The Correspondence of Assurbanipal, Part I — Letters from Assyria, Babylonia, and Vassal States — State Archives of Assyria 21

State Archives of Assyria 21 — Letters from Assyria, Babylonia, and Vassal States

Ashurbanipal ruled Assyria from 668 to about 631 BC, presiding over the empire near the height of its reach and, for several years in the middle of his reign, over a bitter war against his own brother. One hundred and sixty-one Neo-Assyrian letters to and from Ashurbanipal and his officials survive from this correspondence, almost all as clay tablets excavated at Kuyunjik (ancient Nineveh) and now held chiefly in the British Museum. The letters below are Simo Parpola's edition of the outgoing royal correspondence and the incoming replies concerning Babylonia and the lands and rulers around it — Elam to the east, Urarṭu to the north, the tribal territories of Gambulu and Raši in the southern marshes, and lesser kingdoms such as Dilmun in the Gulf.

The print edition's own ten-chapter division is followed here. Six chapters gather the king's own outgoing letters, grouped by the region or correspondent addressed: Babylon, Borsippa, Cutha, and Nippur; Uruk, Ur, and Kissik; the official Bel-ibni, sent by the king to oversee the Sealand, and the Sealanders under him; Gambulu and Raši; Elam; and a chapter of letters to vassal rulers and further correspondents. Many of the earliest letters, in the first chapter, answer directly to the revolt of Šamaš-šumu-ukin, Ashurbanipal's own brother and the king Assyria itself had placed over Babylon — Ashurbanipal repeatedly calls him only "this no-brother" while pleading with the Babylonians not to believe him. Three further chapters gather letters written back to the king: from Šamaš-šumu-ukin and another royal brother, from officials in Babylonia, and from the kings of Elam and Urarṭu, including the Elamite king Ummanaldasu's own letter reporting the fugitive Babylonian rebel Nabû-bel-šumati seized and sent on to Assyria, and a further letter from the Elders of Elam reporting his corpse delivered to the king. A final chapter gathers varia and letters the editor could not otherwise place.

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, ellipses, and parenthetical notes such as "(Break)," "(Rest destroyed)," and "beginning broken away" are SAAo's own markers for damaged, restored, or lost text, reproduced exactly as SAAo itself formats them for each tablet, including where that formatting differs from one letter to the next. Most of these tablets are damaged to some degree; 76 of the 161 letters carry at least one stretch — 111 lines in total — too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation, and each such gap is noted in place rather than filled. One letter, SAA 21 013, survives only as a modern composite with no single tablet witness; that is disclosed in place of an invented museum registration.

Chapter One. Letters to Babylon, Borsippa, Cutha, and Nippur — SAA 21 001–021
Chapter Two. Letters to Uruk, Ur, and Kissik — SAA 21 022–042
Chapter Three. Letters to Bel-ibni and the Sealanders — SAA 21 043–049
Chapter Four. Letters to Gambulu and Raši — SAA 21 050–057
Chapter Five. Letters to Elam — SAA 21 058–074
Chapter Six. Letters to Vassal Rulers, and Miscellany — SAA 21 075–100
Chapter Seven. Letters from the King’s Brothers — SAA 21 101–104
Chapter Eight. Letters from Babylonia — SAA 21 105–114
Chapter Nine. Letters from Elam and Urarṭu — SAA 21 115–124
Chapter Ten. Varia and Unassigned — SAA 21 125–161

Reverse

I also know another matter that you have been pondering in your hearts: "Now, the very fact that we have taken hostile action against him will be a burden on us" — it will not be a burden; it is nothing, since the name is very good. Though the very fact that you have sided with my opponent is like placing a burden on you, and violating the treaty is a matter (to be settled) before God. Now then I am writing to you: if you do not wish to stain yourself with him in these matters, let me quickly see an answer to my letter. May this man whom Marduk has rejectednot deprive from my hands the troop which I have put together for Bel. (blank space of one line) Month of Iyyar (II), 23rd day, eponym year of Aššur-duru-uṣur. Šamaš-balassu-iqbi delivered it.

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

SAA 21 004 — Perhaps Babylon Can Still be Saved

British Museum, London, UK, K 00998; ABL 0571. [The king] to [Babylonians]. Dated (before 648-V). SAA 21 004; SAAo P393854.*

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [The king's word to the Babylonians: I am well]; you can be glad. [The day] you see this [letter], speak [with] your hearts, take with you any number of the Babylonians, your brothers, whose hearts you know and who have (any) responsibility (left) in [them], and come over before Milki-r[am] the cohort commander and Aššur-da[''inanni], the commander-in-chief, because they are about to throw (their forces) agai[nst] Babylon, in accordance with what you said: "Let us go and speak to our brothers, rend our garments, take heart, and discuss with them the things by which they have destroyed themselves and through which we can snatch Babylon from the hands of the enemy; perhaps Babylon can still be saved from massacre."

I am [now] sending to you the chieftains of the land of Akkad. Do everything you can do; and if it is against you[r he]earts, do it as soon as you can co[pe with it]. rest uninscribed

SAA 21 007 — God has Commanded the Destruction of the Land of Akkad

British Museum, London, UK, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0012; ABL 1165. [The king] to [Babylonians]. Dated (647-646*). SAA 21 007; SAAo P237638.*

Obverse

Beginning destroyed your [...]s have been seized and despised in my name, your houses have been destroyed for my sake. We did not know (about it, and so) did not overwhelm (them); wie had been asleep (but) we woke up and caused the army to attack. From the beginning, why and for what reason did he do what he did? And the rebels who devised this plot, what fortune did they gain for themselves? Perhaps God himself has commanded the destruction of the Land of Akkad. What can we say? [...] before God.

Reverse

[I shall do] as Aššur, Marduk and my [gods] enable me (to do). Truly, he who [...s] on my behalf knows that [...] before my gods Rest destroyed

SAA 21 008 — Fire Will Burn the Land of Akkad

British Museum, London, UK, K 00995. [The king] to [Babylonians (or Urukians)]. Dated (652?). SAA 21 008; SAAo P393853.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [......] You should have info[rmed …] [...of] your [hea]rt is a sin of the land [...] [......] rebellion [...] [......] I want to bring [NN] to the top [...] [......] of the magnates against [......] [... hors]es with us [...] [If] we go [with] them, wh[at shall we] take? [...] Nabû-šezib of Ba[zu] [...] to the sinners [...] [...] You should have avoi[ded] rebellion ... [...] [......] this …… his house [...] [...in] his presence, to level into one [...] [......] Did [he not] say to him: "I´ll now go go [to GN (which is) in] the hands of Assyria, (and) I´ll c[ome back ...] will place them before him.” ... [...], did they [...]? Another matter: Because of ... [...], where [will you go]? If he co[mes]? [...] Are you afraid of him? [...] A third thing: If [......], because in his strong hand [...] (rest (apparently only the edge) broken away)

