State Archives of Assyria 17 — Babylonian Officials Write to the Crown

Between 721 and 681 BCE, through the reigns of the Assyrian kings Sargon II and his son Sennacherib, officials, city elders, and tribal sheikhs across Babylonia wrote to the Assyrian crown, and the crown occasionally wrote back. Manfried Dietrich edited the 207 surviving tablets and fragments of this correspondence in 2003 as "The Neo-Babylonian Correspondence of Sargon and Sennacherib," State Archives of Assyria volume 17. Though excavated at Kuyunjik (Nineveh), the Assyrian capital where the royal archive kept them, almost all of these letters were written in the Babylonian dialect and script by people writing from Babylonia itself: from Sippar and the nearby towns of Birati and Harratu; from Babylon; from Šabhanu; from Borsippa and the Bit-Dakuri tribal territory; from Dilbat, Larak, and Nippur; from the Aramean tribal confederacy of Gambulu in the southern marshes; from Uruk; from Nemed-Laguda; and from Tubliaš. A further group could not be placed by findspot, and a last group could not be attached to a known sender at all. A handful of letters — gathered first, as the print edition itself opens with them — run the other way: orders sent out by the king himself to named officials and cities. This edition follows Dietrich's own twelve chapters exactly.

Most of the 207 letters can be assigned to one king's reign or the other from their content, script, or find context: 128 to Sargon II (721–705 BC) and 64 to Sennacherib (704–681 BC); fifteen more are too uncertain for SAAo itself to choose between them, and are recorded here as such. The letters are working administrative and political correspondence, not literature: requests for orders, reports on tribal loyalty and unrest, complaints against rival officials, accounts of troop movements and grain deliveries, and the routine courtesies of the letter form. Several concern, or were written in the shadow of, Marduk-apla-iddina II — "Merodach-Baladan" in the Hebrew Bible's spelling — the Chaldean chieftain who twice seized the Babylonian throne from Assyria during this period; his movements and the loyalties he commanded run through more than one chapter as a live political fact rather than settled history.

The English below is SAAo's own published translation, reproduced complete and verbatim as continuous reading prose; nothing has been added, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers such as "(?)" and "(!)" are SAAo's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform. These are working letters on small, often fragmentary tablets: 214 lines across 111 of the 207 texts are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation, and each such gap is marked in place — by SAAo's own words where SAAo records one ("beginning broken away," "rest uninscribed," "completely broken away"), otherwise disclosed plainly — rather than filled.

Contents

• Chapter One. Letters from the King — SAA 17 001–006
• Chapter Two. Letters from Sippar and Birati/Harratu — SAA 17 007–019
• Chapter Three. Letters from Babylon — SAA 17 020–058
• Chapter Four. Letters from Šabhanu — SAA 17 059–061
• Chapter Five. Letters from Borsippa and Bit-Dakuri — SAA 17 062–085
• Chapter Six. Letters from Dilbat, Larak and Nippur — SAA 17 086–091
• Chapter Seven. Letters from Gambulu — SAA 17 092–128
• Chapter Eight. Letters from Uruk — SAA 17 129–144
• Chapter Nine. Letters from Nemed-Laguda — SAA 17 145–148
• Chapter Ten. Letters from Tubliaš — SAA 17 149–155
• Chapter Eleven. Letters of Unknown Provenance — SAA 17 156–168
• Chapter Twelve. Letters of Unknown Authorship — SAA 17 169–207

Chapter One. Letters from the King

SAA 17 001–006. 6 texts.

SAA 17 001 — Sending the Son of Balassu to Borsippa

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13047 + K 13119 + K 13854 + K 15417 + K 16553 + K 16589; CT 54 241; cf. WO 4, 216, 218, 235, 244. Sender: [the king]. Recipient: [Ana-Nabu-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 001; SAAo P239171.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [His son] did not as[cend] his father's throne [...] [...] his words: "He was not captured. [NN] (and) his father's house [...]." [...] His son is now held as my hostage in my presence, [and] Balassu has died here. Would you [not] keep the guard of the house of [your] lo[rd], until I sen[d you] the son of your lord? [... as] they sent Hullî back and as they saw [...] [...] in his land, the servants and the [...] were [...], until I [sent] the son of their lord [back to them]. [...] ... a word as follows: "Sh[e ...] [...] his wife is here, and [...] [...] you will guard. Here [...] [...] After you [...] the city [...] ... the canals were not fu[ll ...] [...] there is nothing o[n i]t. Yo[u ...] [...] I myself [...] Balass[u ...] [...] Now that you yourselves [...] [...] your [...]. As soon as the son of Y[akin ...] [...] ..., the son of Yakin [...] [...] to the son of Ya[kin ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 002 — You May not Write your Messages in Aramaic

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01159 + K 04683; CT 54 010; cf. WO 4, 89, 98, 189, 202. Sender: the king. Recipient: Sin-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 002; SAAo P237990.

Obverse

Say to Sin-iddina: thus says the king. I am well, [you] can be glad. May the bread as well as the first quality beer of the temple be good! May the guard of Ur and my temples be very strong! [Everything th]at you wrote in your letter [is ...]. [As to what] you wrote: "If/since [the ...s] are finished, we will come up (for an audience) before Merodach-Baladan [...]" — now then [...] I will keep listening and [...]. (I swear) by [Aš]šur, Bel and Nabû, my gods, [that ...] ... is not gathered in. [As to what you wrote]: "There are informers [... to the king] and coming to his presence; if it is acceptable to the king, let me write and send my messages to the king on Aram[aic] parchment sheets" — why would you not write and send me messages in Akkadian? Really, the message which you write in it must be drawn up in this very manner — this is a fixed regulation! And as to Ubar-Harrani of whom you wrote, I have sent him to Hatti. As soon as he returns, [...] may ask him and he will sa[y ...] (Break)

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

Reverse

his words [...] of any critical situation [...] [May] your heart [be] very [glad]! Keep your guard and be not negligent [regarding your ...]! (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 17 003 — Open the Gates of Uruk to my Army!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01245 + 1883-01-18, 0107; ABL 0914; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 274; cf. WO 4, 72, 189, 191. Sender: the king. Recipient: Bulluṭu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 003; SAAo P237453.

Obverse

Say to Bulluṭu: thus says the king. I am well, you can be glad. Bel-iqiša, the prelate, speaks positively about you in my presence. Any time he stands in my presence, and [...]. No[w then I am writing to you]: Now [...... very] much [......] and Bel-iqi[ša, the prelate] If Aššur, [Bel and Nabû], my gods [...] to mend [......] to[wards ......] send [your messenger] here [and ...] let him [quickly] c[ome] to [...]! And let them bring your tablet to [...]. Open the gate to [my army] and be totally devoted [...] in this manner!

Reverse

Perhaps you say: "We are afraid [of being punished]." The chiefs [...] should assemble to my troops! (I swear) by Aššur, Bel and Nabû, [my gods], that you are not guilty [of anything before me. ....... By Aššur], Bel and Nabû, [...] do not condemn yourselves [but ...]! Perhaps Bel and Nabû have ordained your punishment, and you will perish with him. I am all by myself. Verily, all the words that the prelate Bel-iqiša writes to you have been uttered by me.

SAA 17 004 — Withholding(?) Camels

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 099170; CT 54 581. Sender: [the king]. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 004; SAAo P237554.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(As to) what you wrote: "[......], our wish [......]" — When I sent to you, w[hy] did he bring [...] but [you withhel]d from him the 2 cam[els] (and) all the [...] that the Saba'u [had brought] as [tribute]? Th[is] matter [......] [...] wine that [......] [...] listened to me, sa[ying, "....."] [...] you throw [......] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 005 — I Swear That You Will Keep your Dynastic House

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01968; CT 54 045. Sender: [the king]. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 005; SAAo P238128.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) May I not d[ie ...! Until] I se[e] another [...], do not 'seize' your heart but come and [see] the face of Bel! I swear by Bel and Nabû that nobod[y] has taken aw[ay] your dynastic house, that you indeed will see your dynastic house grow old in extreme old age. And we know for sure, that your son and your son's son will rule your [..., and th]at th[ey] indeed will [...] (Break)

Edge

[...] they should go [...].

SAA 17 006 — Elamite Affairs

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05610; CT 54 151; cf. WO 4, 189. Sender: [the king]. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 006; SAAo P238511.

Obverse

[Say] to [NN]: thus says [the king]: The ne[ws ...] that you [......] ... [...] No[w ......] to [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [NN ......] and [......] he is hold[ing back ....] Abi-[...] change his mind [...] let him come [here ...] what you [...] let him speak [...] Humban-[...] he held back [...]

Right Edge

to the presence [...] Now to [...] to the presence [...] anything [...]

Chapter Two. Letters from Sippar and Birati/Harratu

SAA 17 007–019. 13 texts.

SAA 17 007 — Providing Food for Starving Tribes

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01945; CT 54 042; cf. WO 4, 78. Sender: [Nabu-a]hhe-lumur. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 007; SAAo P238121.

Obverse

[To the kin]g, my lord: [your servant Nabû-a]hhe-lumur. [Good health to] the king, my lord! The city and the guard [of the king], my lord, are well. [The tro]ops of the king, my lord, are well. [Perhaps] the king, my lord, [will] say: "What [news] is there?" When the [Hamaran]eans, [the] Lihuateans, [the] Rabileans (and) their people were starving for (lack of) bread, they entered [...], saying: "[May] the king [sen]d [bread] to us and [...] them with [the Hat]alleans

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 008 — ‘Golden Heaven’ Removed from Esaggil; Famine

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0217; ABL 0468; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 394; cf. WO 4, 77-79. Sender: [Nabu-ahhe-lumur]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 008; SAAo P240149.

Obverse

[To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-ahhe-lumur] and [NN. Good health] to the king, our lord. The city and the guard of the king, our lord, are well. Perhaps the king will say: "Why have you not sent me any news?" When Hulala, the 'temple-enterer' of Šamaš, went away, he took with him the golden heaven from Babylon. The priests of Bel have [...] with him ... [...] (rest broken away) (beginning broken away)

Reverse

[Having] raised [an attack] against us, they seized the golden heaven on top of it, and brought the heaven here from Esaggil. The princes who lead us have made the lands starve, (so that) the Lihuateans and the Hamaraneans, (and) the entire land now say: "We shall not make peace until they make the town of Ganata ours! [...] us [...]" (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 009 — Providing Oil and Leek for King’s Servants

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00906; ABL 0560. Sender: [Nabu-ahhe-lumur]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 009; SAAo P237933.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) The ci[ty] and the guard of the king, my lord, are well. When I wrote to Il-iada', "Send oil and cress here so that I can give to the king's servants," he refused to give them. Furthermore:

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

Reverse

Nabû-na'id, a 'temple-enterer' of the temple, planned a crush against the city, saying "I will have the city destroyed!" (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 010 — Merodach-Baladan Leaves Babylon for Dur-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00982; ABL 0833; cf. WO 4, 79, 81, 93. Sender: Nabu-bel-šumati. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 010; SAAo P237959.

