš[tar, lady of war], who makes man and wom[an] submit in battle." — These 3 tablets I have sealed and dispatched to the king, my lord. A maid of the king has written to me from the palace: "Urad-Gula has said: 'Get me the girl Ṣuhru, I will dedicate (her) to the palace.' Send (word) whether he should bring (her) to you or to me."

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

SAA 10 195 — At the Crown Prince’s Service

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0103; ABL 0654. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 195; SAAo P334454.

Obverse

[To] the great crown prince, the son of the king of the whole world, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the son of the king of all lands! [May] Aššur, Sin, Šamaš, Nabû [and] Marduk, [and the great god]s of heaven [and] earth very greatly bless the [son of the k]ing of all lands, my [lord].

Reverse

[Because] I was sent for, [I have come n]ow. [The son] of the king of all lands, my lord, [can] be happy.

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

SAA 10 196 — A King may not Stay in the Dark!

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00583; ABL 0005. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 196; SAAo P333957.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk, and the great gods of heaven and earth bless the king, my lord, and give happiness and physical well-being to the king, my lord! The charge of the 'Lady of Cults' is doing very well; the king, my lord, can be happy. Why, today already for the second day, is the table not brought to the king, my lord? Who (now) stays in the dark much longer than Šamaš, the king of the gods; stays in the dark a whole day and night, and again two days? The king, the lord of the world, is the very image of Šamaš. He (should) keep in the dark for half a day only!

Reverse

[Exaggerat]ion is not good; [... the wel]fare of the country [...]... [Eating of b]read and [drinking of w]ine [will soon re]move [the illness of the king]. G[ood ad]vice is to be heeded: restlessness, not eating and not drinking disturbs the mind and adds to illness. In this matter the king should listen to [his se]rvant.

SAA 10 197 — Blessing the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00601; ABL 0007. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 197; SAAo P333959.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! The charge of the 'Lady of Cults' is doing very well; the king, my lord, can be very happy indeed. May Aššur, Sin, Šamaš, Adad, Nu[sku], Jupiter, Venus, Marduk, [Zarpanitu], Nabû, Tašmetu, Sa[turn], Mercury, Lady [of Nineveh], Lady of Kidmuri, [Lady] of Arbela, Ninurta, [Gula], Nergal and Laṣ, the great gods of heaven and earth, the gods dwelling in Assyria, [the gods] dwelling in Akkad, and all the gods of the world [very greatly bless the ki]ng, [my lord], and may they give [the king], my [lord, long days of life, numerous years, happiness, physical well-being, health and vigour]!

Reverse

As firmly as the moon [and the s]un are established in the sky, so firmly may the kingship of the king, my lord, and his descendants, be established in the whole world! May [they (= the gods) let] the king, my lord, see Assyria, Akkad and all the countries prosper. May they grant the king, my lord, happiness, [physical] well-being, joyful mind, extended old age, very long reign, increase of descendants and a still larger number of offspring.

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

SAA 10 198 — Continuing the Previous Letter

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0161; ABL 0435. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 198; SAAo P334300.

Obverse

This is a continuation of the words of the previous letter. May the rule of the king, my lord, be as pleasant as water and oil upon the peoples of all the countries! May the king, my lord, be their shepherd for ever! I, (nothing but) a dog, blessing the king, his lord, have blessed the king, my lord (with) these blessings. May the gods whose names I have invoked, accept and hear them, and grant these blessings to the king, my lord, a thousandfold!

Reverse

And may I, blessing the king, my lord, stand before the king, my lord, and revere (him) wholeheartedly with my arms (lifted in the gesture of blessing); and when my arms become weary, may I use up my strength with my elbows. Who does not love his benefactor? In a song from Babylonia it is said: "On account of your sweet words, O my shepherd, all the masters yearn for you."

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

SAA 10 199 — Revealing a Plot

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0168; ABL 0656. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 199; SAAo P334456.

Obverse

SAA 10 211 — Shaving the ‘Farmer’s’ Sons

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00113; ABL 0183. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-III-12 BC. SAA 10 211; SAAo P334128.

Obverse

To the 'farmer,' [my lord]: your servant Adad-[šumu-uṣur]. May Nabû and Marduk bless the 'farmer,' my lord. After they have gone to the qirsu and entered the reed hut, they return from there, and the barber enters.

SAA 10 212 — Expiatory Rites for the ‘Farmer’

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur, Urad-Ea. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0058; ABL 0361. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-III-17 BC. SAA 10 212; SAAo P334237.

Obverse

To the 'farmer,' our lord: your servant(s) Adad-šumu-uṣur and Urad-Ea. Good health to the 'farmer,' our lord! May Nabû and Marduk b[le]ss the 'farmer,' our lord! We have rites to perform ton[ight]: I shall perform one against "Loss of Flesh," and Urad-Ea another one before Enlil. We shall go to the qirsu.

Reverse

Bottom Edge

Nobody has reminded (the king) about Urad-Gula, the servant of the king, my lord. He is dying of a broken heart, and is shattered (from) falling out of the hands of the king, my lord. The king, my lord, has revived many people.

SAA 10 225 — High Moon

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00685; ABL 0894. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 667-IX-30 BC. SAA 10 225; SAAo P334614.

Obverse

To the king, [my lo]rd: your servant Adad-[šumu-uṣur]. Good health to the king, [my lord]! May Aššur, Sin, Šamaš, [Nabû, Marduk] and the great gods of heaven [and earth] very greatly bless the king, my lord! I observed the (crescent of the) moon on the 30th day, but it was high, too high to be (the crescent) of the 30th. Its position was like that of the 2nd day. If it is acceptable to the king, my lord, let the king wait for the report of the Inner City before fixing the date.

Reverse

Perhaps the king, my lord, will say: "Why did you not decide (about the matter)?" — am I [...]...[...]? Let the king [ask] the scri[bes]; the days [...] (Remainder lost)

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 10 226 — The King’s Reign is Good; Petition for Urad-Gula

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00183; ABL 0002. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-I-[...] BC. SAA 10 226; SAAo P333954.

Obverse

To the king, [my lord]: your servant Adad-šumu-[uṣur]. Good health to the kin[g, my lord]! May Nabû and Marduk very greatly bless the king, my lord! Aššur, [the king of the gods], called the name of [the king], my lord, to the kingship of Assyria, and Šamaš and Adad, through their reliable extispicy, confirmed the king, my lord, for the kingship of the world. A good reign — righteous days, years of justice; copious rains, huge floods, a fine rate of exchange! The gods are appeased, there is much fear of god, the temples abound; the great gods of heaven and earth have become exalted in the time of the king, my lord. The old men dance, the young men sing, the women and girls are merry and rejoice; women are married and provided with earrings; boys and girls are brought forth, the births thrive. The king, my lord, has revived the one who was guilty and condemned to death; you have released the one who was imprisoned for many [ye]ars. Those who were sick for many days have got well, the hungry have been sated, the parched have been anointed with oil, the needy have been covered with garments.