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

Reverse

(beginning (one line only) broken away) [......] he appointed [......] [......] Because in the hand[s ...] Did [he return] this statue [...], in which [......] trust? He will "restore" to life [the whole land, which acknowledges] the name of the son [of Nippur]. (And) when he [has "restored" (it)], y]ou will know that [the Babylo]nians loo[k] for drinking blood. They will not revive [the ... of] your [heart] (but) will displace you in the Se[a]land [...]. [Perhaps] God [has commanded] the destruction of those who lie habitually.If you fear his [in]vestigation, [do not] besmirch [your name] and do [not] deliver your city for destruction! If you guar[d] (the treaty), you will see [the profit] of guarding (it). How [would I expl]ain it? [Would I lea[ve] under (my) protection those wo do not guard (the treaty)? [...] However, if you do not guard it, on [that] day,[through the pow]er of Aššur, fir[e will burn] the land of Akkad [...]. On that day you will see [...]. [The land] of Akkad will beco[me] powerless; [the ... of] the land of Akkad [...] in the hands of [...] Rest destroyed

SAA 21 009 — Duplicate of No. 8

British Museum, London, UK, K 05477; CT 53 248. [The king] to [Babylonians (or Urukians)]. Dated (652?). SAA 21 009; SAAo P313663.

SAA 21 014 — Fragment Referring to Canonical Omen Texts

British Museum, London, UK, K 05637; CT 54 163. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 014; SAAo P238526.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) P[N ......] the ki[ng ......] day [......] (rest broken away)

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) of the gods [......] the chief eu[nuch ......] does not kno[w ......] I have heard [......] Enūma Anu En[lil ...] Alan[dimmû ...] when/if [......] the man [......] (Break)

Left Edge

Nabû-šarru-uṣur says [......] arrives there [.......]

SAA 21 015 — Fragment Mentioning Literary Texts and Zer-Babili

British Museum, London, UK, K 13061; CT 54 244. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 015; SAAo P239175.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] ... [...] [Mar]duk, lord, subd[uer of ...] [...] 21 lines [...] Zeri-Babil[i ...] Nabû-balassu-[iqbi ...] Lu-ahu’[a ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 016 — Cuthaeans in Samarra (652-VIl-5)

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0085; ABL 0944. The king to Zakir, Kabtiya. Dated 652-VII-5. SAA 21 016; SAAo P452784.

Obverse

The king’s word to Zakir (and) Kabtiya: I am well, you can be glad. Concerning the Cuthaeans (and) the ar[chitect] who [receive provisions] in Samarra, whom you wrote me about, originally a[ll who went there] were servants whom [NN] int[roduce]d in the t[empl]e of Cutha, saying: “The son of Zakir [...] the architec[t ......]” (rest broken away)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) 4 servant[s ......]. I will divid[e ......]. Fear not, and don’t be negligent [...]! blank line Month of Tishri (VII), 5th day, eponym year of Aššur-duru-uṣur. (rest blank)

SAA 21 017 — Elders of Nippur Visiting the King

British Museum, London, UK, K 00094; ABL 0287. [The king] to Nipp[urians]. SAA 21 017; SAAo P237779.

Obverse

[The king's word] to the Nipp[urians]: I am well; you can be glad. Concerning Hannana, Rimut, and Aya-ila'i, the Ru'ueans about whom you wrote, it is good that you captured them. Now do not neglect to keep them under guard. And as to what you wrote, "When we, 15 elders, came to visit the king, [half of us] entered [into] the king's [presence but half of us were rej]ected — [it is in the first place the fault of Iss]ar-bani and the fault of the šandabakku and of your prefect, and in the second place of the overseer of the palace, who did not let you into my presence.

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

Reverse

I swear by Aššur and my gods that I did not know that half of you had entered into my presence and half of you had not. (How) would I know who is this and who is that? I am equally favourably disposed towards all of you.

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

SAA 21 018 — His Weight of Gold to Whoever Catches Šamaš-šumu-ukin

British Museum, London, UK, K 00938; ABL 0292. The king to Il[lil-ban]i, Nippu[reans]. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 018; SAAo P237945.

Obverse

The king's word to Il[lil-ban]i and the Nippu[reans ol]d and young, every one of [my servants]: I am well; you can be glad. You know that through the iron sword of Aššur and my gods you had that entire land consumed by fire, so that the land has retreated, been subjugated, and turned its face once again towards me. And now life has become narrow for him. All the work that you have done since those days — behold, now [...] it is time for you to keep him under watch, and lest he escape, you are to seize all his roads. In all the roads, just as sieves are placed at the outlets of gutters in order to filter away splinters, litter and trash, in like manner you are to filter and examine all the roads. Maybe he will change his looks to get out like a thief; do not let anyone pass uninterrogated, even if he should pass with a disfigured face!

Reverse

Whoever keeps his hands off him, I will delete his posterity; but if one takes him prisoner and brings him into my presence, even if he should kill him, just as my grandfather on account of Šuzubu placed Adad-barakka on scales, and weighed out and cast him his weight of silver, so I will now place on scales whomever takes him prisoner, even if he should kill him, and weigh out and give him his weight of gold. What else, what else? Now then I am writing to you: be cautious, considering that since life has become narrow for him, he is seeking ways to get out and escape.

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

SAA 21 019 — The Job is Not Yet Done

British Museum, London, UK, K 00914; ABL 0561. [The king] to [Nippureans]. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 019; SAAo P393846.

Obverse

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

Chapter Two. Letters to Uruk, Ur, and Kissik

SAA 21 022–042. 21 texts.

SAA 21 022 — I'm Sending You Two Hundred Horses

British Museum, London, UK, K 00578; ABL 0273. (The king) to Nabu-ušabši. Dated (650). SAA 21 022; SAAo P393831.

Obverse

To Nabû-ušabši: Concerning the horses about which you wrote, even before you wrote I sent the treasurer Aššur-gimilli-tere with the army. Do whatever is opportune to do, be it to block the canal or to [subjug]ate those people. After the letter which you sent I am sending to you Bel-eṭir and Arbayu the cohort commander with 200 horses, to assist you in the work.

Reverse

(rest (2 lines) uninscribed)

SAA 21 023 — Longer Version of No. 22

British Museum, London, UK, K 00176; ABL 0543. [The king] to [Nabu-ušabši]. Dated (650). SAA 21 023; SAAo P393780.

Obverse

[The king's] wor[d to Nabû-ušabši]: Conc[erning ... about which you wrote to me], "[Why has the king] remo[ved ...?]" I w[ro]te to you [a]s from [the beginning]: "You and the g[overnors], stay and work (together), and bring food to me." I w[ro]te to you [a]s from [the beginning]: ''You and the g[overnors], stay and work (together), and bring food to me." Did you not hear th[us]?. Now w[hy] did you say, "What is my fault?" It is not your fault! It is the fault of your colleagues, the governors whom I keep sending but who do not come, stay and work with you! [As to what you s]aid, "[May the king not ab]andon [Ur, and may the Gur]asimmu [not get lost to the king]! What else can be done? Let me do it!" — [did I not send the governor] of Mazamua and the prefects, did they not keep watch with you, did they [not] get weak and [die] for your defence?