Obverse

Yo[ur servant] Nabû-bel-šumate: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to (ask for) the well-being of the king, the horses and the soldiers. Certain Babylonians, the Gu[zummaneans], have come from Babylon, saying: "The son of Yakin has gone from Babylon to Dur-Y[akin] on the 11th day of Marchesvan (VIII)." I heard these news on the 15th day. Therefore [I sent them] to the presence of the king, my lord, without a night's rest. Perhaps the king will [say]: "Wh[y did] you [not ...] in Bit-[Yakin ...]?" By the king's gods, even before I heard [this news, those ...] and those two soldiers of the [... (and)] of the prefect who[m I have sent]

Reverse

from ... [...] I did not send hor[ses] a second time [...] there [...] This is the result of their service. (Now) that I heard the news, I sent two soldier[s ...], saying: "Get close to th[e ...], and [...] a house to this [...]!" What [...] that to [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 011 — Sending Nergi to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00939b; ABL 0832. Sender: [Na]bu-bel-šumati. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 011; SAAo P237946.

Obverse

[Your servant Na]bû-bel-šumate: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to (ask for) the well-being of the king, the horses and the soldiers. [Concerning N]irgî [about whom the king] wrote, [I am now sending Nir]gî [...] [...] [...] [... of] the king, m[y] lord, [...] anybody [...]

Bottom Edge

[...] Nergal-[...], son of An[a-Nabû-taklak]

Reverse

[... they will we]ave them competently. If the king, my lord, wishes, let him write to me, so they will weave the gowns and bring them 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 17 012 — Visiting the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05418b; ABL 0835; cf. WO 4, 79. Sender: Nabu-bel-šumati. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 012; SAAo P238437.

Obverse

Your [ser]vant Nabû-bel-šumate: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have s[en]t my messenger to greet [the king], the hor[se]s and [the soldi]ers. After [I went] to the palace to the presence of the king, my lord, [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] 7 men [...] Now [...] ... (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 013

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05423c; ABL 0836; cf. WO 4, 79. Sender: Nabu-bel-šumati. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 013; SAAo P238439.

[Your servant] Nabû-bel-šumate: [I] would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say [to the king], my [l]ord: I have sent my [messenger] to greet [the king, the hor]ses and [the soldiers]. (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 014

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07526; ABL 0837; cf. WO 4, 79. Sender: Nabu-bel-šumati. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 014; SAAo P238682.

[Your servant] Nabû-bel-šumate: [I would] gla[dly di]e fo[r the k]ing, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to greet the king, the horses [and] the soldiers. My [...], whom [...] to [...] [...] Bit-[PN] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 015 — Visit to Dur-Šarrukku

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15708 + K 16592 + K 16607; CT 54 337. Sender: [Nabu-bel-šumati]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 015; SAAo P239398.

Obverse

(beginning broken away) [Your servant Nabû-bel-šumate: I would gladly die for the king, my lord]! Say [to the king], my [lo]rd: [I have sent m]y [messenger] to gree[t the king, the hors]es and the soldiers. I was c[oming to Dur-Šar]rukku [......] [... the]re was not; Anu-[...], [a ...] my companion, the leader [...] [...] went [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [... in the pr]esence of the king [...] [...], saying: "W[hy ...] [...] us [...]

Bottom Edge

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 016 — Joining the Royal Entourage

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 12954; ABL 0838; cf. WO 4, 79, 191. Sender: [Nabu-bel-šumati], [...]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 016; SAAo P239161.

Obverse

[Tab]let of Nabû-bel-šumate and [NN] to the king, their lord. Good health to the king, [our] lo[rd]! The king, our lord, has done us a favour; good deeds that not (even) a father has done to his son [...]: you have made us enter yo[ur] paternal house. And when Keni heard about [this favour] that you did to us, he [...] all the lands (and) [...]ed the king, our lord. Now then, the men [...] who are with Ana-Nabû-taklak [...]. He knows their news. The land [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (rest broken away)

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

SAA 17 017 — Sending Hatallaeans to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00912; ABL 0721; Zeitlin, Style, no. 10; cf. WO 4, 76, 188. Sender: Marduk-šuma-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 017; SAAo P237936.

Obverse

Your [servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to greet the king, the horses and the soldiers. Concerning the Hatalleans of whom the king wrote: "Send (word) that 10 men from their midst should come to me" —

Reverse

the king's bodyguard having come to me, I sent (word) and the Hatallaeans came to me. I have given 10 men to the hands of the bodyguard of the king, my lord. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 018

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14603; CT 54 268; cf. WO 4, 76, 188. Sender: Marduk-šuma-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 018; SAAo P239283.

Obverse

[Your servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina. [I would gladly die] for the king, [my lord! Say t]o the king, [my] lord: [I have sent] my [messenger] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 019 — Defending Oneself

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13090; ABL 0803; cf. WO 4, 76, 188. Sender: Marduk-šuma-iddina, the governor. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 019; SAAo P239179.

[Your servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina, the governor. [I] would gladly die for the king, my lord! May [Nabû and] Marduk bless (the king), my lord! [Say to the king], my lord: [As to what the king wrote: "Gu]ard yourself!" — [...] my grave misdemeanour [...] [...] the king [...] (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Three. Letters from Babylon

SAA 17 020–058. 39 texts.

SAA 17 020 — Inviting the King to Babylon with the Army

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00986; ABL 0844; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 252; cf. WO 4, 93, 188. Sender: Belšunu. Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 020; SAAo P237960.

Obverse

Your servant Belšunu: I would gladly die for the vizier, my lord! May Marduk and Zarpanitu bless my lord! Say to my lord: Certain Babylonians, members of the nobility, friends who are loyal to the king and the vizier, my lord, have written to me from Babylon. Send us [go]od news, whatever is appropriate! Whenever Nabû-ahhe-eriba goes out to the bridges at their command, [the so]n of Nabû-[ahhe-er]iba [op]posite to ...[...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) He (= Bel) has ordained that the son of Yakin be ousted [from] Babylon, and he has also spoken about the king's entry to Babylon. Perhaps Bel will act so the king can perform a ritual and hear him. Let my lord do everything possible so the army can come here and the king will attain his objective. I am one who blesses my lord. I pray daily to Marduk and Zarpanitu for the good health of my lord.

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

SAA 17 021 — Inviting the King to Babylon to Establish its Privileges

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00990; ABL 1431; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 248. Sender: Bel-iqiša. Recipient: the vi[zier]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 021; SAAo P237963.

Obverse

Yo[ur] servant (Bel-iqiša): I would gladly die for the vi[zier], my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord! Say to my lord: My lord must not say, "Why have I not heard his report and seen his message for a long time?" I have been imprisoned for two years, and even now, after I have been set free, I could not make any plans. When I was set free, I prayed to Bel and Nabû for the good health of the king, my lord, and of the vizier, saying, "When will the king, my lord, come here and establish the protection of Babylon?"

Reverse

All Babylonians have daily confidence in this. Now, as the prefect has left Bit-Dakuri, the whole of Babylon lives in fear, saying, "We have been handed over to the dogs." Why is my lord silent, while the whole of Babylon (pleadingly) raises its hands towards my lord? (Any)one whom Marduk has given something and whose property has been created, will give Bel an exceptionally good present. (And) the present which he gives is as good as a Babylonian, if it is pleasing to Bel. Why does my lord remain silent, while Babylon is being destroyed? Šamaš and Marduk have installed you for intercession in Assyria. Persuade the king to come here and to exempt Babylon for Marduk, and (make) your name everlasting in Esaggil and Ezida!

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

SAA 17 022 — Sargon Invited to Intervene in Bab-Bitqi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00114; ABL 0542; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 285; cf. WO 4, 72-74, 77, 83; Cole, SAAS 4, 33 n.74. Sender: Bel-iqiša. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 022; SAAo P237783.

Obverse

Your servant Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the universe, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king! Say to the king, my lord: I pray daily to Bel and Nabû for the good health of the king, my lord. The king did not listen to any of the earlier reports that we sent to the king, my lord. Now after the delegates of Bit-Dakuri of one accord had written to Merodach-Baladan, and the šandabakku together with Nabû-le'i the governor and the troops of Bit-Yakin had marched to (Bab)-bitqi and the prefect had turned the charioteers of Bit-Dakuri, the Arameans and the men of Bit-Dakuri against him (= Merodach-Baladan), the delegates have been silent, because they have become afraid. The others, having heard (the news), have retreated. But the leading men who do not keep the land in order and to whose words the king has listened, after making their views public, are now incessantly sending deceitful messages and fortifying their cities. The king should not wait for the outcome! The army should come to Bab-bitqa. And before the army comes, the following message from the king should be brought to the prefect and Ana-Nabû-taklak:

Reverse

"According to what I have heard, Merodach-Baladan is doing repair work in Larak and is settling Hasinu, the Yašumean, with his family and his Arameans there. (That is why) I am now sending the army to you. Together with the army, lead Da'ini and his Larakeans, who are with you, to Larak so he can enter it, until I arrive personally." They will listen carefully and not refuse, and the king will attain his objective. We for our part have written to the king what we know. The king may do as he wishes. Should the king do thus, the king could also say: "I have made the land great again and have built a powerful fortress on the border of the lands." I have written to the king because I am desperate! The king should not hesitate, for we are now at our limits, and your servants and the land of Akkad threaten to slide out of your hand. The message is due to distressful danger. Now [...] Imr[a...]

Right Edge

[...] is to write and [...] [...]...[...]