Reverse

Why then must I and Urad-Gula, amidst them, be restless and depressed? The king, my lord, has now displayed his love for Nineveh to (all) the people, in saying to the (family) heads: "Bring your sons to stay in my entourage!" Urad-Gula is my son; he too should stay with them in the entourage of the king, my lord. We too should, together with all the people, be merry, dance, and bless the king, my lord! My eyes are fixed on the king, my lord. None of those who serve in the palace like me; there is not a single friend of mine among them to whom I could give a present, and who would accept it from me and speak for me. May the king, my lord, have mercy on his servant; may I not di[e] (of shame) amidst all the people! May those who wish me ill not attain their heart's desire with regard to me!

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

SAA 10 227 — Thanking the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, Rm 0076; ABL 0358. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-I-[...] BC. SAA 10 227; SAAo P334234.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. Good health to the king, my lord! May Aššur, Mullissu, Sin, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Zarpanitu, Nabû, Tašmetu, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Gula(!), Nergal and Laṣ, the great gods of heaven and earth and the great gods dwelling in Assyria and Akkad very greatly bless the king, my lord! May they give happiness and health, extended days, fullness of life and a reign of prosperity to the king, my lord! May they grant the king, my lord, name and seed, offspring and progeny. May your countenance flourish and make my shelter wide! As to what the king, lord of kings, my lord, wrote to me: "May your heart become happy now, may your mind no longer be restless" — after this friendly speech and this kind deed that is gratifying to god and man alike, that the king, my lord, has done, could I ever again get restless and depressed? The king, my lord, has treated his servants as a father treats his sons; ever since mankind has existed, who is the king that has done such a favour for his servants, and what friend has returned a kindness in such a manner to his friend? May the great gods of heaven and earth in the very same way do a kindness and favour for the descendants of the king, my lord, as long as heaven and earth exist!

Reverse

When I heard this friendly speech and saw the kind deed that the king, my lord, had done, my heart became happy and grew as strong as a bull's, and my green face turned red (with pleasure). If only the king, my lord, let's me grow old in exactly this way during the eternal life of the king, my lord! May I die at my time according to how loyal I have been to the king, my lord. May the king, my lord, send word that just as Dadâ was 'harvested,' so may I be 'harvested.' May the king, my lord, in the same way give guidance to my sons, and may he see their grandchildren grow old! As to what the king, my lord, wrote to me: "I have gathered you, your nephews and your cousins, you belong (now) to my entourage" — may Aššur together with his family, Bel and Nabû together with their families, and the great gods of heaven and earth together with their families in the same way gather the name and seed, offspring, descendants and progeny of the king, my lord, and let them stay in their entourage! As long as heaven and earth exist, may they be commanders of the whole world! How fine, how good, how choice, how correct, how full of love is what the king, my lord, has done! The king, my lord, has drawn a plan, erected a stele and displayed it to (all) the people! Concerning Nergal-šarrani and his brother Nabû-nadin-šumi about whom the king, my lord, gave me orders, I have hearkened to it ten times with all my ability.

SAA 10 228 — Thanking the King for his Kindness

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur. British Museum, K 00595; ABL 0006. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 666-I-[...] BC. SAA 10 228; SAAo P333958.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: your servant Adad-šumu-uṣur. [Good h]ealth to the king, my lord! [May Aššur], Sin, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk, Zarpanitu, Nabû, Tašmetu, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Gula, Nergal and Laṣ, the great gods of heaven and earth, very greatly [bless] the king, my lord, the truthful one, the benefactor and the lover of (his) people! Concerning what the king, my lord, wrote [to me]: "May Aššur, Šamaš and my gods hear all these words you wrote [to me]" — they have surely heard them, and all the great gods of heaven and earth that are c[alled by name] have heard with them. As to what the king, [my lord], wrote to me: "I heard from the mouth of my father that you are a loyal family, but now I know it from my own experience" — the father of the king, my lord, was the very image of Bel, and the king, my lord, is likewise the very image of Bel. This (honour) has fallen to my share from the mouth of my two lords. Who can ever repeat it, who can vie with it? Because the king, my lord, has gathered us and allowed us to stay in his entourage, may all the great gods of heaven and earth do in the same way to the king, my lord, including his seed, name and offspring, and introduce them into their families! As long as the moon and the sun stay firmly in the sky, may they, 'with the black-headed people,' rule over the country forever! And we, including our family, shall beseech the name of the great gods of heaven and earth for the life and vigour of the king, my lord. May the king, my lord, see our grandchildren grow old!

Reverse

Reverse

[...] upon them. I[f it is accept]able to the king, orders should be given for the night. They should not hesitate.

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

SAA 10 232

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur, Urad-Ea, Issar-šumu-ereš, Akkullanu. British Museum, K 01428; ABL 0016. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 232; SAAo P333968.

Obverse

[To the king], our lord: your [servant]s [Adad]-šumu-uṣur, [Urad]-Ea, [Issar-šumu]-ereš and [Akkul]lanu. [Good hea]lth to the king, our [lord]! [As to what the king, our lord, w]rote to us: "[...] (Break)

Reverse

Reverse

The king, my lord should (then) resume his normal activities. Concerning the writing of the king, my lord, Kenî will die of envy when he sees it; Bel and Nabû have given a fine hand to the king, my lord. Yesterday I made an excuse for (its) not being seen; now I have made a quick commentary to it.

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

SAA 10 236 — The King Should not Worry about the Cold

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0068; ABL 0663. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-V-[...] BC. SAA 10 236; SAAo P334462.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Marduk-šakin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the chills about which the king, my lord, wrote to me, there is nothing to be worried about. The gods of the k[ing] will quickly cure it, and we shall do whatever is relevant to the matter. [It is] a seasonal illness; the king, my lord, should not [wor]ry (about it).

SAA 10 250 — Fumigants for the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, Rm 2, 409; CT 53 870. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 250; SAAo P314279.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) [May they keep] firm [the foundations of the r]oyal [throne of the king, my lord, until] far-off days! May happy [and good ne]ws day after da[y, month after mon]th, year after ye[ar] reach [the king], my [lord]! [Concerning the salves] and fumigants about which [I wrote] to [the king, my lord], ten [...]

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

Reverse

(Remainder destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

SAA 10 251 — Good News

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, Rm 0565; ABL 1184. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 251; SAAo P334777.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

[4 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

May good news of happiness and joy like this constantly reach the king, my lo[rd]! Let [the kin]g stay in his palace; [...] of your enemies [...] (Remainder destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

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

SAA 10 252 — Cultic Rituals

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, 1880-07-19, 0139; ABL 0662. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-V-6-[...] BC. SAA 10 252; SAAo P334461.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: [your servant] Marduk-šakin-šumi. [Good hea]lth to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May [Aššur], Sin, Šamaš, Bel, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh and Ištar of Arbe[la] call vigour, health, [hap]piness, [physical well-being and la]sting days [for the king, my lord]! [May they s]ate [the king, my lord, with old age and fullness of li]fe! (Break)

Reverse

[...] will receive stones [......]. Let [the king] give an order [to DN-d]a''inanni: he should come [whi]le [...] is (still) here and they should do [the work]. [We shall compl]ete [the statues of] the gods Adad and Šala; there is (still) [a lo]t missing, [it is] a great deal of work. During the month Shebat (XI) we shall, [according to] their word, do [the work] together.