Reverse

When I saw that they were weakening and dying, I sent orders to release them, (but) did I not appoint with you the governors of Lahiru and Arrapha? And now, even before you wrote me, I have sent the treasurer Aššur-gimilli-tere with the army. Do whatever is opportune to do, be it to block the canal or to [subjug]ate those people. In accordance with the letter which you sent, Bel-etir and Arbayu, the cohort commander, are bringing horses with them, and they will stay and work wi[th you].

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

SAA 21 024 — Duplicate of No. 23

British Museum, London, UK, 1882-05-22, 0166; ABL 1108. [The king] to [Nabu-ušabši]. Dated (650). SAA 21 024; SAAo P452585.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [“why] has] the king re[moved ...]?” I w[ro]te to you [a]s from [the beginning]: "You and the governors, [stay] and work (together), and bring food to me." Did you not hear th[us] Now w[hy] did you say, "What is my fault?" It is not your fault! It is the fault of your colleagues, the governors whom I keep sending but who do not come, stay and work with you! As to what you said, "May the king not abandon Ur, and may the Gurasimmu [not get lo]st to the king! What else [can be done]? Let me do it!" — [did I not send send the governor of Mazamua and the prefects, did they not keep watch with you, did they not get wea]k and did they not [die for your d]efence? [When I sa]w that they were wea[kening and d]ying, I sent orders [to release them], (but) did I not appoint with you the governors of Lahiru and Arrapha?

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

Reverse

Reverse

"Now go and see the beaming face of the king, your lord, and give him a counsel that pleases the king your lord, and may he listen to you." Month of Iyyar (II), 25th day, eponym year of Bel-Harran-šadu'a (650).

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

SAA 21 028 — I'm Sending to You my Treaty Tablet

British Museum, London, UK, K 00017; ABL 0539. [The king] to [Nabu-ušabši?]. Dated (650-)III (or later). SAA 21 028; SAAo P237759.

Obverse

[The king's] w[ord to Nabû-ušabši. I am] we[ll], you [can be glad]. Fr[om the beginning until no]w, you have render[ed many] favour[s] to me, kept m[y watch] and not sinned against my Treaty and oath. You have fallen and died on account of all the messages and orders I have been sending to you. And truly by these recent things that you have done you have surpassed everything. The fact that for the sake of my name you have isolated yourself, keeping on the side of the representative of Aššur and Marduk; that you have kept [my watch] and not made [common cause] with my enemy; [the fact] that ever since you returned [from] my presence and saw that the Babylonians, [the Chal]deans and the Arameans were not loyal [but had become hos]tile, you sent [a messa]ge to your countrymen and made them conclude this treaty with me: "We will not change nor violate the treaty [of Assur]banipal; we will not [si]de with his enemy; as long as [we] l[ive], we will keep the treaty [we have concluded with him; …] his ally shall be our ally, and we will walk [wi]th him [...]" — from these facts I have now seen your genuine [love] and loyalty [to me].

Reverse

[Be] aware that this campaign is set for your life. This very day, those who have sinned against my treaty — your eyes will notice how God will once again swiftly call to account those who tampered with the treaty. As for you, remain under the protection of Aššur and Marduk, and provide informationwithin their castle. Now then I am sending to you my eunuch Nabû-eriba, my 'third man' Nergal-šarru-uṣur, and Akkullanu of the clergy of Aššur, with my treaty tablet. Join the treaty, trust that my servants, the Sealanders, should side with your countrymen,and let them become confident. For my part,I will see your love and affection even more clearly,, multiply the favours I have announced to you, pay my debt of graditude fully back to you,, and make your name great in the assembly of Babylonia. Month of Sivan (III).

SAA 21 029 — The Iron Sword of Aššur

British Museum, London, UK, K 01271; ABL 0297. The king to Nabu-[ušabši]. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 029; SAAo P238021.

Obverse

The king's word to Nabû-[ušabši] and the Urukians o[ld] and young, [every one of] my servants: I am well; [you] can be [glad]. You know that through [the iron sword of] Aššur and my gods you had tha[t entire land] consumed by fire, so that the land [has retreated, been subjugated], and [turned] its face once again [towards me]. Rest destroyed

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

Alternatively, stay (there) and keep [your] wat[ch] until the country has been put in order; then you can come, see [my] beaming [face], and return in safe[ty].

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

SAA 21 039 — Sîn-šarra-uṣur and Nabû-šar-ahhešu

British Museum, London, UK, K 07484; CT 53 372. [The king] to [Kissikians?]. Dated (649). SAA 21 039; SAAo P313786.

Obverse

[The king's word to the Kissikians: I am well]; you [can be glad]. [......] [...... Sîn-šarra]-uṣur [...... Nabû-šar]-ahhešu [...... sen]d me [......] Sîn-šarra-uṣur your [......] [......] cross over to me.

Reverse

[As to the ... i]n the hands of [... Na]bû-šar-ahhešu [which were not m]ade (and [about which you w]rote, [for] what reason [...] st[il]l [...] ... (rest uninscribed)

SAA 21 040 — I've Dressed NN in Purple and Sent Him to You

British Museum, London, UK, 1880-07-19, 0173; CT 53 142. [The king] to [Urians?]. Dated (652-648). SAA 21 040; SAAo P313557.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed t[o ......] with the servant [......] I do not know, [I do]n´t [......] but my gods k[now ...] I said: "Wh[y] thi[s ...]? Let him lay down [the …that ]t my father did not give him (and), let [me] enjoy it. Why [does he appropriate] my servants? Whoever is the widow [...] I (further) said: "Let them fini[sh ...] which to [......] came for[th ......]." He [......] pronounced [......]

Bottom Edge

Let [them lay do]wn [the ...] of the god [......] my servants [......]

Reverse

to be disposed of [ ......] did [......] The god has o[pened] your ears [... and] you have understood [......] on foot [......] Now [then ......] I have dr[essed him] in purple [......] and appoint[e]d hi[m] to the comma[ndantship of GN] I have sent [...]. I have sent) [...] and horse[s ......]! which [......] Rest destroyed

SAA 21 041 — Sîn-šarra-uṣur Does not Love Assyria

British Museum, London, UK, K 01588; ABL 1002. [The king] to [Sin-tabni-uṣur]. Dated (649). SAA 21 041; SAAo P393918.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) that y[o]u have kept w[atch for me], fallen [and die]d [......]. And concerning Sîn-šarra-uṣur about whom you s[aid]: "He does not love Assyria," don't I know it? When he saw that my gods had not safeguarded him from the hands of my enemy, he passed over, came, and grasped my feet. And as to what you said, "He is saying terrible things about me in the presence of the magnates," what can this villain [say ...] agai[nst you]?