SAA 17 023 — Let the King Come and Restore the Privileges of Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04740 + K 05559 + K 14644; CT 54 066; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 280; cf. WO 4, 68, 76, 204; AOF II, 24. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 023; SAAo P238347.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Baby[lon ...] and [...] uprooting [...] the presence of the king [...] the king to the house [...] hor[ses ...] the magnate[s ...] in accordance with [...] [...] ... [...] my energy to [...] ... [...] your [...] backed off [......] there have been [si]gns, his land today [...] Babylo[n ...] all [...] [...] these [...] which were set(tled) [...] is evil [...] saying, "Let me send (it) to the king, my lord. If my report is not convenient for the king, let me send what is agreeable to the king." As we have heard, the magnates of the king are telling the king, my lord, that he should not go to Babylon. Tiglath-Pileser (III) [and Shalmane]ser (V), who went (there), [...ed — what] would he take?

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

Reverse

[Wh]y [...]? If you come, (as) [a king who] disposes of the leftovers (of the gods), [who] restores peace (and) [...] to Esaggil (and) Babylon, establishes a pact of protection [and] concludes it with the inhabitants of Babylon, [who reple]nishes [the trea]suries of Esaggil and Ezida — Bel and Nabû will grant (you) a long life, good health and happiness. But king [Merodach-B]aladan and his son Zakiru have [lived in ...] Babylon [..., the first for x yea]rs and the second for 36 year[s. N]othing in [...]. [May the gods of the king], my [lo]rd, kn[ow that ...] the earlier kings verily [did establish] (our) privileges. May Bel and Nabû [give you] 30 year[s of ...] (and) 40 years of supremacy! Accordingly, [I fe]ar their divinity [...] for Lanšê, the [...] they did not raise. [...] and [...] Now [...] (Break)

Edge

[...] climbs up.

SAA 17 024 — Bad Omens for the Dynasty of the Sealand

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07530 + Rm 2, 483; CT 54 204; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 245; cf. WO 4, 210. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 024; SAAo P238683.

Obverse

[Your servant Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly [die for the king], my [lord! May] Nab[û and Marduk] bless [the king], my [lord]! Say [to the king], my [lord]: I daily bless [the king], my lord, saying: "May [the king], my [lord], stay alive and [may] Ea [grant him ... and] a wide [understanding]." [...] your chosen name [...] [...] ... Esaggil [...] [...] the land to your hands [...] [...] may he examine [...] [...] may he get Babylon m[oving ...] [...] words of the Lord-of-Lords, [Marduk, ...] When [NN] seized Babylo[n, ...] [... of] the Sealand, descendant [of NN] [...] since days of old to Babylon ... [...] [...] the evil enemy, who does not fear the gods [...] [...] to the shrines ... [...] [...] they plundered and bu[rned] the land of Akkad [...] [...] Esaggil, Babylon and [...] [...] he did wrong. The punishment of Mardu[k reached him, however]. He he[ard the ... and w]oes of his city Babylon [...] and became reconciled towards his city Babylon. For [..., the destruction] of (his) throne, and the disappearance of the dynasty of the Sealand [...] [...] many evil signs of Na[bû-...] [...] strange [bird]s to Esaggil and Babylo[n ...] [...] rare steppe animals into the centre of the city [...]

Bottom Edge

[...] alien ...s, young [...] [...] the circumspect king, the 'suppo[rter] of evil' [...] [...] he will ...[...]

Reverse

(Break) [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] service [...] [Perhaps the king, my lord], will say: "A [female] servant [...] [...] a joyful [he]art, as soon as he [...] to Marduk-[...] [...] If it pleases the king, my, lord, let [...] [...] their words [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 025 — Invading Babylon and Borsippa

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05386 + K 08304 + K 13063 + 1881-07-27, 0043; CT 54 079; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 289; cf. WO 4, 72, 74, 242. Sender: [Bel-i]qiša. Recipient: Nabu-[šarru-uṣur]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 025; SAAo P237107.

Obverse

[Your servant Bel-i]qiša. [I would gladly] die for Nabû-[šarru-uṣur, my lord! May Na]bû and Marduk ble[ss] my lord! [Say to] my [lord]: Why [have they ...ed] me as if without exit [...]? After [...] to the town Labba[nat], I have strengthened my [...] and hitched up m[ules ... at] fortified [...]s. [...] they keep sending [...] [...] they have [n]ot spared [...] for you [...] they do not bring up [...] [...] and to Baby[lon ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] ... [...] will hea[r ...] [......-u]ṣur [...] all the Arameans at [his] disposal [...] ... and [...] in their midst [...] they did not obtain his [...]. Now then ... [...] [...] send everything and the army [...] [...] we will do. Now we know [...] [...] May my lord tell him to persuade [him to ...] [...] ... of the king by means of campaigns [...] [...] to Babylon and Borsippa [...] [...... Ba]bylon and [...] [are saying]: "Now [we know that ...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] the field of Marduk-le'i [...] [... exti]spicy and his portents [...] and let them lay them down. He is laid in a neck stock [...] [...] Let me examine if in the house [...] [......] having named, not [...] [... the arm]y to you [...] [...] Bel and Nabû [...] [...] ... and if [...] [...] ... may the king send [...] [... in] truth to [my] lord [...] [... yo]ur message [...] [...] your [...] the Babylo[nians ...] [...] captives and [...] [...] ... and ... [...] [...] are full [...] [...] I have put [in] Elam, [...] [...] as much as I [...]

Right Edge

[... sec]retly [...] [...] in Babyl[on ...] [...] in[to ...] [...] ... [...] [...] in El[am] [...] ... [...] May [my lord quickly] send [...]!

SAA 17 026 — Carrying Out a Task

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0563; ABL 1185; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 287; cf. WO 4, 72-74, 205, 210. Sender: Bel-iqiša. Recipient: Nabu-šarru-[uṣur]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 026; SAAo P240177.

Obverse

[Your servant] Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for Nabû-šarra-[uṣur], the brother of Bel-usatu, my lor[d]! May [Nabû and] Marduk bless my lord! Say to my lord: I attend to every order [with which] my lord has [entrusted] me. I have entrusted my life and [the ... of] my palace to my lord. [...], when I came, his delegate did perform [...]. He is a friend [of ...] Before entering [...] [I e]ntered Babylon [with] the desired job. Before that it was Bel-iqiša, now [the commandant of] the fortress of the 'house.' Also Bel-ibni [and] Kurigalzu, the Babylonians, who are with me [... f]rom Assyria [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] his revenge to [...] and [...] when he has sent [...] [...] he will not come back to me. Give his messenger [... w]ith the king and [...] and to [...] I wish to [...] and retreat to the kings! [...] they will not retreat and go to Assyria [...] ... [...] [... l]etters [...]

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

Right Edge

the detained [...], if they [do] not [...], let them take [... to] the palace! He does not count [...].

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

SAA 17 027 — Assurances of Loyalty

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01559 + K 05419a + K 05422c + K 05535 + K 07421 + K 07544 + K 13125 + K 15692 + K 15712; CT 54 025; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 286; cf. WO 4, 72, 74, 210. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 027; SAAo P238083.

Obverse

[Your servant Bel-iqiša. I would gladly die for the king of the world! May Nabû] and Mardu[k bl]es[s the king, my lord! S]ay to the k[ing, my lord]: (As to) the ... of the city conquered [by the ki]ng, my lord, [...], may the king, my lord, command: "[Let] Ana-Na[bû-taklak ...] and steadfastly [... befo]re the king. Stay [...] with them like these men, and [...] with them!" I shall write the king's [...] according to the comma[nd of the kin]g, my lord. [...] their brother [...] [...] ... [...] [...] the king [...] [...] ... and to [...] of Sargon k[ing of the universe, m]y [lord], I shall speak [...]... [......] and [...] ... [...] [...] ... of [...] to [...] sent [...] and [NN ...] let them [...]. Now for this [...] .... [...]. Their men, who are devoted to nobody, will follow our commands. The king will handle them easily; the king's name is settled upon them. [...]. And just as the last nine years the servant [...] the knowledge of the king, my lord, [...] As [......] a message, [...] is present. If a nobleman [...] [which] I didn't see, the house [...] of the king, my lord, [...]

Bottom Edge

... [...]

Reverse

Now, after I have been twice to the audience of the mighty king, I am beginning to regain my dignity again. My lord will perhaps say: "For destruction, we need not be renewed." Now Šulâ, the haruspex in Dur-Šarrukin, and Aqar-Nabû, (both) servants of the king, (my) lord, know all our affairs from the beginning. The king may ask them if I wasn't always a ser[f of the king], my lord, (both when) small and (when) big. [Perhaps my lord] will say: "Knowledg[e ...]." The house of your father [...]. And what my lord sai[d to me — the gods have achieved] his wish. [...] will give you everything. What is [your] wish that has not been achieved? When the king, our lord, came, the city wa[s dea]d. In a proverb it is said: "A carpenter should take [...] your pine-wood chips from your poor property." [...] When I for the second time went [to the audience of the mi]ghty king, he did not discuss [my case with] me. [The king] may act as [he sees fit]. His wish [...]. How (is it), if you have done everything and [...]? Now then I am writing to my lord: Doesn't the Series of the Fox say: "After Enlil had let you whisper your [w]ish, [...] and bread [...]"? [...] ... water that in [...] with me. I did [not] take away. When the [...] gave [...] to me, I we[nt ...] on [...]. May my lord command that a donkey should be presented [... be]cause of that!

Right Edge

[......] in the name of Nabû [...] ... of the river [......]

Edge

said an insult: "May [......]."

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

SAA 17 028 — Affairs of Babylon and Bit-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05304; CT 54 076; cf. WO 4, 72. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 028; SAAo P238390.

Obverse

Your servant [Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly die for [the king of the universe, my lord! May] Nabû [and Marduk bless] the king of the universe, my lord! I p[ray] daily to Bel and Nabû [for the good health of the king, my lord]. [...] and [...] his [...] Bit-Yakin [...] not agreeable [to] Nabû [...] for Babylon [...] [...] and wit[h ...] [...] he receive[s ...] [...] and the son [...] [...] ... [...] [the Ba]bylonians [...] he has [...ed] Babylon [ap]pointees of his hand [...] [...] Bit-Yaki[n ...] [...] he does not pla[ce ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) The king, [my lord, ...]

Right Edge

May I see [...] the king, [my] lo[rd, ...].

SAA 17 029 — Please Return my Sons and People from Calah

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0764 + Sm 1650; ABL 0698; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 287; cf. WO 4, 72. Sender: Bel-iqiša. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 029; SAAo P240311.