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

SAA 10 253 — Postponing New Year’s Festival in Babylon

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, K 00930; ABL 0956. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-VI-01 BC. SAA 10 253; SAAo P334645.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Marduk-šakin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May Aššur, Sin, Šamaš, Bel, Nabu, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh and Ištar of Arbela] call [vigour, heal]th, [happiness], physical [well-being and lasting da]ys [for the king, my lord]! May they sate [the ki]ng, my lord, with [old age] and fullness of life! [Concerni]ng the intercalation [of] the year [about which the k]ing said as follows: "Let us add an intercalary Elul (VI)!" — the matter is (now) settled. [May the kin]g, my lord, live forever on account of that!

Reverse

[The king, my lo]rd, knows that Bel is dressed (for the festival) [on the 7]th of Tishri (VII); on the 8th day the gate (of the temple) is kept open, and the procession of Bel sets out as in the month Nisa[n (I)]. [The cerem]onies of the city of Der are conducted in the same way. [In fa]ct, [the king], my lord, should (now) decide what t[o d]o (with these ceremonies) [and send word] (about it). The bodyguard Marduk-šarru-uṣur is a trustworthy and reliable man. Let him come [...] (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 254 — Rituals Against Cultic Offences

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0158; ABL 1168. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-VIII-[...] BC. SAA 10 254; SAAo P334768.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) May she give [... to the king], my [lord]! [As the king, my lord, was mak]ing his (triumphal) entry into the city of Arbela and heard about the conquest of the city [of ...] [......] the city of Nineveh [......] and the Cimmerians [......] their country [......] of Assyria [... to] achieve [victory ov]er them may [the king], my [lord], listen [......] [......] opening the eyes [......] my foot

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

Bottom Edge

[......] May [Ninurta and] Gula bestow [happiness and] physical well-being [on the king, my lord, and] his seed!

Reverse

[And concerning the ritu]al (against) cultic evil [about which the king], my l[ord], spoke, we are [now] making preparations (for it). [The 2nd, the 6t]h, the 7th, [the 9th, the 11]th, the 13th, [the 15th, the 18]th, the 19th, [the 20th, the 22]nd, the 24th, [the 26th, the 2]8th and the 30th are auspicious days; [the number of these] good days is [altogether 15]. We shall perform it [tomorrow] in the evening and [on the night of] the 11th day; [...] which we are performing [...] (Remainder destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

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

SAA 10 255 — Eclipse Rituals for the King, Princes and the Palace

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, K 00490; ABL 0018. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-IX-22 BC. SAA 10 255; SAAo P333970.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Marduk-šakin-šumi: Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the ritual about which the king said yesterday: "Get it done by the 24th day" — we cannot make it; the tablets are too numerous, (god only knows) when they will be written. Even the preparation of the figurines which the king saw (yesterday) took us 5 to 6 days. Now, provided that the king, my lord, consents, the month Tebet (X) would be suitable for performing the counterspells. Let the crown prince [perform] (his part) during that (month), and let the people of the king too perform (their parts) [during it. What harm (would it do)?]

Reverse

And concerning the Sumerian texts of the counterspells about which the king said: "Send (word)! They should be brought from Nineveh!" — I shall send Iddin-ahhe; he will go and bring them. He will also bring with him the other tablets of the 'refrain series.' Let the king perform (his part) on the 2nd of Tebet (X), the crown prince on the 4th and the people on the 6th. Alternatively, we may perform (the ritual) on [ot]her days, if (the proposed schedule) is troublesome (or) not executable.

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

SAA 10 256 — Performing Anti-Witchcraft Rituals

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur, Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, K 00643; ABL 0011. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-IX-[...] BC. SAA 10 256; SAAo P333963.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Adad-šumu-uṣur and Marduk-šakin-šumi. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, our lord! Concerning what the king wrote to us, [he has a]ssigned it as follows: "Once he is through with the [Sum]erian counterspells, he should thereafter finish the antiphone (series). Thereafter the others should do likewise."

SAA 10 257 — Discussing a Ritual

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Marduk-šakin-šumi. British Museum, K 00472; ABL 0017. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-X-03 BC. SAA 10 257; SAAo P333969.

Obverse

[To the ki]ng, my lord: [your servant] Marduk-šakin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning what the king, my lord, wrote to me, I am heeding it and am currently making the preparations. As a matter of fact, there is little room for manoeuvering. If it is acceptable to the king, my lord, those others should perform (their rite only) after these have done with their performance. Or [should we choose anot]her place?

Bottom Edge

(Break)

Reverse

[Nabû-g]a[mil has come] to Nineveh [and said that] Remutu, the [exorcist] who is in the service of the crown prince, is ill. Nabû-tartiba-uṣur, Šumaya son of Nabû-zeru-[lešir], Urad-Gula, Nabû-le'uti, [Be]l-naṣir: anyone of [the]se bearded courtiers [whom] the king, my lord, might choose can (fill his post and) serve the crown prince.

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

To the king, my lord: your servant Marduk-šakin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May [Nabû] and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Concerning the prophylactic figurines about which the king, my lord, wrote to me, "Where will they be buried?" — it is said in the (ritual) tablet as follows: "You bury them at the outer gate." Now, with the king's permission, [......] (Break)

Reverse

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) to [......] perfor[m ......] Let them send (word) [to ...], so we can [undertake] to perf[orm it]. Furthermore, as to wh[at the king, my lord, ......]

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

Bottom Edge

(Break)

Reverse

[We will st]art [performing ...]; what is it th[at the king] my lord or[ders]? The 10th, 1[2th], 15th and [...th] (are) [suitable] fo[r ......] (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Twelve. Nabu-nadin-šumi, Exorcist

SAA 10 273–288 (16 letters).

SAA 10 273 — A Matter of Professional Etiquette

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, K 00687; ABL 0057. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-I-2-[...] BC. SAA 10 273; SAAo P334008.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-nadin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk greatly bless the king, my lord! [The king], my [lord] sent me (saying): "Go and perform a ritual for Šadditu!" — I did so, (but) I could not perform the rest of the ritual (because) I had to leave for the treaty. Why on earth did Šumaya hurry up from Calah and say to Šadditu: "I shall prepare and perform this [...] ritual for you!"

Reverse

He should [...] have asked me! [......] ritual I would have performed [......] [...] performed [...] I would have seen [......] [......] Calah [...] But he [... ca]me up He [is not able to] perform (the ritual) "Excluding evil [from a person's home]," (but instead) [has exp]osed her. The king sent me; why did he hasten to per[fo]rm (the ritual)? He is not able (at all)! I will per[for]m it — or should I have learned from his example?