[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

And as t[o ......] this [......] Is it a work that [......] I am watching [ ...... While] you have kept watch for me, [fa]llen [and die]d for my name, he is telling me: "[......]." He is mad! [......] he drinks milk (rest (about 11 lines) broken away)

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

SAA 21 042 — Don't Be Afraid of Sîn-šarra-uṣur!

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0084; ABL 1121. (The king) to Kissikeans. Dated (649). SAA 21 042; SAAo P452780.

Obverse

To the Kissikeans: Concerning Sîn-šarra-uṣur about whom you wrote to me, if his troops had indeed been so numerous and if he had indeed been alerted because of you, why would he have fled into my presence? Now then, he is in my presence. [...] And as to [...] of the canal [...] in my presence [...] (rest (about 5 lines) broken away)

Reverse

(beginning (about 6 lines) broken away) [......] from/with [...] [...] and he [...] is blocked [in the Saela]nd. [Wh]y are you afraid? Do your w[or]k as you like.

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

Chapter Three. Letters to Bel-ibni and the Sealanders

SAA 21 043–049. 7 texts.

SAA 21 043 — Sending Bel-ibni to the Sealand (650-Il-5)

British Museum, London, UK, K 00312; ABL 0289. The king to Sealanders. Dated 650-II-5. SAA 21 043; SAAo P393821.

Obverse

The king's word to the Sealanders, old and young, my servants: I am well; you can be glad. See now how, because I hold you in good regard and have dissociated you from the crime of Nabû-bel-šumati, the whore of Menanu, I am now sending you my servant Bel-ibni, who belongs to my entourage, to (assume your) leadership. As for you, [do] correspondingly in the matter which is good to me and which is within the [...] the Seala[nders ......] [......] (one line and lower edge broken away)

Reverse

(one line broken away) [......] You will see whether there is no profi[t] for servants who promote the wish of their lords, and what rewards and favours you will have from me after I have sent my army and it has done its job. (blank space of one line) Month of Iyyar (II), 5th day, eponym year of Bel-Harran-šadû'a (650). (uninscribed space of 3 lines)

SAA 21 044 — Thanking for Information

British Museum, London, UK, K 00095; ABL 0288. The king to Bel-ibni. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 044; SAAo P237780.

Obverse

The king's word to Bel-ibni: I am well; you can be glad. Concerning the Puqudu sojourning on the Canal about whom you wrote, in this very way a man who loves the house of his lords, keeps his lords informed on what he sees and hears.

Reverse

Now it is good that you wrote and opened my ears.

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

SAA 21 045 — Why Did You Invade the Gurasimmu without my Permission?

British Museum, London, UK, K 00828; ABL 0291. The king to Bel-ibni. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 045; SAAo P237904.

Obverse

The king's word to Bel-ibni: I am well; you can be glad. Concerning that territory of the Gurasimmu on which you notified to me, did I not give you orders like this: "When you have done your job as I told you and delivered it, what should your compensation be??" Now why did you invade it without my explicit permission? (If) you, who belong to my entourage and know my fear have acted like this, then how will one who does not know it act? Now, if you wish this matter, mobilize all your archers, and inasmuch as this heart of yours wishes you to regain my favour, observe what Sîn-deni-epuš does, do whatever is opportune to do in his regard, and in due course you will see yourself pardoned.

N[ow it is good] that you opene[d my] ears.. I shall act as I deem best. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 21 049 — You Didn't Listen to my Advice

British Museum, London, UK, K 12007 + 1882-05-22, 0129; CT 54 230. [The king] to [...], Bel-aha-[iddina], [...]ni, [...], Aplaya, [...], Mušezib-Marduk, [...]-zeri, Bel-ibni, Urukians. Dated (652-648). SAA 21 049; SAAo P237225.

Obverse

(beginning broken away) [The king's word to ...] Bel-aha-[iddina ..., ...]ni son of Bel-[..., NN son of ...]-Nergal, Aplaya son of [NN, NN son of Ne]rgal-ipuš, Mušezib-Marduk [son of NN, Nabû-na]din-zeri son of Bel-eṭir, Bel-ibni [son of NN, the Sealanders old] and young: I [am] wel[l]. [Although] I gave you many advices, you did not listen to me [...]. Because you did not come to my military service [...], [...] your sons and daughters [...] and you have let your gardens become abandoned [......] You have [...ed] your great deficit [......] [You have ...ed] ... like an ear for yo[urselves ......] and you are destroying the rest of the [...] of Uruk [......] [1]00 or 200 [citizens] of Assyria through senseless lies [......] [w]ith you [...] in the fields of your farmers [...] [wh]ich [...] for your [...] of the earthquake [...] [you] have burnt with fire. After the chief eunuch, the [...], the chief cupbearer, the general of cavalry and chariotry, Nabû-šagi[m ...] [......] Assyria, 1,000 or 2,000 archers of [...] [......] the great host of Assyria [......] [......] many good [...], a new decision [......] [......] op[en] your city wall [......] (rest broken away)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] of the house [......] [...] ... [......] [... l]eft [...], and you protected by my property, [...] his land [...] and therefore the heart of [......] [...] Sea[land] from [......] [... I hav]e been making you do [......] [...] prayed and [......] [...] horse[s ......] [... I am s]eeking and [......] [...] of Bel and Nabû [......] [...] I have exempted [......] [...] to [......] (rest uninscribed)

Chapter Four. Letters to Gambulu and Raši

SAA 21 050–057. 8 texts.

SAA 21 050 — Fear not: I Shall not Deport You

British Museum, London, UK, K 00097; ABL 0541. [The king] to [Gambulians]. Dated (before 664). SAA 21 050; SAAo P393751.

Obverse

Reverse

(beginning (about 9 lines) broken away) [Wh]y does I he, at the command of the gods, plead my case aga[inst Nabû-bel-šumati], my adversary? [The day] when God opens his ears to m[y word]s, let him come and stay with Tammaritu. If not, I shall do as Aššur and Marduk, my gods, enable me.. May nothing make me angry! (one line uninscribed)

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

SAA 21 054

British Museum, London, UK, K 11875; ABL 0295. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 054; SAAo P399496.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [... in] darkness [...] [... t]his is not [...] [... a]bandoned and [...] [...] th[is] talk [...] [...] If I [...] despicable deeds [...] [acco]rding to the wish [of…] (rest broken away)

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) just as [......]. Now enhance the vict[ory of …][...] in your (pl.) country, and let me see an answer to my letter! (rest uninscribed)

SAA 21 055 — Elam's Ungratefulness

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0126; ABL 1260. The king to Ambap[pi], Rašaeas. Dated (647). SAA 21 055; SAAo P237691.*

Obverse

The king's word to Ambap[pi] and the Rašias old and young: I am well; you can be glad. From the beginning I have rendered favours to Elam, but they have not returned my favours. I protected their refugees from kings to noblemen, gave them bread and water and sent them (back) to their country, but they held back the messengers whom I had sent to greet them,neglected returning my servant who had sinned against me, gave the writing-board of my gods to the hands of [that] servant who had sinned against me, protected h[is ....], and placed him in heaven.