Obverse

Your servant Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for the king of the universe, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: For the past five months I have been waiting for news from the king, my lord. And now, thanks to Bel and Nabû, he has co[me] to Calah safely, as usu[al]. All my manservants who give me water to drink have run away, and my people in Calah have become afraid. May the king command before winter sets in that they can be sent back! (Break) (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

Why ... [...] of the king, my lord, [...], and the king will hear [...]. [T]hese past 4 years, ever since I have [guarded] the king's garrison, why to [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 030 — Fragment Mentioning Zera-ibni and Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05594 + K 11425; ABL 1030+; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 290; cf. SKT 2 75. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 030; SAAo P238503.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...]... of [NN ...] [... h]e practiced, and Chalde[a ...] [Šum]aya son of Nenê [...] [Zer]a-ibni, the Babyloni[an, ...] Merodach-Baladan, th[e son of Yakin, ...]. After I had said: "Let them appoint [......], and besides [...]," Marduk-šarru-uṣur was appoi[nted ...]. Having [...ed] 10 shekels of gold [...], he is going back and forth [...] they incite, until to [...] brought them back. [...] of Aqarâ son of Hab[a... ...] They took Bit-Parasi-ili [...], saying, "He who insults the king's command shall [...]. Wait for me, until all [...]" [...] from Bit-Ta[mmeš]-šama' [...] [...] retreat [...]! [... the de]legate [...] [...] the elde[rs ...] [...] on the da[y ...] [...] deal [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

Edge

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

SAA 17 031 — The Prelate in Disgrace with the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15354; CT 54 308; cf. WO 4, 72, 74. Sender: [Bel-iqiša]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 031; SAAo P239352.

Obverse

[Your servant Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly die for [the king of the universe], m[y lord! May] Nabû and Marduk bless [the king of the universe], my [lo]rd! In the morning and in the evening I pray to [Bel and] Nabû for the good [health of the k]ing, my lord. [As soon as I] heard that ... (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [Perhaps the king, my lord], will say: "I did not agree [...]." [...] an inauspicious time [...] Let me send/write [to the king], my [lord] [...] and Bel-iqiša [...]: the king will kill me.

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

Right Edge

[...] ...

SAA 17 032 — Babylonians Rejoicing and Praying for the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05626 + K 07558; CT 54 156; , Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295,270; cf. WO 4, 75, 187, 238. Sender: In[a-teši-eṭir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 032; SAAo P238518.

Obverse

Yo[ur ser]vant In[a-tešî-eṭir: I would gladly die for] the king of the lands, my lord! May [Nabû and Marduk bless] the king of the lands, my lord! The report on Babylon [is excellent]. The Babylonians are hap[py. They go] daily to the tem[ple] of their lords, Bel and Nabû [...], to Esaggil. [They pr]ay daily to [Mardu]k and Zarpa[nitu] for the good health [of the king of the la]nds, my lord. (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 033 — Kissing the King’s Feet in Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0346; ABL 1047; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 269; cf. WO 4, 75, 187, 201, 238. Sender: Ina-teši-eṭir. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 033; SAAo P240261.

Obverse

Your servant Ina-tešî-eṭir [...: I would gladly die] for the king of the lands, [my lord]! May Nabû and [Mar]duk bless the king of the lands, my lord! Esaggil and Babylon, the temples of the king of the lands, my lord, are well. The news of Babylon is excellent. [I pray] daily for the health, joy, and life of the king, my lord, and for the attainme[nt of his] trium[ph]. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) The 1st day [... is the ... of] Nergal, the mighty lord [...], the able, perfect one, who [...]. I [utter] prayers of benediction [to him] daily, bless the king of the lands, my lord, and shall kiss [the feet] of the king of the lands in Babylon. I stay in the service of the governor and the master of the palace, guarding the night('s rest) of the ki[ng of the lands, my lord].

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

SAA 17 034 — The Door of Esaggil is Finished -- Please Give Me my Prebend!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08412; ABL 1340; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 275; cf. WO 4, 202. Sender: [Nabu-šuma-liš]ir. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 034; SAAo P238726.

Obverse

[Your servant Nabû-šumu-liš]ir: I would [gladly die for the king of the universe, my lord]! May [Nab]û and Marduk [bless] the king of the universe, [my] l[ord]! Say to the king of the universe, m[y lord]: Every [day], from the unlocking of the door socket until the closing of the gate, I bless the king, my lord, with raised hands before Bel and Beltiya. The bread is excellent, the best quality beer is good. The door of the god of the dead one has been put up. The plating is ready, and all the Babylonians who on the 4th day went up to Esaggil and saw the door, blessed the king, my lord, before Bel and Beltiya, and rejoiced greatly. The king, my lord, can be happy. [The d]oor of Esaggil and Babylon, your [house] of god, is very beautiful. [But] I myself am not happy. I am [loy]al, but my food ration has been held back. [Perh]aps the king, my lord, will say: "[W]ho has withheld it?" The 'ear-men' [who g]o [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] they have conspi[red] [...] each of us [... Ever since] I grew up [... of the king], my lord, [... f]or a prebend [...] before [...] [... re]treated, some[one] [... Na]bû-zera-uṣur from [...] have advised me [on the basis of a t]ablet [... have gi]ven (but) nobody [...] [...] tablets [...] [...] the old robes [...] [...] Consequently the king, my lord, ... [...] [...] If it is agreeable to the king, [my] lord, he may enjoy it. Otherwise let my [preb]end be given to me, so [I] can [e]at [from it]!

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

SAA 17 035 — Report on Esaggil and Bel-ibni

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07383; CT 54 183; cf. WO 4, 72, 74. Sender: [Nabu-šuma-lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 035; SAAo P238656.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) I pra[y daily] to [Bel and Na]bû [for the joy] of he[art and the health of the king], my [lord. The king, my lord], can be very [glad indeed. Es]aggil and Babylon are [truly] well and in good shape. [...] lament [...] [...] his [...]s (and) an ox for [...] [...] my lord [...] [... the messen]ger of Bel-ib[ni ...] [...] he brings to a standstill [...] [...] their fields [...] [...] he tak[es ...] [...] whatever Bel-[ibni] [...] said to you [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] within one [...] [...] word [...] [...] my [......] [...] and let[ters ...] [...] the words that in [...] [...] let him state precis[ely and] [...] let him say and [...] [...] goodness [...] [...] let them send [...] he [...]; the Babylonian(s) [...] [... m]en who are saying [...] [...] lette[rs ....] [...] may the king write [...] [...] us to [...] [...] and until [...] [...] everything [...] [... I] shall give [...] [... Merodach-B]aladan [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 036 — Report on Esaggil and Bel-ibni

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 12962; CT 54 234; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 306; cf. WO 4, 202. Sender: Nabu-[šuma-lišir], Eṭeru. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 036; SAAo P239163.

Obverse

[To the ki]ng, [our lord]: your [servant]s Nabû-[šuma-lišir and] Eṭeru. [Say to the king, our lord]: The bread [in] the temple is excellent. The guard of Esaggil [and Babylon is strong]. The sacrifices [...] greatly. The king, our lord, can be [happy]. May all the royal [...] that [the king], our lord, g[ave] to [..., ...] a strong heart may [...]! [N]N (and) Bel-i[bni have sa]id: "[...]" (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 037 — Report on a Temple

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16133; CT 54 364; cf. WO 4, 202. Sender: [Nabu-šuma-lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 037; SAAo P239428.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] The bread of the te[mple is excellent], the best-quality beer of the temple [is good]. The guard of the school [is well. The king, my lord], ca[n be] very [happy]. [...] before the go[ds for the good health] of the ki[ng, my lord]. (Rest destroyed)

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

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 038 — Report on Esaggil and Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05538; CT 54 132; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 271; cf. WO 4, 187, 217, 238. Sender: [Nabu-šuma-lišir]. Recipient: [the king of the lands]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 038; SAAo P238482.

Obverse

[Your servant Nabû-šumu-lišir. I would gladly die] for the ki[ng of the lands, my l]ord! [May Nabû and Marduk bless] the ki[ng, my] l[ord! Say to the ki]ng of the lands, [my] lord: [...] Ina-tešî-eṭir [...] [...] 5 boxes with hem[s ...] [...] ... of the palace [...] [Es]aggil and Ba[bylon] (and) [...] the land [are well; ...... is] well. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] the king [...] [...] of the heart [...] [...] the loins [...] [... Baby]lon [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 039 — Defence of Prelacy

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04682 + 1881-02-04, 0379; ABL 1016+; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 264; cf. WO 4, 69-72, 87-88, 191, 228-229; SKT 2 75; BBEA 62. Sender: Qišti-Marduk. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 039; SAAo P237051.

Obverse

Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of Babylon, the king of the lands, the mighty king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of Babylon, the king of the lands, the mighty king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: The sealed clay tablet which Sîn-duri, Nabû-šuma-iškun and their scribe wrote in Babylon and [sent] to the king, [my lord, ...] and the insolence ther[ein ...] — how can I hear anything through [...] and stay al[ive]! [...] who have not retained gold in the holy cities [...] After they wrote [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) from [...] this [...] bread [...] of Nabû-šuma-išku[n ...] whatever a prelate [...] why [...] all that I have [...] I seized on his behalf [...] saying, "Let me g[o] to the king and [...] speak to the king about it. You surely are aware of it [...]." He backed off. Nabû-šuma-iškun is saying to Sîn-duri: "Now I shall be installed in the prelateship." (But) nobody may install a prelate except you! Since the king, my lord, granted my prelateship, Sîn-duri is saying to Nabû-šuma-iškun: "You will see what Qištiya will do."

Right Edge

The servants of the king know very well that my prelateship, like (those of) all the prelates, is the king's affair. The king verily also grants the governor's office.

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

SAA 17 040 — Nabu-šuma-iškun and Sin-duri are Libelling me

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04778; CT 54 070; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 266; cf. WO 4, 70-71, 88, 228. Sender: [Qišti-Marduk]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 040; SAAo P238354.

Obverse

[Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die for Sargon, king of Babylon, king of the lands, the strong king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk] bless [Sargon, king of Babylon, king of the lands, the strong king, my lord]! Say [to the king, my lord]: The guar[d of Esaggil and Babylon] and the gods of the king, my lord, are well. The king can be glad! [...] The [hearts of] the whole of the land of Akkad [are happy]. I am one who fears the king of the universe. [...] [Perhaps the king] will say: "[...]." The king [...] a fat-tailed sheep! The gods of the king surely know that [......], (and) the king gave my [...], how did my [...]! [The ki]ng, my lord, should not trust the heart of those who are held captive! After Nabû-šuma-iškun and Sîn-duri libelled me to the king, [...] ... [...] joy as [...]. [By the gods of the kin]g, I have not seen joy since [...] [...] I was alive and [...] [...]s ... of As[syria ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] they spoke (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 041

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16605; CT 54 388; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 268; cf. WO 4, 71. Sender: [Qišti-Marduk]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 041; SAAo P239463.

[Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die] for the king, [my lo]rd! May [Na]bû and Marduk bless [Sargon, the king of Babylon, the ki]ng of the lands, the mighty king, [my lord! Say to] the king, my lord: (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 042

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16113; CT 54 351; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 267; cf. WO 4, 71. Sender: [Qišti-Marduk]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 042; SAAo P239417.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] Sîn-d[uri] [...] with [...in]stead [...] the king, my lord, [...Sa]rgon [...] you (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) [...] Sîn-ib[ni] [...] in the sha[dow] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 043 — Inspection of Work on Temples all over Babylonia

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0031; ABL 0516; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 308; cf. WO 4, 90, 98. Sender: Bel-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 043; SAAo P237075.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Bel-iddina: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Concerning the writing-board of the temples, of which the king wrote to me: "Send the rest of the work and the [remain]ing writing-boards here through Šarru-amuranni!" — I have now examined (all the temples) from Nemed-Laguda to Šasanaku and have written the writing-boards. As the king commanded, I shall send them to the king, my lord, via Šarru-amuranni. After I had examined the (temples) from Zabban to Sippar in the same way, I entrusted them to Nabû-ahhe-bulliṭ, the delegate of Esaggil. I shall certainly examine the rest of the temples in the vicinity of Babylon in the same way.

Reverse

If the king wishes, let everything be written on one single writing-board. I am afraid to go to Der and Nippur without (explicit orders from) the king. During my work, I listened closely, and in all Sealand there is no other servant of the king as devoted to the king and as loyal to the words of the king as Sîn-iddina. The whole of Bit-Yakin loaths him. Were Yakin still alive, one like Sîn-iddina would not be shiel[ded]. The king [should know] all this!

SAA 17 044 — Fragment Mentioning the Sealand and Bit-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0254; CT 54 517; cf. WO 4, 73, 98. Sender: [Bel-iddina]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 044; SAAo P237326.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) against [...] ... [...] like the Sea[land ...] they say Let him come and [......] between Bit-Yakin [...] Sîn-iddina the iron sword ... [... the god]s the words of [......] And the king, [my lord, can be glad]! Perhaps the king, my lord, will say: "What is your land?" The border lies in the Canal of the Delegates

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

Reverse

be[tween ... Bit-Y]akin [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 045 — We Shall Grasp the Feet of the King of the Lands

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15298; CT 54 302; cf. WO 4, 75. Sender: I[lu-i]puš. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 045; SAAo P239346.

Obverse

Yo[ur servant] Il[u-i]puš: I would gladly die for [Sargon, the ki]ng of the lands, my lord. May Nabû [and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of the lands, my lord! Say] to the king, my lo[rd]: [Be]l has sent me. We will gr[ab the feet of the king of the la]nds, our lord. [...] him, and the king, my lord (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 046 — Upuqu has Harmed me Greatly

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05444b + K 14617 + K 15388 + K 15688; CT 54 109; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 278; cf. WO 4, 201; Thomas, AOAT 232, 467; Frahm, Sanherib, 2; Nissinen, SAAS 7, 158. Sender: Nabu-[šuma-iškun]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 046; SAAo P238453.

Obverse

[To Sar]gon, the king [of the lands, my lord]: your servant Nabû-[šuma-iškun]. May [Nabû] and Ma[rduk] ble[ss the king], my lord! Say to the ki[ng], my lord: I now pray to Bel and Nabû for the life and the (regnal) years of the king, my lord, and [I look forward to] the arrival of the king, my lord, in the month Nisan (I). [......] [...] the king, my lo[rd ...] (Break)

Reverse

Ever since the king girded the loins of Uqupu, he has done much wrong against me. He has tak[en] my garden by bringing it under flood. He has tak[en] 100 (kor) of my barley from me. 30 kor of the arable fields which king Tiglath-Pile[ser] (III), your father, [gave me], [...] his [...] again[st ...] [...] greatly my [...] [...] as [...] [...] ... [...]

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

Right Edge

[...] ... [...] [...] here [...] Let the king as[k] the Babylonians [and] the Borsippeans, for they know everything about (these) sinister things.

SAA 17 047 — The King is Doing Wonderful Work in Esaggil

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05541 + K 05617 + K 13173; CT 54 133; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 272; cf. WO 4, 75-76, 87, 92. Sender: Rimutu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 047; SAAo P238483.

Obverse

Your servant Rimutu: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the lands, the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: The previous kings wanted excellent work from ancient times for Esaggil. Now [...] is making [...] doorjambs [for the king], his lord. [... B]abylon [...] concerning [...] their work (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) field ... [...] river [...] ... [...] ... of Ku[..., Bel]šunu and Ninurta-naṣir, of which the king said: "I shall make the damage good" — the eyes of the men are darkened, (as) no damages have been made good. Let the king send (word) and I myself shall make the damages good again! May Marduk and Šeru'a make the king, my lord's entry into Esaggil and Babylon regular for a hundred years!

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

SAA 17 048 — Complaints About Landed Property

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04287; ABL 0925; cf. SKT 2 34. Sender: Amel-Nabu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 048; SAAo P238317.

Obverse

Your servant Amel-Nabû: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Didn't the king say to me as follows: "Go, plant, fill the cellars with harvest, and eat under my protection!" Let the king's messenger come here and see how the land of my father, which the king gave back to me, has been made barren by Mannu-ki-U[rbail]. He has indeed burned my grain, my straw and [my] garlic on [...] and (said to me): "Go en[treat] the king! If the king (indeed) ga[ve you] your land, come and tak[e] your property!" Now, the king gave me my land [with the following words]: "I shall not choose anything (from it)." But now, as I have nothing left, I shall die. There is no barley left for my nourishment and for my seed grain. If I have sinned, I should have died. Why does the king, my lord, let me live, while Mannu-ki-Urbail is up to destroy me? Verily [...]

Reverse

(Break) [...] the house on the left [are at his disposal]. Even the land of the governor [...], of 300 horses (and) 12 magnificent chariots befitting his social standing [...] are at his disposal. And the land [..., the pe]ople of Haldi-na[ṣir...] and the men of his protégés are also at his disposal. He has not been able to grab (any land) in [...], except the land [...] to the fortress (and) to [...]. My eyes are fixed on the king's servants. May the king send (word) and [hand ...] the people of my house and [...] my fields over to Šamaš-aha-iddi[na], so they won't bring (my) entire household to a standstill. (4 lines uninscribed)

SAA 17 049 — News of Elam and Dur-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00844; ABL 0899; cf. WO 4, 93; SKT 2 48. Sender: Amel-Nabu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 049; SAAo P237911.

Obverse

Your [servant] Amel-Nabû: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! [May Nabû and Mar]duk [bless] the king, [my] l[ord]! Say t[o the king, my lord]: The king, [my] lo[rd, can] be glad. The palace, the magna[tes] (and) the guard [of ...] are [well]. There are no reports on Elam.

Reverse

Whatever portents there have been, have all come for the city Qibi-Bel. I have heard it being said: "Now Qibi-Bel is to be destroyed and he is to go to the fortress of Yakin." All existing towns [...] Qibi-Bel

Right Edge

[...] the lower [f]ortress their [...] [have b]een deported.

SAA 17 050 — Signs Portending the Fall of Qibi-Bel and Dur-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05607; ABL 0930. Sender: Amel-Nabu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 050; SAAo P238510.

Obverse

Your servant Amel-[Nabû: I would gladly die] for the king, my lord! May [Nabû] and Marduk bless [the king, my lord! Say] to the king, [my] lord: Concerning what I w[rote] to the king, they have now finis[hed the harvest of] Bit-Y[akin ...], of Tarb[a...], (and) the harvest of [GN] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) of Zeriya [...] the people [...] they will lead away [...] May [the king] send word that they should stand [...] the town ... and [...] of Zeriya, the [...] their side [...] [One of] the cohort comman[ders ...] should inquire (and) re[port] to the ki[ng, my lord].

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

SAA 17 051 — Exempting the Cult Centre of [...]

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07426 + K 15695 + K 16602 + K 21597; ABL 0030+; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 274; cf. WO 4, 74-75, 99. Sender: [Ar]ad-Ea. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 051; SAAo P238665.

Obverse

[Your servant Ar]ad-Ea: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the lands, [my lord]! May Nabû and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of the lands! Say to the king, my lord: [May the] ... of Balassu grow up in the care of [...] the temple of the holy city for the well-being of the king, my lord! [I he]ard from the king, my lord's mouth: "Rejoice!" [...] the lord of the ...[...] [......] [......] [... a p]auper of the city [...] you may rejoice [... of the king], our lord, [...] your [...] (Break)

Reverse

[...] as [...] your [...] [...]... [... he] has freed us [...] heard [...] he has slain him [...] are surrounding him [... h]e is [...] s[a]id [... Nabû-šar]-ahhešu [... Mar]duk-aha-eriba [... wh]ich for Merodach-Baladan [...] ... the rearguard [...]... my heart [...] whatever [...] are reliable

Right Edge

[......] ...... [...]... [...]...

SAA 17 052 — Rehabilitation as a Royal Servant

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0079; ABL 0793; Dietrich, AOAT 253, 91; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 303; cf. WO 4, 98, 192. Sender: Bel-ibni. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 052; SAAo P237259.

Obverse

To the king, my lord, your servant Bel-ibni: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and [Marduk] bl[ess] the king, my lord! Initially, when I did not come to the audience of the kin[g, my lord], there were [men] who came from Elam to [see the king], your father, and who, in order to [obtain] intercession for themselves, [libe]lled [me] in the presence of the king. There [was] also a certain opponent of mine who said and wrote [to the king] bad things about me f[rom] Elam. When I heard of this, I did not come, [because I was afraid]. Now (however), I have become desirous of [serving] the king. All those [who] initially committed a crime were forgiven by your royal father. (As to) all [the libels] that [have been uttered against] me in [the king's] presence, [I am not guilty of any of them]. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [... until he writ]es [that ....] [May it] not [happen that b]y the comma[nd] of the king they [succeed in turning me] out of the grace of the kin[g, my lord]! May this be sta[ted by the mou]th of the king, [my lo]rd, that I [may not be denigrated in the palace of the k]in[g], my [lo]rd! [On the contrary, may the king, my lord, count me as one of his] servants, may the mark of [the kings'] servitude be put on me, and I may not be slighted and humilia[ted in the eyes of my] fellow Babylonians! May I see a sign from the king, [my] lord, and may we get confident through it! Then we, myself, my brothers, [my] sons and [my] friends, shall come and kiss the feet of the ki[ng, our lord], and serve the ki[ng], our lord. May I hear of the well-being of the king, my lord, and rejoice.