SAA 10 274 — Performing the Maqlu Ritual; Statue of Gilgameš

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, K 00649; ABL 0056. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-V-[...] BC. SAA 10 274; SAAo P334007.

Obverse

To [the king], my l[ord]: your servant Nabû-nadin-šumi. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk greatly bless the king, my lord! At night the king will perform Maqlû, in the early morning the king will perform the balance of the ritual.

Reverse

Furthermore: the (periodic) rites of the month Ab (V) [which] will be performed on [the 28t]h day involve the presence of a figurine of Gilgameš. Should I perform (these rites) for the queen mother? What is it that the king says?

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

Reverse

I don't know who this man is — whom should I ask? Let the man be pointed out to me (then), I will ask him.

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

SAA 10 281

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Adad-šumu-uṣur, Marduk-šakin-šumi, Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0160; ABL 0655. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 281; SAAo P334455.

Obverse

To [the king], our lord: your servants Adad-šumu-uṣur, Marduk-šakin-šumi and Nabû-nadin-šumi. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and Marduk greatly bl[ess] the king, our lord! (Break)

Reverse

Thereafter we shall perf[orm] it.

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

SAA 10 282 — Ritual Against an Evil Demon

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, Sm 1940; ABL 0369. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 282; SAAo P334245.

A servant of the king has come [......] (Rest destroyed)

Edge

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

SAA 10 286 — I do not Conceal Anything from the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0043; ABL 1166. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 286; SAAo P334767.

Obverse

[To the king], my [lord]: your servant [Nabû-nadin-šumi. good health to the k]ing, my lord! [May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May] Enlil, Mullissu, Ašš[ur, Sin, Nikkal, Šamaš], Aja, Adad, [Šala, Marduk, Zarpanitu], Nabû, Tašmetu, [Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of] Arbela, Ninurta, Gula, [Nergal and Laṣ, the great gods] dwelling in heaven and earth, [the great gods... the heav]en and earth, [......] all [the gods of the world ...... to the king], my lord! (Break)

Reverse

Now that [the king, my lord, has sa]id to me: "Again you [...]; it should be explained!" Do I [...] the work? They should explain it to the king, my lord. [By Sin, lo]rd of the crown, its meaning should be [...]! [I swear] that it has been expl[ained] to the king, my lord, and that I do not conceal [anything] I hear and see [from] the king, my lord. [If] they are guilty of a [...], may [your] gods not hold me responsible!

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

SAA 10 287 — King’s Robes in Arbela

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0211; CT 53 929. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 287; SAAo P314338.

[SAAo's edition of this tablet carries no published translation and no editorial note for any line; nothing is invented here to fill the gap.]

SAA 10 288

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-nadin-šumi. British Museum, 1902-05-10, 0029; CT 53 962. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 288; SAAo P314371.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) [......] Šamaš, Mar[duk ......] Nabû, D[N ......] in (the work) Enūma [......] You, O Šamaš, [...]

Bottom Edge

the judgment [......] ...[......]

Reverse

Concerning the soldiers [...] just as [......] really, about [......] I said: "[......] (Remainder lost)

Chapter Thirteen. Urad-Gula, Exorcist

SAA 10 289–295 (7 letters).

SAA 10 289 — Salary Complaints

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Gula. British Museum, K 00991; ABL 0117. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-671 BC. SAA 10 289; SAAo P334065.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Urad]-Gula. Good health [to the king, my lord]! May all the gods whom [the king, my lor]d, has revered today, very much stand by the king and by [Assur]banipal and Šamaš-šumu-ukin on (the day of) their trial! We prepared all this work that the king performed on the 22nd day and today, and we also wrote the tablets, (while) he did not go near anything because of the picking (of fruit) and harvesting (of grapes). [And] on the 22nd, when the king got angry, [w]e [...]d the (ground) beneath the god and worri[ed to] death. [Bu]t he, as soon as [...], wine [...] (Break)

Reverse

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

Chapter Fourteen. Nabu-naṣir, Exorcist

SAA 10 296–307 (12 letters).

SAA 10 296 — Prophylactic Rituals

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-naṣir. British Museum, K 00950 + K 14592; ABL 0977+. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 671-XII-01 BC. SAA 10 296; SAAo P334655.

Obverse

[To] the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-naṣir. May Nabû and Marduk very greatly bless the king, my lord! Aššur-mukin-paleya is doing very, very well; Aššur-šarrani-[muballis]su is doing very, very well. The king, my lord, [can be glad]. [Concerning] the rites about which the ki[ng, my lord], wrote to us, in Kislev (IX) we performed "To keep ma[laria], plague and pestilence away from a man's home"; [in Teb]et (X) we performed "To keep disease and malaria away from a man's home," and numerous counterspells; in Shebat (XI) we performed 'hand-lifting' prayers, an apotropaic ritual to counteract evil sorcery and a ritual against malaria and plague. On the 1st day we initiated the rites (to be performed) in Adar (XII).

Reverse

A figurine of the 'daughter of Anu,' a figurine of Namtar, a figurine of Latarak, a figurine of Death, a substitute figurine made of clay, a substitute figurine made of clay of garden ditch, a substitute figurine made of w[ax], 5 illat-gods of the 'daughter of Fat,' 7 [......], 15 drinking tubes of silver [... for] Gula and Belet ṣeri, 7 grains of silver, 7 grains of gold, 7 grains of copper, 7 grains of tin, 7 grains of [...] of the city for the 'daughter of the River (god),' [7 twigs] of tamarisk, 7 twigs of date palm, [7 b]ottles of wine, 7 bottles of beer, [7 b]ottles of milk, 7 [bo]ttles of honey: al[l this] we have done, [but we have not] yet [performed the rest of the r]ites. When [it is time] to perform the ritual [..., let the k]ing, m[y lord ...]

We are performing the treatment and the rites constantly and without fail. To inspect Aššur-mukin-palu'a [...] (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 301 — Report on a Royal Baby

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-naṣir. British Museum, K 00482; ABL 0178. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 301; SAAo P334123.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-naṣir. May Nabû and Marduk very greatly bless the king, my lord! The charge of the 'Lady of Cults' is doing very well; the king, my lord, can be glad indeed.

Reverse

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

Chapter Fifteen. Exorcists — Varia

SAA 10 308–313 (6 letters).