Reverse

Now, [when I w]rote to Ummanaldasi asking him [to extradi]te a man who had sinned against me, he wrote back: "If you are a man, [com]e [quick]ly to the Tower city!” Now then I shall go [qick]ly and speak (with him) in brotherhood. [If he repents] what he has don[e] grasps my feet [again, (and)and sta]ys with Tammaritu, I will be honour[able and hold] hi[m in] my hand as before; if not, I shall do as Ašš[ur] and my gods enable me. Afterwards I will be full of anger.

Top Edge

I have now written to open your ears.

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

SAA 21 056 — Teumman Defeated at Bit-Imbî

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0115; CT 54 567. [The king] to (unknown). Dated (647-III). SAA 21 056; SAAo P237688.*

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [N]ow then ... they have split up Elam. The chief eunuch has seized Bit-Imbî, Sikdê the commander of archers, brother of Ummanaldasu, his sons have been killed, and their heads have been brought before me. The wife of Teumman, king of Elam, and his sons have been taken to me, and 11,000 soldiers have been killed at Bit-Im[b]î. When I sent Šamaš-da’’i[nan-ni ...] to Sam’una, the sheikhs of Sam’una, Lahiru, Dibirina, Dummuqu, Nugu’, Huwaya and Bab-duri, these sheikhs who had raised hands and whose hands I had grasped, [infli]cted a massacre in Šulaya and [plunde]red their booty.

Reverse

Also, the cities [of ... have been burnt] with fire. [Y]ou [......] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 057 — Invading Elam (646-XII-27)

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0165; ABL 1262. [The king] to [... of Raši?]. Dated 646-[X]III-27. SAA 21 057; SAAo P452901.*

Obverse

Beginning destroyed by the nam[e ... ]gi. [He has ... ed the ... ] of the people, (and) has for a second time gone up [to GN]. I sent a letter about the sec[urity of] Elam, not of Mr. Ya[ ... ], (and) had it brought [t]o the king. I [trust] you are honoured in the king's entourage; [he] takes counsel [wi]th you (and) listens to your [words]. [ …… ] is wary [ …… should] go

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

Reverse

(beginning (about 10 lines) broken away) [...] You [sho]uld have wri[tten .....] [... should have] entered [...] [Quickly sen]d them to me! What else? [Don’t be neg]ligent in thi[s] matter! [If y]ou love me and your heart [is totally devoted] to me, send these people [quickl]y to me! If [y]ou send them to me qui[ckly], the king will lo[ve you]. (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 071 — Sending a Bodyguard

British Museum, London, UK, K 05446b; CT 54 110. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 071; SAAo P238454.

Obverse

(beginning broken away) [The king's word to NN: I am well]; you can be glad. Now then I am sending to you Nabû-ri[ba] the bodyguard. Nabû-[...] son of Kinâ [is saying]: "What [......] (Break)

Reverse

SPACER let him do. (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 21 072 — Doing a Favour to the [Elders of Elam]

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0116 + 1891-05-09 Bu, 0140; CT 53 968. [The king] to [elders of Elam?]. Dated (647-646*). SAA 21 072; SAAo P314377.*

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [... who] s[inned] against my treaty; [I did not] ordain [them to die]. But y[ou …] [...I] have not d[one a favour for] you [...] a favour for you (pl.) [......] From th[is] day on [you will ...] and you will see [......] I rejoi[ce]d [......] seed [......] in y[our] (pl.) presence [......] do not [ ...] I[f ......] not [......] and [......] (four lines broken away)

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

[sa]ying: "Re[port ......] [w]hom they assign[ed ......] and Elam [......] came to p[ass] by my hands [...] mutually [......] understand (pl.)! No[w ......] [......] mutually establis[hed] [... before] God not [...] not [...] in(to) his hands.. Now, if you do not beli[eve] thes[e] words, let their messenger c[o]m[e ...], (and) let him station [him] in his presence [...] [...] the matter to which we are bound. As for you (pl.), un[dersta]nd that [......] [...] to Ela[m ...] These [messengers ...] [whom] I have detai[ned in] my [presence] [... are p]laced [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 073 — Fragment Referring to Killings in Elam

British Museum, London, UK, K 05636; CT 54 162. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 073; SAAo P238525.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) you [......] he will he[ar ......] (Break)

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

Let us send them in mid-Shebat, so they can keep dragging them and coming for the (whole) month of Adar; then they will reach us within Nisan (I).

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

SAA 21 080 — Collecting Horses (652-vii-3)

British Museum, London, UK, 1881-02-04, 0117; ABL 1210. [The king] to [Nabû-šar-ahhešu?]. Dated 652-VII-3. SAA 21 080; SAAo P452064.

Obverse

(beginning broken away) ......] ... [...] ......ed] me ......] perfec[t] ......] ... [...] ......] like a cr[ippled m]an ... se]nt. Last year, ...] my [...] weakened, and half of ... in neces]sities ... w]as taken way ...] great [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 085 — Fragment Similar to No. 84

British Museum, London, UK, K 04534. [The king] to (unknown). Dated (647-646*). SAA 21 085; SAAo P395621.*

Obverse

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) no [......] in [......] and anything [......] incited to rebellion [......] among yo[u ......] It is nothing [......] Now her[e ......] Don’t ne negligen[t ...] (rest broken away)

Reverse

(Reverse almost completely destroyed) (rest broken away)

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

SAA 21 098 — I Look Forward to Their Defeat

British Museum, London, UK, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0076; ABL 1253. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 098; SAAo P237647.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...]s to [......] [...] the circumference [......] [...] them ...[......] [...] my corn until [......] you have placed [...]. Now [......] [...] I’m wa[iting] for their defeat [......] [...] And he must no he[ar ......]

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed (space for 5 lines))

Reverse

[... t]o the da[y ......] [... u]pon [...... ...] [...] ... [...... ...] [...] the top of [......] [...] ... [......] *ABL 1253 (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 099 — Fragment Referring to the Nabayateans

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0198; CT 54 571. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 099; SAAo P237699.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...... s]inned [......] placed [... the Nabat]eans [... w]rote (pl.) to you [...... t]heir [...] [...... re]turned [...]. [As to (...) what you wro]te [......] ... [...... as]ked [......] [......] ... [......] Ninurta [......] you [...... cur]ses (Rest destroyed)

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

Reverse

(other side totally destroyed)

SAA 21 100 — Advising the Kings of Assyria and Elam

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0125; CT 54 569. [The king] to (unknown). SAA 21 100; SAAo P237690.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] servants [......] when/if [......] does not know [whether] they are [in] Assyria, and [the ...] of the king of Babylon [......] does not know whether they are [in Ela]m. [...... t]ogether [......] that with us [...... you d]id [......]