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

SAA 17 053 — Rehabilitation as Royal Servant (Addressed to the Chief Eunuch)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00597; ABL 0283; Dietrich, AOAT 253, 91; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 300; cf. WO 4, 98, 192. Sender: Bel-ibni. Recipient: the chief eunuch. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 053; SAAo P237834.

Obverse

To the chief eunuch, [my] lord, your servant Bel-ibni. May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord! Initially, when I did not come to the audience of the king, there were men who came from Elam to see the king and who, in order to obtain intercession for themselves, libelled me in the palace. There was also a certain opponent of mine who said and wrote to the palace bad things about me from Elam. When I heard of this, I did not come, because I was afraid. Now (however), I have become desirous of serving the king. All those who initially committed a crime have been forgiven by the king. (As to) all the libels that have been uttered against me in the palace, I am not guilty of any of them. Now, [shou]ld there be a misdemeanour of mine, [let my lord] speak for me to the king so that he will forgive me and [I can come and kiss the feet] of the king [and of my lord]. (Break) (beginning broken away)

Reverse

[...] until he writes that [...]. May it not happen that by the command of the king they succeed in turning me out of the grace of the king, my lord! Let my lord make no mistake, and may nobody worsen my reputation in the palace! May it be stated by the mouth of the king, my lord, that I may not be denigrated in the palace of the king, my lord! On the contrary, may the king count me as one of his servants, may the mark of the kings' servitude be put on me, and I may not be slighted and humiliated in the eyes of my fellow Babylonians! May I see just one single sign from the king, my lord, and may we get confident through it! Then we, myself, my brothers, my sons and my friends, shall come and kiss the feet of the king, our lord, and serve [the king, our lord]. May my lord read whatever I [say] and speak for me [favoura]bly in the presence of the king. May I hear the well-being of the king, my lord, and rejoice!

Right Edge

I have grasped [the hand of the chief eunuch], my [lord]. May I not come to shame!

SAA 17 054 — Rehabilitation as Royal Servant (Addressed to an Official)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07314 + K 15305; CT 54 175+; Dietrich, AOAT 253, 91; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 305; cf. WO 4, 192. Sender: [Bel-ibni]. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 054; SAAo P238645.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] the kin[g ...] [...] to [...] their [cri]mes [have been forgiven] by the king. (As to) all [the libe]ls that [have been uttered against me in the palace, which] he has heard, [I am not guilty of] any [of them! N]ow, should there be a misde[meanour of mine], let my lord [speak] for me so that [the ki]ng will forgive m[e and] I can come and ki[ss] the feet [of the king an]d of my lord, [d]o [se]rvice to the king and to [my lord], and be one who blesses [the king] and my lord before Bel, N[abû and] Zarpanitu.

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

Reverse

[Those men] who in the beginning [came] from E[lam and] libell[ed] me to the king, are not sparing anyone. May it not [happen now that by] the command of the king they succeed in turning me out [of the gra]ce of the king! [L]et [my lord] make no mis[take], ma[y nobody worsen my reputation in] the pal[ace! May it be stated by the mou]th of the king, my lord, that I may not be de[nigrated in] the palace of the king! [On the contrary], may [the king] count me [as one o]f his servants, may [the mark of] the kings' [servitude] be put on me, and I may [not be slighted a]nd humilia[ted in the eyes of] my fellow Babylonians! May I see [just one s]ign from the king, and may we get confide[nt through it]! (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 055 — Report on Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0925; CT 54 442; Dietrich, AOAT 253, 85; cf. WO 4, 98-99, 196. Sender: [Bel-i]bni. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 055; SAAo P240182.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Bel-i]bni. [I would gladly] die for [the king, my lord]! May [Na]bû and Marduk [bless] the king, [my lord]! Say to the king, my lord: I [am hereby] sending [my tablet to greet the ki]ng, my lord. [The land, the arm]y and the servants of the king are well. [The guard of the king], my lord, is [ver]y strong. [News of Merodach]-Baladan: he is in Babylon. [...] will not overthrow him but [...]. [Per]haps the Babylonians [will say in the presence of the king]: "We [shall ...]" — [the king, my lord, should not] trust them. [He and the Babylo]nians [are] of one ac[cord]. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] they will plunder [...] [...] the second [...] [...] they will enter [their] own houses and [... f]or a present to Ištar-in-[...] [... in] accordance with what the king sent with my father [... in the mid]st of the porch [... hav]ing seized [..., ...] in the house of staffs [...] property of your lord [......] why [...] will he do to me [...] hands of the enemy

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

Right Edge

[...] ... he is detested because of this [...] [...] happened, they fle[d ...] [... I dai]ly [bless] the king, my lord, [...]

SAA 17 056 — Report on Merodach-Baladan; Troops to Bab-bitqa

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 2, 495; CT 54 446; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 247; cf. WO 4, 83. Sender: [Bel-ibni]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 056; SAAo P240217.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] great [...] [...] ... knowing, the army [...] [... I] shall send [the ar]my [to you ...]" [...] to the king, my lord, [...] [... the ar]my to Bab-bit[qi ...] [...] he and the chief [...] [...] are afraid [...] [...] many from [...] [... f]rom Babylon to [me] [...] are defecting. The Babylo[nians ...] [...] Merodach-Baladan from [...] [... are f]leeing. Now [...] [...] of the defeat of the enemy [...] [...] a[s ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 057 — Report on Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05434a; CT 54 103; cf. WO 4, 84. Sender: [Bel-ibni?]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703-700 BC. SAA 17 057; SAAo P385923.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord]: your servant [Bel-ibni. May] Nabû and [Marduk bless the king, my lord]! After [...] had been mobilized and we had thrown (ourselves) against [..., ...] [...] will come and [...] and [...] every [...] Merodach-Ba[ladan ...] to crus[h ...] in accordance with the wi[sh ...] the hem [...] and [NN...] the stone for [...] (Break)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

Edge

[...] will hear [...; may I see] a reply [to my] letter! [After we] had unbound [the ...] of Merodach-Baladan, we sent him [to ...].

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

SAA 17 058 — Gifts for the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1879-07-08, 0256; CT 54 450; cf. WO 4, 86. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 058; SAAo P236891.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) May Na[bû and Mar]duk bless [th]e kin[g, my lord]! Say to the king, my lord: Did I not send the king as a gift a golden necklace and a golden diadem on top of the tribute?

Reverse

They are quite sound, I have made them pleasing indeed. The king may be glad.

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

Chapter Four. Letters from Šabhanu

SAA 17 059–061. 3 texts.

SAA 17 059 — The Letters of Nabu-taklak are Written by his Delegates

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00588; ABL 0524; cf. WO 4, 77, 82. Sender: Ha’il-il, Zabdi-il. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 059; SAAo P237833.

Obverse

To Sargon, king of the universe: thus say your servants Ha'il-il and Zabdi-il, who guard the fortress of Šabhanu for the king, their lord. The king's fortress is well. Good health to the king, our lord! The letter(s) which Nabû-taklak sends to the king — it is not Nabû-taklak (himself) but his delegates who write them. And what they are (now) writing to the king, viz., "Remove the prefect from Bit-Dakuri!" — the king should write to them: "Why do you write (about) injustice? [If he] is doing injustice to you, [br]ing [...]!" (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] they are going [...] against them [...] [...] that is why they write to [the king]: "[...]" [...] "We are [...]" "We shall nouri[sh them] in the house of the king." Let the king write to the prefect that he should place his messenger in Bit-Tammeš-šama' to keep the barley for the king. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 060 — Hostages and Donkeys

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0144; ABL 1226. Sender: H[a’il-il], Zabdi-il. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 060; SAAo P237192.

Obverse

To Sargon, king of the [universe: thus say] your servants H[a'il-il] and Zabdi-il, the Šabhaneans. May Nabû and Marduk b[less Sargon], king of the universe, our lord! Say to the king, [our] l[ord]: The for[tress] is well. (As to) the host[ages of whom the king], our lord, [wrote to us], the servants of the king, [our] lo[rd], point out [for us ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) the servant[s ......] for Aš[šur-belu-taqqin ...] the prefect of [...] [of] 2 male donkey[s ...]

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

SAA 17 061 — Hostages; Keeping the King’s Watch

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13186; CT 54 257. Sender: [Ha’il-il, Zabdi-il]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 061; SAAo P239191.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) When [the ... of] the king, our lord, [..., ...] sent the [host]ages along with horses [...], he cons[olidated] the country through the king. [The king], our [lo]rd, knows that we are ones who keep the watch of [the king]. [...] concerning this guard of [...] [... the king, our lord, may as]k if [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

Chapter Five. Letters from Borsippa and Bit-Dakuri

SAA 17 062–085. 24 texts.

SAA 17 062 — People of Marad; Distributing Rations and Guarding Fort

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08301; ABL 0898; cf. WO 4, 82, 198. Sender: Nabu-taklak. Recipient: the governor. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 062; SAAo P238712.

Obverse

Tablet of Nabû-taklak to the governor, his lord. When I came to Marad, the Maradeans [sent a mes]senger to [NN] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [I sa]id to the [royal] eunuch: "I shall never move [ga]rrison troops to Bit-[Dakuri]!" Afterwards they have not obeyed me. I have given out the food rations and the flour. Now Nabû-ereš and his soldiers are guarding the fortress.

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

SAA 17 063 — Nobody Helps me, While You Eat and Drink

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00835; ABL 0897; cf. WO 4, 82. Sender: Nabu-taklak. Recipient: Gadiya'. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 063; SAAo P237907.

Obverse

Tablet of Nabû-taklak to Gadiya', his brother. Good health to my brother! As to what my brother wrote: "May you be in good spirits!" How could I be in good spirits! The enemy has pitched camp over against us, we [assemble] for fight [day and] night, and none of yo[u] has co[me] to my help! I am not in good [spirits] at all! (But) really, you must be in good spirits yourself! You live in [your] lords' house, you eat bread and drink [beer] comfortably in [the house of your lord]!

Reverse

No[w] then I am writ[ing to you]: [Let] 200 ho[rses] (and) 1,000 soldiers [...] Yaki[n] come [...] the town Im[ba]! Perhaps a messenger will come to [you] from the palace. Tell him to be circumspect [and] come to the guard.