SAA 10 308 — Petition on Behalf of a Brother

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-gamil. British Museum, K 07487; ABL 0932. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 308; SAAo P334630.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-gamil. The best of health to the king, my lord! May [N]abû and [Marduk] bless the king, my lord! [......] to the king [......] of Tishri (VII) [......] let him write [...... bit sal]ā' mê (ritual) [......] foot (Break)

Reverse

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0130; CT 53 157. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 671-VII-[...]-670-VI-[...] BC. SAA 10 317; SAAo P313572.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) She will recover through [......]. All is well. [The king, my lord], can be glad. To [the king, my lord]: your servant Urad-Nanaya. [Good health] to the king, my lord! May Ninurta and [Gula] g[ive] happiness and ph[ysical] well-being to the king, my lord! [...] to the kin[g ......] (Break)

Reverse

Bottom Edge

(Break)

Reverse

[... magne]tite [... they thr]ow away [...] of styrax They recite [an incantation ove]r it and insert it [in the nostril]. They wrap [... dust] from crossroads [......] and very [...... in a tuf]t of wool, [reci]te [an incantation over it, and inser]t it in the nostril. [They take] martakal-seed and [...] which are not crushed, [...] as it is, recite [an incantation] over it, wrap [it in a t]uft of wool and insert it [in the opening of the n]ostril.

Right Edge

They should act according to the prescription I have sent.

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

SAA 10 322 — Treating the Crown Prince and a Bleeding Nose

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 00519; ABL 0108. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-669 BC. SAA 10 322; SAAo P334057.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Urad-Nanaya. The very best of health to the king, my lord! May Ninurta [and] Gula give happiness and physical [well-bein]g to the king, my lord! The crown prince is doing very well. The treatment which we carried out and gave to the chest lasted for 1 1/2 hours; he retained consciousness and afterwards sat up (in his bed). How proper he is!

Reverse

Concerning the patient whose nose bleeds, the rab mūgi told me that much blood flowed yesterday evening. They are handling those tampons ignorantly! They put them against the cartilage of the nose, pressing the cartilage, and that is why the blood keeps coming out. They should put them into the openings of the nostrils; it will cut off the breath but the blood will be held back.

Edge

With the king's consent, I will enter (the palace) tomorrow and give instructions. Now let me to hear about the (king's) health.

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

SAA 10 323 — Smoke Therapy for Ears

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 00996; ABL 0570. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 672-669 BC. SAA 10 323; SAAo P334392.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Urad-Nanaya. The very best of health] to the king, my lord! May Ninurta and [Gula] give happiness and physical well-being to the king, my lord! The crown prince is doing very well. As I visited the crown prince, the crown prince told me: "All my flesh has become well." The king, my lord, can be [glad]. Subsequently I am sending off (an assortment of) drugs for fumigation. The kanaktu and nikiptu oil which I dispatched should be first dripped [into the ear], [thereafter] let them do the fumig[ation]. As soon as they have fumi[gated], they should repeat (the procedure), drip [the rest of the oil] upo[n (a tuft of) red wool and insert it] into the ear. [It is] very [efficien]t.

Reverse

At the moment I am busy with cooking the beryl. In the ... of the beryl-stone [......] (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 324 — Ear Remedies

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 08509; ABL 0465. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 324; SAAo P334320.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Urad-Nanaya. The very best of health to the king, my lord]! May Ninurta and Gula give happiness and physical well-being to the king, my lord! Concerning the cure of the ears, all the preparations have been made, (but) the king did not even begin with it yesterday. Let him now carry it out today. Concerning the potion about which I said in the presence of the king [......] (Break)

Reverse

Let him carry out these cures of the ears today. (As) the king, my lord, knows, the ilku-duty (of the physicians) is tomorrow. A 'third man' is saying: "I am under orders; the physician should come with me!" I am afraid; without (the permission of) the king [I will not go] (Break)

Edge

[Altern]atively, a physician who [......] mūṣu-stone may go with him.

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

SAA 10 325 — Treating the Skin of the ‘Farmer’

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 01558; CT 53 052. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-III-14 BC. SAA 10 325; SAAo P313467.

Obverse

[To the 'farmer,' my lord: your servant Urad-Nanaya. The very best of health to the 'farmer,' my lord!] May [Ninurta and Gula] gi[ve happiness and physical well-being to the 'farme]r,' my lord! [As to the cure] of the blotches [......], they should let me enter [...] seed of the beet plant [...] whose mouth [......] in water [......] (Break)

Reverse

is good [......] they should do it regularly [......]. Perhaps my lord will sa[y]: "This is a gloo[my] day — [it is n]ot auspicious for performing (that)!" — this [treatment] which we are performing [...] a gloom[y day ......] (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 326 — Diarrhoea

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 01090; CT 53 023. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669 BC. SAA 10 326; SAAo P313438.

Obverse

(Beginning lost) [Concerning the bile which he purged] upwards and which settled downwards, in the whole medical literature it is said as follows:

Reverse

"(If) he purges through his mouth and his anus, he will get well." [According to] what I have seen [...] (Remainder lost)

Edge

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

SAA 10 327 — List of Remedies

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Nanaya. British Museum, K 05584 + 1883-01-18, 0843; ABL 1157+. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 327; SAAo P313705.

Obverse

[Salve against le]prosy [......] sick [e]ars [......] paralysis [...... o]f ears [......] roasted barley [......] to do (Break) repeated[ly gets ...] cure [of ......] (Break) sa[lve ......] and [rites ...] cure [of ......] salve [......] and rit[es ...] cure [of ......] salve [......] and ri[tes ...]

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

Bottom Edge

salve (against) lep[rosy]

Reverse

from under the feet [of ...] and the eyes [......] cure of a ki[dney ...] "If a person's [right] hand [...]" "If a person's le[ft] hand [...]" of the whole flesh [...] rites [...] (Break) [......] he will die. Salv[es], fumigants, poti[ons] against buzzing [ears], fumigants to go with the incantation ...[...], strong fumigants ...[...], a golden [ar]row ...[...], golden [......] (Break)

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

Edge

'Wiping of the mouth,' salv[e against] aphas[ia and rites] against ap[ha]sia.

Chapter Seventeen. Physicians — Varia

SAA 10 328–337 (10 letters).

SAA 10 328 — Medications for the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Ikkaru. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0026; ABL 0740. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 675-669 BC. SAA 10 328; SAAo P334527.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Ikkaru. The very best of health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May Bel, Nabû and the Lady of Life give happiness and physical well-being to the king, my lord! Three times I have sent salves, fumigants, phylacteries and potions to the king, my lord, but I do not know whether or not they have been brought to the [king], my [lord]. I don't see an answer to my letter, nor do I hear about the health of the king, my lord. When the king, my lord, was crown prince and went [to ... N]abû'a, a fever lingered [in (his) e]yes just [like in those of the k]ing. [......] Kabtî

Bottom Edge

[......] his [eff]orts

Reverse

[... Mardu]k-šallim-ahhe [......] was low [...... t]here. Now [......] is low; [......] does not stay there. Do (all our) efforts really only result in regress? Perhaps the king, my lord, will say: "The weather is hot." They may stay there as long as the king, my lord, finds appropriate. Šamaš-šumu-ukin is doing much better; the king, my lord, can be glad. Starting from the 22nd day I am giving (him) blood to drink; he will drink it for 3 days. For 3 more days I shall give (him blood) for internal application. (Thanks to) Bel, Nabû and the Lady of Life, the flesh of Šamaš-šumu-ukin is much better. Let me come and behold the face of the king, my lord! If the king, my lord, does not say ("no"), I will return and come.