Bottom Edge

[..... to G]N

Reverse

[... I sen]t them [... g]oes [...], oxen [...] ... good sense [... are sa]ying, ”[...] has advised [the king of] Assyria,” [and ... are sa]ying, ”he has advised [the king of Ela]m.” [...] their [del]iberations [... Now i]f you [... this] message [......] dog [...... amon]g you (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Seven. Letters from the King’s Brothers

SAA 21 101–104. 4 texts.

SAA 21 101 — Letter to Assurbanipal from His Little Brother

British Museum, London, UK, 1880-07-19, 0068; CT 53 140. La[ku] to Ashurbani[pal, king of Assyria]. SAA 21 101; SAAo P313555.

Obverse

To Assurbani[pal, king of Assyria]: your brother, La[kû]. Good health to [my brother]! [I have heard] that as [...] my brother [......] (Break)

Reverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... no one t]arried [in Elam, they have returned to Babylon. They tell me t]he news of Marduk-šarru-uṣur: [“We have seen (it)], he [we]nt for dinner to [Tammaritu] [i]n our presence.” [I have sent other] men, too, telling them to go and [speak] with him, [come back and] give me a [si]gn from him. [As soon as I heard (this) report], I wrote to the king, my lord: “Šamaš-šumu]-ukin [......] (Break)

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [If it pleases the king, my [l]ord, [let the king, m]y lord, [order that] they [should be] shown a house in Nineveh and [live there, and let me send] my domestics [of foreign origin, who] were settled [in Nippu]r, to live [with them, and may the(ir) exile come to an end]. [My blood] is [in A]ssyria, [among the blood of the l]and of Akkad. [But the Chaldeans ... edfrom Assyria ......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 21 108 — Bit-Amukani May Become Malevolent

British Museum, London, UK, 1880-07-19, 0362; CT 54 461. (Unknown) to [the king], from Bit-Amukani. SAA 21 108; SAAo P236951.

Obverse

(Obverse destroyed)

Reverse

[......] between [......] [......] set [...] to [...] [......] and a mes[sage ...] [......] Bit-Amukan[i ...] [......] swear and [......] [...] his [...] to the brothers [of ...] [......] who from [......] [... K]unaya, who in presen[ce ...] [... Bit]-Amukani [...] [...] their [...s] may become malevolent [...] [...] their [...] and the famili[es of ...] [...... l]ambs and [...] [...) prep[ared] hi[m] for journey [...] [...] and Bel-eṭir [......] [... pla]ced them [in ...], saying: “[...] [......] in Bit-Amuk[ani ...] [... i]n the presence of the ki[ng ......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 21 109 — Turning Elam into a Governorate

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0021; ABL 0839. Nabu-bel-šumati to the king, from Sealand. SAA 21 109; SAAo P452649.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-bel-šumati. Good health to the king, my lord! May Aššur, Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord. May they grant the king, my lord], happiness, physical well-being and the length of days. Having heard that the king of Elam had suffered a stroke and that several towns had revolted against him saying, "We will not remain your subjects," I wrote to the king, my lord, what I had heard. (As to) the Sealand, (which) has not been settled since (the time of) Na'id-Marduk – Sîn-balassu-iqbi has arrested the plundered refugees who had gone over to the Gurasimmu, 500 of them, has put them in handcuffs and given them to Natan, the king of the Thamudites, an en[emy] of the king, and [has said] to Nat[an]: "L[ook at] my daughter." Now by the daubing [his daughter] he is turning my house into a Thamudite one, forcing the Sealand, servants of the ki[ng, my lord], to look on, (and) [giving] (them) to Natan. I have now written and informed the king, my lord. Laylê, the king of Bazu, is now in the presence of the king; let the king, my lord, ask him.

Reverse

Nabû (and) Marduk, your gods, have tied [your enemies] and placed them [unde]r your feet saying: "May he rule all the [land]s!" Let him place a prin[ce] from amongst his servants to the governors[hip of El]am and let him place another in the Sealand! [Bel] and Na[bû] have destroyed Elam on your behalf saying: “Soon [......].”

Top Edge

In the same way his [......] will be destroyed [and] any time [...] the gods [will ...] the help of the crown prince’s servants.

SAA 21 110 — Bel-iqbi and the Gambuleans Appeal to the King

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0049; ABL 0771. Bel-iqbi, Gambulians to the king, from Gambulu. SAA 21 110; SAAo P237248.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants, Bel-iqbi and the Gambulians. May Ninurta and Gula forever ordain good health, happiness and physical well-being to the king, our lord! We were dead dogs, but the king, our lord, revived us and placed the herb of life in our nostrils. When the king removed the town Adarihiti in the land of Zamê, they elevated us from among the inhabitants and spoke to us [like thi]s: “You are the king’s ser[vants; build] a fort [and] get your fill from its ground.” But [nobody] gave us [...], and they [ut]tered [...]. As we [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning (at least 5 lines) broken away) [“...] We shall perish there.” [...], saying: “Come, bring [... t]o the mountain of Banniši!” When we went up [to the moun]tain of Banniši, our brothers were killed there. We seized the men who had killed our brothers, and took them into the presence of the governor. Having undergone the river ordeal with them, we came out clean, under the aegis of the king. We have been bruised on the head but have become men. The king, our lord, should not say: “Why did you come while the governor was not present?” After he had been seated (in his office), we twice came but were turned back from the journey, and our houses were being seized from us.

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

Top Edge

SAA 21 115 — Nabû-ušezib and His Rebel Brothers and Sons Killed

British Museum, London, UK, K 01202; ABL 0256. Abi’-il, prefect of Ahi-atâ to the king, from Elam. SAA 21 115; SAAo P238002.

Obverse

To our lord, the king, lord of kings: good health to the king, lord of kings, our lord: your servant Abi’-il, the prefect of Ahi-atâ, the [...]. The elders of [Elam] who are wit[h us ...] have [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning (about 9 lines) broken away) We saw [..., and] did not release [the ...]. They killed the brothers and sons of those who rebelled, the sons of Nabû-ušezib and his brothers, and the rest they have carried off as plunder to Elam.

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

If it is agreeable to the king, let a huge army come and take the lapis lazuli. If, when they come, I shall not dine with them, nor march at their side, nor rise before your messenger, nor ask about the well-being of the king, my lord, my the king not hold it for a sin. According to [...]. (rest uninscribed)

Chapter Ten. Varia and Unassigned

SAA 21 125–161. 37 texts.

SAA 21 125 — Fragment Referring to the Army of Šamaš-šumu-ukin

British Museum, London, UK, K 07543; CT 54 208. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 125; SAAo P238687.

Obverse

Reverse

(destroyed)

Right Edge

......] I’m sayi[ng ...] ......] and if [......] ......] upon them [...]