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

SAA 17 064 — I am Sending my Son and Seal to the Vizier

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01177; ABL 0907; cf. WO 4, 79, 82-83. Sender: Ana-Nabu-taklak. Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 064; SAAo P237996.

Obverse

Tablet of Ana-Nabû-taklak to the vizier, his lord. Good health to my lord! I have now sent Nabû-le'i, my son and emissary, to greet my lord. In his hands, I have sent a neck seal for my lord. May my lord write me (about) his [n]ews, [his hea]l[th and his h]appi[ness].

Reverse

(rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 065 — Partial Duplicate of No. 64

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 2, 457; CT 54 443. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak]. Recipient: [the vizier]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 065; SAAo P240213.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) I have [now] sent [... to greet my lord]. In his hands, I am sending a neck seal for my lord. May my lord write me (about) his news, his health and his happiness.

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

SAA 17 066 — Doing the King’s Work (to the Vizier)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15705 + Sm 0407; CT 54 334+; cf. WO 4, 82, 191. Sender: [Ana-Na]bu-taklak. Recipient: [the vi]zier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 066; SAAo P239395.

Obverse

[Tablet of Ana-Na]bû-taklak [to the vi]zier, his lord. Good health [t]o my lord! Say to [my] lord: (Regarding) the work which I pulled out for the king from [...], I have ass[igned] the gua[rding] of my work to the king's men. (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 067 — The People of Akkad Bless the Approaching King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01890 + K 05385 + K 11799 + K 13118; CT 54 031; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 254; cf. WO 4, 81. Sender: [Ana]-Nab[u-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 067; SAAo P238100.

Obverse

[Your servant Ana]-Nab[û-taklak: I would gladly die for the ki]ng of the un[iver]se, my l[or]d! [Say to the ki]ng, my lord: [The land, the troops] and the servants of the king, my lo[rd, are well. The guard of the king is ver[y strong] day and night. [The king, my lord, can be] glad. Concerning [... whom the king], my [lord], sent here and [....] [...] ... [...] [...] the servants of the kin[g ...] are [daily] bless[ing the king], my lord: "[Now ...] we are alive, since the king, [our lord, has ...ed] the well-being of Bit-[Dakuri ...] and [counted] us with the servants of [the king]." (As to) what the king, my lord, wrote to me: "[I have reque]sted [NN] from you (pl.)]. And examine, find out, [and write me] who [he is]" — When we study the favour of the king, my lord, [...] our borders up and down the deserted [...] of Bit-Dakuri may he promote the dejected ...s [...] gathered, Babylon [...] all the people of the land of Akkad [...] await the [kin]g, my lord, and bless the king, [my lord], [saying]: "From times immemorial, [which] strong [king] has like [... ...] of righteousness?" I guard [...] and [d]o [...] for [...] [...] in accordan[ce with ...] [...] as [...] the king, who for [...] ... [...] shares [...] of the king, my lord, [...] ... [... p]ut them (Break) [...] ... [...] of the king, my lord, [...] [...] ... [...] shall not be quiet! Its water [...] ... [...] he should study for you [...] the feet of ... [...] for the people [...] they fear [the king] and you are taking [...]. [Because] the king, my, lord, sent him, and I myself [...] your elder, you can rely on me. [...] brings a message saying: "Who [...]?" [Let] the king, my lord, correspondingly

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

Bottom Edge

[...] write and they will bring it to me.

Reverse

[(As to) what the king] wrote to me: "[...] barley and dates [.... When] I come, [...] exclusively for my dish" — [Bel], Nabû and the gods of the king have opened the passage of the king, my lord [to Babylon and to] Borsippa. They will set up [...]; there will be plenty of food at the disposal of the king. [Regarding GN] and the town Ša-iṣṣur-Adad, of which the king, my lord, [wrote]: "They are in your charge" — since the prefects [...], they have been in my charge. [...] they have [...] them. [When] the troops that the king brought here [...] arrived, my [...] for the troops [...]. Is [this in accordance] with the king's command? [......] he may carry [......] now [......] let him by himself [......] Why [......] as [......] seed grain [......] his entire [...] [......] have been smashed [......] he has returned. [......] and [......] he loves [......] he let [...] take [... the king], my lord, will conquer [...... Bit-D]akuru [......] I have seen and (Break) [......] except the town [GN] [......] they will come here and [...] [......] he rejoiced in the territory [...] [......] On the day when they lead away [...] [......] at the feet of Aššu[r-belu-taqqin] [......] to [......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 068 — Barsipitu Arrives in Borsippa; the Son of Yakin Enters Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05426b + K 07459 + K 10408 + K 13018 + K 15410+ K 15696 + K 16138 + K 16615; CT 54 099; cf. WO 4, 77, 79, 81, 190, 200. Sender: Ana-Nabu-ta[klak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 068; SAAo P238440.

Obverse

[Your ser]vant Ana-Nabû-ta[klak]: I would gladly die for the king of the uni[verse, my lord]! Say [to the ki]ng, my lord: Nabû-bel-šumate, the servant of the king, my lord, is well. The Lady Barsi[pitu], the land, the troops and the servants [of the king, my lord], are well. The land G[uzummani] is well. [The tal]k of the land is good. The guar[d of the king is] very [strong] day and night. [Now] we and the servants of the king, [my] lord, have [been lift]ed up. As to what the king, my lord, [wrote to me]: "Why is it that from [the beginning] until now I have seen your message 5 or 6 times, but n[ow] that Barsipit[u] has come to you, I have only seen one of your messengers?" — Barsipitu and Nabû-b[el-šumate] arrived to us on the first day of [Shebat] (XI); on the 16th [of Shebat] I sent the messengers of the ki[ng], my lord, on the road, and I (also) sent [our] messenger[s] with them to (inquire about) the health of the king, [my] lo[rd. ...] in addition t[o ...] and Na[bû...] ... [...] Is not Na[bû-bel-šumate ...]? the king [...] (Break)

Reverse

"Why [...] work [...] ... [...] did he [...]?" (Break) [...] the desire for the son of [our] lord [...] [...] us, and all the lands together [...] are praising [the kin]g, my lord, [...] [...] Bit-Dakuri in [...] [...] report [...] Nabû-šuma-iddina before [...] we rejoiced. When Aš[šur], Bel and Nabû realized the promise of the ki[ng], my lord, all lands have become closer to the king, my lord. News of the son of Yakin: he has arrived in Elam on the third day of [Shebat]. (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 069 — Affairs of Bit-Dakuri

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01244 + Sm 0416; CT 54 019; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 251; cf. WO 4, 77, 79, 189. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 069; SAAo P238014.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) (As to) what the king, [my] lord, [wrote] in [...]: "Do not [...] with [...]! Send (pl.) me healthy [...]!" — [The ...] which the king, my lord, dispatched [...], were they not remembered? Who [...] for [...]? Is the work and the things [that] we [...] for the king, my lord, [...]? (As to) the recruitment officer of whom the ki[ng, my lord, wrote]: "What is wrong that you have separated him [from] his brothers?" — is Ahu-ila'i not a servant of the king? If I keep him separate from his brothers, (it is because) he is (the most) reliable man among his brothers. [Inste]ad of seizing Ahu-ila'i for the guard duty, which is mutually fixed for our bread and water, (I swear) by the gods of the king, my lord, that ever since he came to Bit-Dakuri, I have not interfered in any way with Ahu-ila'i; and beyond that I say to the king, my lord: "He is a witness and a w[ild b]ull, ...[...]" all ... [......] and our [......]

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

Reverse

[......] this [......] "[......] and you [......] words which [......]" — Did the king, my lord, not write [thus] last year? Did he not go to the enemy country in accordance with this command? He is joyfully [saying]: "On the day when a deadline [com]es up for [NN], take away [...] to [...], (and) open [...]: "Without the king [......]. Let him give orders [......]." Let the king send (word) [that ...]. (Regarding) the 200 Chaldean robes [...] which the king sent us, [...] rejoiced greatly; they pray [daily to the gods] of the king, my lord [...]. The king, my lord, knows that [...] and everything in Bit-[Dakuri is] the share of the Babyloni[ans ...]. 200 gulēnu-coats of the house [...] of Marduk-šarru-uṣur [...] for the Hamurea[ns ...] [...] for the men of [...] [...] fo[r ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 070 — Send 1,000 Archers!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04698; CT 54 064; cf. WO 4, 190. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 070; SAAo P238331.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [After ...-da]mmiq has departed to the king, my lord, and sent me the news. [(As to) what the king] wrote me: "Let 1,000 archers come [to my presence to ...] me; until now [...] just as Bit-Dakuri [...]. Why is Aššur-belu-taqqin [...ing x] horses and 20,000 archers in a cloister, (while) you do not agree to be attentive [...]?" — [Let the king], my lord, study their words! Does [one who loves] the king, our lord, write me in [...]? [...] he does fear our [...] [...] you have not [...] of the king [...] they told me: [...] [...] he [...] [...] to [...] [...] No[w...] (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 words [...] [... Let the king], my lord, ask him [...] [... a]s much as in Bit-Da[kuri] [...] he did not give [...] and Borsippa [...]. Now, [may] I hear the well-being [of the king, my lord, and may my heart] become happy. (rest (about 6 lines) uninscribed)

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

SAA 17 071 — Fragment Referring to ‘the Son of Yakin’

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05406 + K 14659 + K 15699; CT 54 091; cf. WO 4, 92. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 071; SAAo P238427.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] of [...] [...] ... [...] [... S]ince the da[y when ...] [...] ... [...] what the king, my lord, [...] [...] reached, saying: "[...] [...] is coming ... [...] [...] is going to be appointed [to a pos]ition of trust [...] the son of Yakin had strengthened [... Bor]sippa with the casua[lty]. [(As to) what the king] wrote: "Did he not [...] [the ]...s of N[N ......] [...] ... [...] [... fo]r the second time [...] [... Bit]-Dakur[u ...] [...] the star [...] [...] saw [...] [...] face [...] [...] all [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 072

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05429; CT 54 101; cf. WO 4, 97. Sender: A[na-Nabu-taklak]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 072; SAAo P238443.

Obverse

[Your servant NN]. I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: [...] is well. The king, my lor[d, ...] and [...] not [...]

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 073 — Barsipitu’s Arrival in Bit-Dakuri

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00605; ABL 0886; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 251; cf. WO 4, 80. Sender: Barsi[pitu]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 073; SAAo P237836.