SAA 10 329 — No Progress With Patient

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Ikkaru. British Museum, K 00502; ABL 0248. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 329; SAAo P334183.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Ikkaru. The very best of health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May Ninurta and Gula give happiness and physical well-being to [the king], my [lo]rd! [Conce]rning (the prince) [NN] about whom the king, my lord, [wrote to me]: "Sit up with him!" —

Reverse

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

Chapter Eighteen. Urad-Ea and Nabu-zeru-iddina, Lamentation Priests

SAA 10 338–346 (9 letters).

SAA 10 338 — The Akitu Procession of Sin

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Ea. British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0030; ABL 0667. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-II-10 BC. SAA 10 338; SAAo P334465.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Urad-Ea. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû, Marduk, Sin and Nikkal bless the king, my lord! On the 17th day Sin sets off and takes up residence in the akītu-temple. Let the king, my lord, order that they give the garments; I should b[ring them] with me. The penitential psalm will be [per]formed ov[er them], he will bless the king, [my lord], and give a life of dis[tant d]ays to the king, [my] lord.

Reverse

A bodyguard [should be] sent with me because of [the tr]aitors.

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

SAA 10 339 — The Procession of Kurbail

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Ea. British Museum, K 01204; ABL 0029. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 339; SAAo P333981.

Obverse

[To the king, m]y [lord: your servant Ur]ad-Ea. [Good health] to the king, my [lord]! [May Nabû], Marduk, [Sin and] Nikkal [ble]ss [the king], my lord! [The gods] of Kurba'il set off (for the akītu-temple) under my [directi]on, and the garments of the king go (along). Year after year they go on like this; the penitential psalm is performed over them, (and the gods) bless 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 10 344

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Urad-Ea. British Museum, K 01022; ABL 0027. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 344; SAAo P333979.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Urad-Ea. Good health to the king, my lord! [May] Nabû, Marduk, Sin and Nikkal [bless] the king, my lord! (Remainder lost)

SAA 10 345 — Kettledrum Performance Before Enki

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-zeru-iddina. British Museum, K 10373 + K 12947; CT 53 111. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 650 BC. SAA 10 345; SAAo P313526.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: [your servant] Nabû-zeru-iddina. [Good health t]o the king, my lord! May [Aššur, Sin], Šamaš, Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord; may they grant the king, my lord, happiness and physical health. May the king, my lord, endure forever like Heaven and Earth! May Ištar of Arbela [before the king, my lord's feet] overwhelm whatever enemies there are, may she put [......]

Reverse

(Break) [......] one wrap [......] before Enki

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

Right Edge

[......] a kettle-drum [......] speaks.

SAA 10 346

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Nabu-zeru-iddina. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0193; ABL 1150. Assigned to Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 650 BC. SAA 10 346; SAAo P334757.

And (finally), Mars has emerged from Scorpius and directed its course towards Sagittarius. The king, my lord, should know (this).

SAA 10 350 — Terminating the Reign of the Substitute King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 04678; ABL 1014. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 671-VII-22 BC. SAA 10 350; SAAo P334675.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Con[cerning the su]bstitute king about whom [the king, my lord, wrote to me]: "He should sit for 100 days" — [now then] he has completed the 100 days, and [his] ki[ngship is finished. As the king, my lord, wr[ote to me I am w]aiting [for the ...]; the king, my lord, should k[now] (this). [...] the blow [......] [...] at the left, Aššur-ahu-[...] [... ov]er there should be good [...] [...] have been deleted. As soon as [......], it will be taken care of [within] 10 days. The king, my lord [should know this]. [Ma]rs, which previously was approaching [Sagittari]us, [......] to en[ter] (Break)

Reverse

[In Bor]sippa ...[...]; the priest of Na[bû], [Ahhešay]a, has [...]ed him, and they have taken everything that [...] and brought it into Borsippa. Silu, a native of Gam[bulu], Nabû-zera-ibni from Bit-Ibâ, and [NN] from Dur-Šarruku: [these], altogether three, [men] have been [...ed] and impaled by the priest Ahhešaya. [...] All the statues of Sargon, king [of Assyria], which were placed in the sanctuaries, [...s], and the streets, [the ... on] the neck of Ta[šmetu], [...] on the neck of [......] Let them do [......] (Break)

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

Edge

Reverse

[Furthermore], concerning [the Lady of Akkad about whom I] previously [wrote] t[o the king, my lord]: "[She will come out and take up her residence] in the ak[ītu]-temple" — I have now asked the pri[est ......]; he said "...[......]" I questioned him [......] which the delegate [......] and the man in charge of [......] [Let] the king, my lord, [...] the gods [...] The open country on the other side [of the river ...] the ...s of [......] the commandant of Uruk [......] the king of Elam into [......] whether there is [......] or there is not [......] (Break)

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

Edge

[...] Na'id-Marduk ...[...] is proffering [...]. The king, my lord, should know this.

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

SAA 10 356

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 13183; CT 53 116. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-V-[...] BC. SAA 10 356; SAAo P313531.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) I am [......] my people [......] leap year [......] they should intercalate [......] of the eclipse in the month Te[bet (X) ...]. On the 3rd of Elul (VI) [Bel is dressed]; on the 4th day [is] the [great Ga]te Opening. [The king, my lord], should know this. (Break)

Reverse

flesh [......] to animate [......]. Now t[hen......] of 20 yea[rs ......] he took [......] anyone may [......] (Break)

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

Edge

[...] are placed before the gods [......] [...]... became afraid ...[...].

SAA 10 357 — Interrupting the Elul Festival of Babylon

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0098; ABL 0338. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-VI-06 BC. SAA 10 357; SAAo P334218.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Mar-Issar. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May the great gods bestow long days, well-being and joy upon the king, my lord! As to what the king, my lord, wrote to me: "The month Elul (VI) is intercalary; do not perform the ceremonies this month" — Ammu-salam entered Babylon on the evening of the 6th day; the god Nabû had come before him, on the 3rd. The gate was kept open before Bel and Nabû on the 4th, the 5th and the 6th, and sacrifices were performed.

Reverse

When I saw the king my lord's sealed order, I issued the order: the rest of the ceremonies of Elul (VI) will be performed in the coming month, as the king, my lord, wrote to me.

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

SAA 10 358 — Inscribing the Pedestal of Tašmetu

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 01614; ABL 0257. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-VI-03 BC. SAA 10 358; SAAo P334188.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Mar-Issar. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May the great gods bestow long days, well-being and joy [upon the king, my lord]! Concerning [... about which I] former[ly wrote to the king, my lord] (Break)

Reverse

[The king, my lord, should act] as he consid[ers best]. I have now written on the pedestal of the goddess Tašmetu the inscription wh[ich] the king, my lord, communica[ted in the p]revious [letter]. I placed the statues of the king, my lord, upon the pedestals right and left. The king, my lord, should know (this). They say: (Concerning) the watch for the moon, he (= the moon) will make (the eclipse) pass by in the second Elul (VI/2); it is expected to take place in Tishri (VII)."