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

SAA 21 132 — Let Me Raise 4,500 Soldiers

British Museum, London, UK, K 05613; CT 54 152. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 132; SAAo P238512.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [p]rice [......] and t[o ......] to mix [... the] king’s [me]n at [my] disposal [...] 300 soldier[s ......] ...[......] ...[......]

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

Bottom Edge

from two [......]

Reverse

let me raise and [...] 4,500 soldier[s ...] The king, my lord, knows t[h]at [...] broken and [...] are ful[l] to the brim. ... would relieve my arm. [The ...s] curse your [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 133 — Shortage of Water

British Museum, London, UK, K 07256; CT 54 173. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 133; SAAo P238641.

Obverse

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [NN, who] earlier [...] from Ni[ppur, r]an away. No[w h]e has come. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 21 138 — Bel-ibni is My Mortal Enemy

British Museum, London, UK, K 09462; CT 53 402. (Unknown) to [the king]. Dated (650-648 or later). SAA 21 138; SAAo P313816.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [......the he]art [...] [...... a]mong the guest(s) [...] [......] ... my people [...] he goes [......]. Now then [...] regarding [...], by the thoughtfulness of the Lord of Gra[ce],the king, my lord, sent a messenger tome. Bel-ibni is not my enemy for blood (spilled by me), nor is he my enemy for deaths (caused by me). They say: "Why [did they] appoint [him] over the people here?" — that´s why he hates me ...[...He has ...ed] their sons and daughters to Arabi[a ...], and the rest he has gathered and brought into [...]. He has also [...ed] my [...]. He kept them under guard and made t[hem] be late [...], and (then) [...ed] all those who were late in [...]. He has´nt released [...]. My messenger [......] and all those who cross over to me [.......] [He does] not [......] what is left of them Now [......] con[cerning ......] Break

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

Reverse

the king [...] words to [......] the bread about which the king [gave me] orders [......] my mules, my people [......] "...... [......] let him release and go [......] I improved [...]; the peopl[e ......] I gave [...]; one [......] came, did not [......] and another time [......] he killed [......] the troops wh[ich ......] are stationed [......] to the town Mart[ena ......] [Perhaps the king, my lord], will say: "[......] "their people [......] "I and [......] [A]fter [......] Rest destroyed

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

SAA 21 139 — Elamites Robbed of Their Pots and Sheep

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0070; ABL 1116. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 139; SAAo P452738.

Obverse

Beginning destroyed [......] The people who became subjects [of the king, my lord], were robbed oftheir pots [...] (and) the horns of their [goats and] sheep were plundered, so they compl[ained] and appealed to the chief eunuch. [He] sent a letter to Belu-lu-[balat], saying: "Give [the pots (and)] the sheep back to our servants!" But he refused to g[ive them]. After this, [he said] nothing to the king, my lord, (about the matter). I spo[ke to them] as follows: "Why don't you cross (the river?/mountain?) and grasp [the feet of the king]?" They sa[id to me]: "Our troops [...]." I, a mes[senger] and [...] of Tammaritu [......]

Reverse

troops [......] to the [......] troops [......] they went [......] (and) crossed. [NN ...] (Rest 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.]

SAA 21 140 — Appeal to Assurbanipal

British Museum, London, UK, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0057 + 1891-05-09 Bu, 0185; ABL 1264 + ADD 0091. (Unknown) to [Ashurbanipal]. SAA 21 140; SAAo X211891.

(Beginning destroyed) [...... t]o my hands [......] kingship [......] king [...... rei]gn [......] into my presence [......] two [......] When [NN and ...-iddi]na came [int]o my presence, I gave them [brea]d and choice beer, prepared them for the journey and [s]ent them into the presence of the king.

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

Reverse

[If] the king has caught anybody else [in] my hands, let me die! [As to] the Aramean(s) who went for booty to [Ela]m, [they ...ed] two oxen [... f]rom me (and) a flock of sheep and goats (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 149 — Fragment Referring to Hidalu and Ammanappi

British Museum, London, UK, K 15129; CT 54 296. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 149; SAAo P239327.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [As I have he]ard [...] [...] Hi[dalu ...] [Amman]appi has written to [......] [...] the prisoner, a lawsuit [...] [...] ... [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 150

British Museum, London, UK, K 12972; CT 54 235. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 150; SAAo P239164.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Nabû-gamil may read this in [......].

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed)

Reverse

[Wh]en I struck our bodies, portion[s] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 21 151 — The Archers Sent by the King Have not Arrived

British Museum, London, UK, 1904-10-09, 0337 + 1904-10-09, 0346; CT 54 589. (Unknown) to [the king]. SAA 21 151; SAAo P237577.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) the king [......] opened [and ......] did not go [......] to Zabban [......] ... [......] (Break)

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] the archers [whom the king, my lord, s]ent, have not a[rrived ...] And the dais [...] which is behind [...], those with the king of Babylo[n ...] Bit-A[m]ukani messa[ge ...] (Break)

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

Left Edge

[...] Natan, the brother o[f NN] [...] who [...]

SAA 21 152 — Tablet of Ashurbanipal' s Magnates Concerning Horses

British Museum, London, UK, K 01212; ABL 0623. Magna[tes of Ashurbanipal] to eunuch of [...], deputy [...] of [SN]. SAA 21 152; SAAo P393867.

Obverse

A tablet of the magna[tes of Assurbanipal] to the eunuch of [NN] and the deputy [...] of the city [...]: The horses [...] horses [...] the interest o[f ...] mules [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning (about 7 lines) broken away) Don’t be negligent and si[n]! ... Guard the letter, it must be present with the horses at the review. They will read [it] in the ki[ng’s] presence, it is evidence. (three lines uninscribed)

SAA 21 153 — Tablet of Ashurbanipal' s Magnates Leftovers

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0403; ABL 1163. Magnates of Ashurbani[pal] to (unknown). SAA 21 153; SAAo P452671.

Obverse

A tablet of the magnates of Assurbani[pal to the ...], who [take] care of the pebbles [......]: What are these words of yours [...] [...] the leftovers fro[m ...] [... the l]oss that yo[u ...] [......] ... [......] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(almost entirely broken away) (rest (3 lines) blank)

SAA 21 154 — Extispicy About the Camp of the King of Assyria

British Museum, London, UK, K 00926; ABL 0901. Ibb[u]tu to Nergal-eṭir. SAA 21 154; SAAo P237941.

Obverse

A tablet of Ibb[u]tu to Nergal-eṭir, his brother: Good health to my brother! I have heard that when the king of Assyria retreated, he pitched camp at the Ibatuna.

Reverse

Now then I’m writing to my brother: let my brother ask the god, let there be an exti[spicy] about this matter. [Will] the fields [...]? Write me whatever the god says to my brother.

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

SAA 21 155 — Letter of Ea-zera-qisa, Ruler of Bit-Amukani, to His Mother

British Museum, London, UK, K 00832b; ABL 0896. Ea-zera-iqiša to Humbuštu, his mother, from Bit-Amukani. Dated (650-648). SAA 21 155; SAAo P393839.