Right Edge

The 3rd of Elul.

SAA 10 359 — The Cult of the Lady of Akkad

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0146; ABL 0746. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-VII-XII-[...] BC. SAA 10 359; SAAo P334532.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: your servant Mar-Issar. Good health [to the king], my [lord]! May Nabû and Marduk [bless] the king, my lord! May [the great god]s bestow long days, well-being and joy upon the king, my lord! When the Lady [o]f Akkad went away to Elam, her assets [we]re taken over, the fields and personnel of the temple passing under the [...]s. When the king, my lord, [res]ettled the city of Akkad, he sent a sealed order to the deputy major-domo [of] Lahiru: "Deliver the [reg]ular offerings [of the god]! They should be adv[anced] to Akkad!" For [x] years they delivered them, but (now) they are cu[tti]ng them off; [so f]ar they have not delivered them since [the king, my lord], posted me to the city of Akkad. (Break)

Reverse

[......] the temple [...] [......]. Let them bring [...] and syste[matically ins]tall [......]. If it plea[ses the king, my lord], let them appoint in Akkad either a eunuch [or a ...]. At the time of this service, let them provide [... for the offerings] and the rites, [and when the god ...] and lets off [...]. Otherwise, when [......], I would be informing without being heard. [The king, my lord, knows that I am] but a dog of the king, my lord, and that I am loyal [to the king], my lord. I have [now] written [to] the king, my lord; let [the king, my lord], do as it pleases him until the assets of the temple have been collected (again).

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

SAA 10 360

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0493; CT 53 143. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670 BC. SAA 10 360; SAAo P313558.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...]... says [......] [......] Sulay[a ......] [......] soon [......] [...... u]pon us [......] [...]... us and [......] [......] the other Babylon [......] [......] to the commanda[nt ......] [...... the cr]own prince of Babylon [......] [......] Ubaru [......] [......] Mannu-ki-[......] (Break)

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 00480; ABL 0744. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-IV-01 BC. SAA 10 363; SAAo P334530.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Mar-Issar. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May the great gods bestow long days, well-being and joy upon the king, my lord! On the 27th day the moon stood there; on the 28th, 29th and 30th we kept watch for the eclipse of the sun, (but) he let it pass by and was not eclipsed. On the 1st the moon was seen (again); the (first) day of Tammuz (IV) is (thus) fixed. Concerning Jupiter about which I previously wrote to the king, my lord: "It has appeared in the path of the Anu stars, in the area of Orion." —

Reverse

it was low, and indistinct in the haze, (but) they said: "It is in the path of the Anu stars," and I sent the relevant interpretation to the king, my lord. Now it has risen and become clear; it is standing under the constellation Chariot in the path of the Enlil stars. Its interpretation will remain the same, even if it ... to the Chariot. But the interpretation pertaining to Jupiter in the path of the Anu stars, which I previously sent to the king, my lord, is not valid. The king, my lord, should know this.

SAA 10 364 — The Bridge of Borsippa; Moon in Scorpio

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0131; ABL 1214. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 669-IV-10 BC. SAA 10 364; SAAo P334797.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) wrote "[......]." [There are] shi[ps lined up] across the Borsippa river. In the days of Sargon and the father of the k[ing, my lord], as the Borsippa river was narrow, they trod a ra[mp] on them, (but) it did not stay in good condition. N[ow] in the times of the king, my lord, the river has swollen much; they have improved the ramp, but it will not stay in good condition. Let the bridge of ships be kept as it is; wh[en] the king, my lord, comes, they will put in an improved filling, (so that) the king, my lord, can cross over it in his chariot. This year the waters have increased and risen up to the wall of Ezida. There are oblates of Išum available; if it pleases the king, my lord, let them glaze kiln-fired bricks and brick up the quay-wall of Ezida and let me put the inscription of the king, my lord, therein. They should cut the waters off. Concerning the wall of the Nergal temple of Cutha about which [I wr]ote to the kin[g, my lord]: (Break)

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

Reverse

[If] it pleases [the king, my lord], let us build the temple of [DN, ......] and let the inscrip[tion of the king, my lord], be put therein. However, let the king, [my] lord do as it pleases him. The bodyguard Nergal-šarru-uṣur came with the deputy of the Lahirite (major-domo); they invoked the king's word, dismissed the delegates of the temples of Sippar, Cutha, Hursagkalama and Dilbat and appointed others. The king, my lord, should know this. In the night of the 10th of Tammuz (IV), the constellation Scorpius approached the moon. Its interpretation is as follows: If at the appearance of the moon Scorpius stands by its right horn: in th[at year] locusts will rise and consume the harvest, variant: [The king of] Elam will be killed in that year, his reign will be brought to an end, and an en[emy] will attack and plunder the interior of his country. For the king of Akkad: go[od l]uck. His reign will become long, and the enemy who attacks him will be defeated. On the 10th of Tammuz (IV), Venus was visi[ble] in Leo: The king of Akkad [...] wherever [...] [...] in the land of Akkad [......] [...] in the land of Akkad [......] (Remainder destroyed)

SAA 10 365 — Dream Concerning the Epic of Creation

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 07361; ABL 1336. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 671-669 BC. SAA 10 365; SAAo P334852.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed or too fragmentary for translation) [......] their [...] within me [...... In] my dr[eam], the king, my lord, [was ......] sitting [on the thr]one; a table [was placed before him and a ...] was swelling upon it. [....... u]pon tablets. [......] His face [was ...ed] towards the table One of the tablets [rea]d as follows: "O Aššur, save [the life of] the one who puts his trust in you!" On the tablet [......]

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

Reverse

(Break) [......] to the king, my lord, [...... the god]s of Assyria; [......] By [Aššur, Sin Šamaš, Bel, Nabû Jupiter], Venus, [Saturn, Mercury and Mars]: Verily [......] (Break) [......] open [the ga]te (Rest destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

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

SAA 10 366

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0141; ABL 0745. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 366; SAAo P334531.

Obverse

To the king, [my lo]rd: your servant Mar-[Issar]. [Good] health to the ki[ng, my lord]! May [Nabû and] Marduk bless [the king, my lord]! (Break)

Reverse

[Concerning ... about whom the king, my lord], wrote [to me], both [are ...]; they have not brought the meat. We shall s[end] the former man to Sippar as the king, my lord, wrote [to me]. The king, my lord, should [know] this.

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

SAA 10 367 — King of Elam Coming to Babylon

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Mar-Issar. British Museum, K 14681 + K 15391; CT 53 121. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 680-669 BC. SAA 10 367; SAAo P313536.