Obverse

A tablet of Ea-zera-qiša to Humbuštu, his mother: I am well, you may be glad. They are now backbiting me in the presence of the king, saying, “He and Nabû-šezib are friends of the king of Babylon, they have from the beginning known these things with the king of Babylon.” (When) the king asked me (about it), I hesitated, (then) said: “I will undergo the ordeal (and) lift up the iron axe, but I swear I knew nothing nor was imparted of anything!” Now when I heard that Nabû-šezib has removed his women and his family from Puqudu and settled them in Bit-Amukani, and now that the king of Babylon has been defeated — I have also heard that he has fled to Bit-Amukani —, I made a deal with the king, saying: “From all this the king may understand my heart, how loyal to the king I am:

Reverse

“If it is agreeable to the king, let me write to Bit-Amukani. If Nabû-šezib is there, I will have him and his people caught up by the hand of the king of the world; and if he is not there, I will put the people who are in Bit-Amukani in the king’s hands. “From this the king may understand that I am loyal to the king. And nobody in [the who]le Bit-Amukani is implicated in this (matter), they are totally devoted servants of the king.” Now if you say: “May my son live,” let the treasurer along with his people and a message of the servitude of Bit-Amukani quickly reach the king’s presence, or I am lost, and have slipped from your hands. (two lines blank)

Right Edge

[Should] I be [silent], you’d say: How are you doing in Assyria?

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

SAA 21 156 — Letter of the Palace Overseer to His Sons

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0092; ABL 1125. Pala[ce] Overseer to Inda[biya], Uraš-[...], his sons. SAA 21 156; SAAo P237262.

Obverse

A tablet of the pala[ce] overseer to [my] sons Inda[biya] and Uraš[...]: Why haven't I heard any news of you for as many days as I am, and why haven't I sent a messenger [with ... ] to you? [N]ow the[n] I have sent my messenger to you.

Reverse

Reverse

The torc-owners were frightened. But when I sent [... to] Elam, there was nothing [to fi]nd out [in] Elam. You may stand still. [The] garrison of the city: [1]42 (men of) the chief cupbearer of Ba]bylon, 300 archers, [and x] horses [... of] Šula [... w]ith them [...]...

SAA 21 161

British Museum, London, UK, 1883-01-18, 0811; CT 54 543. (Unknown) to (unknown). SAA 21 161; SAAo P237420.

Obverse

Good health t[o my brother]! Come, and until [...] bring that silver [...] (rest (about 20 lines) broken away)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) saying, “[......] he will send them to Kudurru and [NN ...].

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

Top Edge

And letters [...] you put down, and [...]

Right Edge

Dutan[u ......]

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation of the State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo, oracc.museum.upenn.edu/saao/saa21/), the digital edition of S. Parpola, The Correspondence of Assurbanipal, Part I: Letters from Assyria, Babylonia, and Vassal States (State Archives of Assyria 21, 2018), adapted for SAAo by Jamie Novotny and lemmatised by Mikko Luukko (2018) as part of the research programme of the Alexander von Humboldt Chair in the Ancient History of the Near and Middle East at LMU Munich (Karen Radner, Humboldt Professorship 2015), fetched 2026-08-08. SAAo's catalogue data for this volume states it is "released under the CC0 license" (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/); the annotated edition's own per-text credit line states it is "released under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license 3.0." Both statements are recorded here; this edition credits SAAo, Simo Parpola, Jamie Novotny, 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 the 161 letters edited in Parpola's Correspondence of Assurbanipal, Part I, 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 ten-chapter division follows the print edition's own chapters, as recorded in SAAo's catalogue, and each tablet's obverse, reverse, and edges are marked where the source itself marks them. No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical or unparenthesized markers such as "(Break)," "(Beginning destroyed)," "Rest destroyed," and "beginning broken away" are SAAo's own — this volume's own pagers sometimes publish such a note as a bare phrase and sometimes in parentheses, and each is kept exactly as SAAo itself set it, letter by letter, rather than normalized to a single house style. Of the 161 letters, 85 survive with no disclosed gap; 76 carry at least one stretch — 111 lines in total — too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation, each marked in place rather than filled. One letter, SAA 21 013 ("Confiscating Scholarly Tablets in Borsippa"), survives only as a modern composite text with no single tablet witness of its own; SAAo's catalogue records no museum registration for it, and none is invented here.

Composite identification. Each letter above is given by its SAA 21 catalogue designation, its ancient sender and recipient where SAAo's catalogue names them, its tablet's excavation provenience and museum registration, its citation in the earlier Assyriological literature (ABL, ADD, CT 53, CT 54) where SAAo notes one, and its SAAo text ID (a CDLI P-number or, for two tablets not yet assigned a permanent CDLI record, an X-number), under which the full transliteration and morphological analysis can be studied further at SAAo's own site.

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

🌲

The Correspondence of Assurbanipal, Part I — Letters from Assyria, Babylonia, and Vassal States — State Archives of Assyria 21

State Archives of Assyria 21 — Letters from Assyria, Babylonia, and Vassal States

Contents

Chapter One. Letters to Babylon, Borsippa, Cutha, and Nippur

SAA 21 001 — Proclaiming the Might of Marduk

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 002 — This No-Brother has Alienated You

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 003 — Don't Listen to Šamaš-šumu-ukin! (652-II-23)

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 004 — Perhaps Babylon Can Still be Saved

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 005 — I'll Break This No-Brother of Mine

Reverse

SAA 21 006 — Offerings for Babylon

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 21 007 — God has Commanded the Destruction of the Land of Akkad

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 008 — Fire Will Burn the Land of Akkad

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 009 — Duplicate of No. 8

SAA 21 010 — Sparing Babylon

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 011 — Fragment Relating to Babylon

SAA 21 012 — I Raised You and Rescued You

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 013 — Confiscating Scholarly Tablets in Borsippa

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 014 — Fragment Referring to Canonical Omen Texts

Obverse

Reverse

Left Edge

SAA 21 015 — Fragment Mentioning Literary Texts and Zer-Babili

Obverse

SAA 21 016 — Cuthaeans in Samarra (652-VIl-5)

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 017 — Elders of Nippur Visiting the King

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 018 — His Weight of Gold to Whoever Catches Šamaš-šumu-ukin

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 019 — The Job is Not Yet Done

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 020 — He is Shut up in the City with All His Forces

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 21 021 — This Cripple is Trying to Get Out of the City

Obverse

Reverse

Chapter Two. Letters to Uruk, Ur, and Kissik

SAA 21 022 — I'm Sending You Two Hundred Horses

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 023 — Longer Version of No. 22

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 024 — Duplicate of No. 23

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 025 — Draft of No. 23

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 21 026 — You Did Well With the Bit-Amukanians

Obverse

Reverse