SAA 10 371–389 (19 letters).

SAA 10 371 — Plant of Life and Sorceresses to the King

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Kudurru. British Museum, K 00154; ABL 0276. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 371; SAAo P237791.

Obverse

To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant Kudurru. May Aššur, Šamaš and Marduk bless the king, my lord! After the king, my lord, had gone to Egypt and the eclipse took place in Tammuz (IV), there were no men of mine for the life of Assyria among them, (so) he sent (messengers) to every direction. Now then, let the king ask the messengers of their life. When I acquired the plant of life of the eclipse of Tammuz (IV), it disappeared in the king's presence. [I dispat]ched it [to the king], my lord, in th[e han]ds of Šumaya son of [Kabt]iya, in Nisan (I) last year, (yet) [up t]o now [the king] has given no order to me.

Reverse

I have sent many sorceresses to the king, my lord; the king may check. Nabû-zera-lišir the nephew of Zakir is an exorcist; he has performed the Bīt rimki, Egalkura and "Undoing-the-Curse" rituals for the commandant Bel-eṭir. Did the king, my lord, not order me to visit him twice a year?

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

SAA 10 372

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Kudurru. British Museum, K 04684; CT 54 063. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 372; SAAo P238329.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [Write down] and [...] to the k[ing ......] [... the Se]ries [......] this [...] the sun [......]. The eclipse of the moon which [took place] in Ta[mmuz (IV)] [and af]fected [...], placed [...] to the sun which [...] in the first year, saying: "[...] of the king will occur to his land but the [...] will not stay in his land [...] will return [to] his [...]." (Broken and untranslatable)

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

Reverse

The gist of the rest of the words is, don't be afraid but have much confidence and wait for my later report. In this very manner he has for these three years been inciting Bel-eṭir, the commandant, and [......]. As long as he [......] After me, silver [......] Now then [......] do not [...] this [...] you saw [......] to Assyria [......] write down and [communicate it] to the ki[ng ...] Also extract the words which the gods [......] and put them in [......]. As for [...], the sons of Bel-eṭir [......] from [......] (Rest destroyed or untranslatable)

SAA 10 373 — Books Worth Keeping

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). From Ninurta-aha-iddin. British Museum, K 00022; ABL 0334. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 373; SAAo P237763.

Obverse

To the king of the lands, my lord: your servant Ninurta-aha-iddin. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! May the great gods make the foundation of your offspring as durable as heaven and earth. I have s[et (aside) ...] for the k[ing, my lord]; let them fetch and con[sult ...].

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01963; ABL 1004. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign, c. 670-X-[...] BC. SAA 10 377; SAAo P334672.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed or too fragmentary for translation) On the 12th [......] after [... he went] to Calah. On the 13th he w[ent] to [Calah] with the sons of the king.

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

Bottom Edge

On the 14th Adad-šumu-uṣur enter[ed] Nineveh and [spoke] with Aššur-naṣir, the chief [eunuch], Sasî and Urad-E[a]: "Let him sit (on the throne) before the eclip[se occurs]."

Reverse

The matter [...] spre[ad out] before them [......] (Remainder destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

Edge

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

SAA 10 378

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13906; CT 53 508. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 378; SAAo P313921.

Edge

[If ......: the k]ing will have no opponents [......]

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

SAA 10 383 — Seeking Employment

Letter (tablet); clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0124; ABL 1220. Assigned to Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal's reign, c. 680-669 or 668-ca. 631 BC. SAA 10 383; SAAo P334802.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant NN. Good heal]th to [the king, my lord! May Na]bû and M[arduk] very great[ly bless the king, my lord]! May Aššur, Mullissu, [Sin, Šamaš, Nabû] and Marduk [...] the king, my lord, in heal[th and vigour], and may they bless that [benevole]nt face! May Sin and Nikkal, with whom the king, my lord, has walked, give happiness, physical well-being, long-lasting days and everlasting years to the king, my lord! [May] Nabû and Marduk [......] to the king, [my lor]d!

Reverse

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

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation of the State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo, oracc.museum.upenn.edu/saao/saa10/), the digital edition of S. Parpola, Letters from Assyrian and Babylonian Scholars (State Archives of Assyria 10; Helsinki University Press, 1993), lemmatised by Mikko Luukko (2016) 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 states its content is "released under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license"; the project's own 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 SAAo, Simo Parpola, 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 389 letters edited in Parpola's Letters from Assyrian and Babylonian Scholars, 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-chapter division follows the print edition's own chapters exactly, as recorded in SAAo's own catalogue, and each letter'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 "(f.)," "(!)," and "(?)" are SAAo's own, recording damaged, restored, or grammatically uncertain cuneiform. Four hundred and seven lines across 215 of the 389 letters are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation; each such gap is marked in place rather than filled. One further tablet, SAA 10 287, carries no published translation or editorial dollar-note for any line at all; this is disclosed at its heading rather than left as a silent omission.

Composite identification. Each letter above is given by its SAA 10 catalogue number, the sender named in SAAo's own catalogue where one is recorded, its British Museum registration or excavation number, its citation in the earlier Assyriological literature (ABL, CT 53, CT 54) where SAAo notes one, and its SAAo text ID (a CDLI P-number beginning with P), 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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Letters from Assyrian and Babylonian Scholars — State Archives of Assyria 10

State Archives of Assyria 10 — The King's Scholars to Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal

Contents

Chapter One. Nabu-zeru-lešir and Issar-šumu-ereš, Chief Scribes

SAA 10 001 — Enthroning a Substitute King

Obverse

SAA 10 002 — The Substitute King Reveals a Conspiracy

Obverse

SAA 10 003 — Burying the Substitute King

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 004 — Substitute King Ascends Throne in Akkad

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 005 — Auspicious Days for Treaty Ceremonies

Obverse

SAA 10 006 — Convening Scribes for Treaty Ceremonies

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 007 — Scholars to Enter the Treaty

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 008 — Omens from Retrograding Planets

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 009 — A Royal Funeral

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 010 — Earthquake in Nineveh

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 011 — Transferring Evil Omens to a Substitute

Obverse

SAA 10 012 — Enthroning a Substitute King

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 013 — Royal Statues for Harran

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 014 — The Cella of Nusku

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 015 — Any Curses Written There?

Obverse

SAA 10 016 — Blessings to the Queen Mother

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 017 — The Queen Mother’s Curse

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 018 — Display Ceremonies in Arbela

Obverse

Bottom Edge

SAA 10 019 — Dates of the Festival of Tammuz

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 020 — Arranging a Festival

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

Right Edge

SAA 10 021 — Report on Temples in Assur

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 022

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 10 023 — Refuting a Sighting of Mercury

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 10 024 — An Incident During Bel’s Return to Babylon

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

SAA 10 025 — Taking Countermeasures after a Solar Eclipse

Obverse

SAA 10 026 — If the Eclipse Takes Place, What Does it Mean?

Obverse

Reverse