Obverse

To the king, [my] lord: your female servant Barsi[pitu]. Good health to the king, [my] lor[d]! Under the protection of the gods of the [king, our lord], we arrived safe and sound at Bit-[Dakuri]. Ana-Na[bû-taklak] and the entire population of Bit-Dakuri rejoiced in our presence, and they keep blessing the king, our lord: "Now we know that the king our lord has rehabilitated Bit-Dakuri and will put it to the lead, as he has sent us the son of our lord! And we shall forever live under the protection of the king, our lord."

Reverse

(rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 074 — [Return?] to the Paternal House

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05427b + K 05525; CT 54 100; cf. WO 4, 99. Sender: Balassu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 074; SAAo P238441.

Obverse

To [Sargon, king of the universe, my lord: Your servant] Balassu. May [Nabû and Marduk] bless [the king, my lord]! Say [to the king, my lord]: [I am herewith sending] my tablet [for the well-being of the king, my lord]. Under the protection of Bel and [Nabû, the gods] of the king, my lord, the [...] and the message [...] whom my lord lead away, [...] he has added for me, [...] to the house of my father [...] and the drain pi[pes .......]. The ki[ng, my lord, can be glad]. Now [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 075 — Keeping Guard in Borsippa, Rebels Killed

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0078; ABL 0349; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 457; cf. WO 4, 83, 240. Sender: Nabu-šar-ahhešu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 075; SAAo P240133.

Obverse

[T]o the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-šar-ahhešu, who guards the 'mule house' of the house of Nabû-le'i at Borsippa. Good health to the king, my lord! May the king, my lord, be in very good spirits! My guard, where the king, my lord, appointed me, is well. I am now writing to the king, my lord: The Borsippeans who rebelled have killed one other, and we remain in the guard where the king, our lord, appointed us. The Itu'u, the Iaduqu and the Rihiqu whom the king, my lord, stationed for the guard with me — we are keeping our guard together. The king, our lord, can be glad.

Reverse

May the king, our lord, write to us, so we will be in good spirits.

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

SAA 17 076 — Keeping Guard in Borsippa

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05097; ABL 1313. Sender: Na[bu-šar-ahhešu]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 076; SAAo P238365.

Obverse

To the king, [my] lo[rd]: your servant Na[bû-šar-ahhešu], who guards the 'mule house' [at Borsippa. Good health] to the king, [my] lord! [May] the king, my lord, be in [very] good [spirits! My] gua[rd], where the king, [my] lo[rd, appointed me, is well]. The prefect who [...] of the gua[rd ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) work i[n ...] he is/I am doing [...] for silver i[n ...] which on [...] [May] the king not [regard it as my] fau[lt]. If the king, [my] l[ord ...], now one [...] which on [... of the king] my lord not [...]. As for me, I keep [the guard] of the king here. [...] in Assyria [...] They left them (f.) [...] May the king, my lord, send word that they (f.) be sei[zed ...]. (2 lines uninscribed)

SAA 17 077 — Presents to Ezida

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0267; ABL 0805. Sender: Mard[uk]. Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 077; SAAo P240255.

Obverse

Your servant Mard[uk]: I would gladly die for [the vizier, my lord]! May Nabû and [Marduk] bless my lord! Say to the vizier, [my] lord: [No one] is able to intercede [for me] as my lord. By Bel and Nabû, the gods [of the king, ...] of a slave and a manserv[ant ...] to pull [......] And the vizier [......] and with you [......] [...] to his presence [...] [Now] then [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) my lord [......] in [......] he [......] Now [......] there is [......] as a gift [...] and [...] May they appoint me! May I know that I a[m] the king's messenger! Otherwise my heart will not be all right. If he has paid them as a gift to Ezid[a], let me hear about it as soon as possible; let me know that he handles it in accordance to the command of my lord. I have se[nt] to my lord a very good sash [...] (and) a very good [...], without [...]; a sash of the gods [......].

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

SAA 17 078 — (no title) (to the Vizier)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05417b; ABL 1025. Sender: (Marduk). Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 078; SAAo P238436.

Obverse

[Concerning N]N about whom I wrote to the vizier, my [lord], he is an exempted Borsippean. [...] the vizier, my lord, (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) Borsippa [...]. [The vizier], my lord, may do as is agreeable to him and as he sees best. (1 line uninscribed)

SAA 17 079 — Report on Ezida

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05595; CT 54 145; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 296. Sender: [Marduk]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 079; SAAo P238504.

Obverse

[Your servant Marduk: I would gladly die for the king, my lord]! May Nabû and [Marduk] bless [th]e king! Say to the king, [my] lord: Ezida and the shrines and temples are well. [...] very [...] may [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 080

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15385; CT 54 310; cf. WO 4, 85. Sender: [Marduk]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 080; SAAo P239355.

Obverse

[Your servant Marduk: I would gladly] die [for the king, my lord! May] Nabû and [Marduk bless the king, my lord]! Say [to the king, my lord]: [Concerning] what the king wrote: "[...] [...] to Bit-D[akuru ...] [...] like the town [...] [...] he will kill and [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 081 — We are not Sending Lady Šumatti to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01172; CT 54 012; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 286; cf. WO 4, 77, 79, 83-84, 99, 189, 191, 218. Sender: Magnate[s] of the Hamuraneans. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 703 BC. SAA 17 081; SAAo P237994.

Obverse

[Tablet] of the magnates of the Hamureans of [... to the ki]ng, their lord: [The king s]ent [the le]tter of Balassu, (and) for three years we have kept [the guard] with the noblemen [of As]syria, (and) our [land] has feared the king. [...] now as [...] [...] Marduk-šarru-uṣur [...] [...] we have kept guard [...] we have kept guard [...] the king, our lord, [...] we have sustained [Ana-Na]bû-taklak [has handed] over to us the letter of the king, [our lord]. [...] ... [...] he adds (Break)

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

Bottom Edge

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

Reverse

[... in]to wastelands [...] our wives have turned [into wa]stelands. [The ...] at the disposal [of] the 'third men' [... of] the guard [ha]ve made [...] his [...] in the stockroom [of Bit]-Dakuru. They have no desire [for the king], our [lo]rd. [Now th]en we have not sent the lady Šumatti [to] the king, saying: "The king has in Assy[ria] [...] in safety [...] [...] guard [...] [i]n the stoc[kroom]. [Let him co]me here [and ...].

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

Right Edge

The king, our [lord], may do as he wishes.

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

SAA 17 082 — Let Nabu-le’i Come and Live with the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04775 + K 05604; ABL 1307+; cf. WO 4, 83; SKT 2 66. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 082; SAAo P238352.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...], saying: "...[...] [...] ... darkness that [...] to the king [...] [has ent]ered [...]. Now these men [...] [...] unreliable (and) rebellio[us ...] [...] and their brothers [have been deported] to Ashdod (and) [have been settled] in Tabal. Regarding Nabû-le'i [who w]rote: "Let me live where you are" — is there nothing at all [that] pleases [the ki]ng, my lord? If they act quickly, let Nabû-le'i come, as the king, my lord, wrote, so his people will rally against him, and people who are not his will rally against him too. Let me tell the king, my lord, how it can be arranged, and let the king, my lord, do as he deems best. Did I not say to the king, my lord, as foll[ows: "The ... of the king], my lord, carries out [the ...] of the king, his lord according to [...]"?

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

Right Edge

[...] the troops of the king, my lord [...] [...] the letter of the king, [my] l[ord ...] [......]

Edge

[...] a hundred yea[rs] [...] Bel in happiness [...] we shall add to it [and] deliver it [to the king, my lord].

SAA 17 083 — Pardoning the Offences of Borsippa

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0064; ABL 1076. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 083; SAAo P240131.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) wit[h ......] The king, my lord, should examine the cri[mes ... of a]ll [...s], have [compassio]n on those whose crimes are lig[ht like breath], count (them) among [his servants], and [appoint them] to the ro[yal] service. The Borsippeans [...] — since he pardoned the offence of the protégé [who ..., he will bless him] for as long as he lives and not [commit] a further misdemeanour anymore.

Reverse

The king, your father, said to Rim[utu ...]: "The governor [...] died [according to] his fate [...]" (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 084 — King of Assyria About to Enter Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01105; ABL 0588. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak?]. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 084; SAAo P237978.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [The ...] will return 20 [...]. "The troops of the king of Akkad and the king of Elam did not stand up before the king of Assyria." And if he goes to Babylon, let my brother not tarry entering and be not negligent but care for the future and enter Babylon quickly. When he has entered Babylon, he will have set foot on the centre of the lands. And after it, he will achieve his objective.

Reverse

All the people of Bit-Dakuri have left the cities and gone into the marshes. Countless barley and dates have been left back. Horses should go and stay (there) because of this. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 085 — Boats Into the Marsh

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 09124 + K 11849; CT 54 215. Recipient: pthe king]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 085; SAAo P238839.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] Bit-Dakuri ...[......] [... say]ing: "[Beg] the ki[n]g of Assyria for he[lp ...]" [...] When they lifted their hands to the king, our lord, [...] [h]e [s]tood [...]. Fighting equipment and any [...] [he ...] them, [...] in boats into the mars[h]. When the ki[n]g sent [the ...] and the prefects, we [rejoiced] greatly. One by one we ma[de] Nabû and Na[n]aya [go out] at the name of the king, our lord. We send [...], (and) [...] every day any news or word [...]. When [Š]umaya, Nenê's son, put Ana-N[abû-taklak ...], [......] to Babylon [......] he spoke [with] him, saying: "If [...] [...... fr]om Nabû not [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

Chapter Six. Letters from Dilbat, Larak and Nippur

SAA 17 086–091. 6 texts.

SAA 17 086 — The Temple is Well; May the King Appoint me

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01370; ABL 0994; cf. WO 4, 89, 202. Sender: Šullumu. Recipient: the king of the lands. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 086; SAAo P238056.

Obverse

Your servant Šullumu: I would gladly die for the king of the lands, my lord! May Uraš and Ninegal bless the king! [S]ay to the king, my lord: [The food] of the temple is excellent [and the b]eer of the temple is good. The temple of [the ki]ng is well. I pray [da]ily [to Ur]aš and Belet Eanna [for the good he]alth of the king, my lord.

Reverse

May [the king], my lord, appoint me [...]! (rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 087 — Unoccupied Men

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05438; ABL 1027; cf. WO 4, 89. Sender: Šullum[u]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 087; SAAo P238449.

Obverse

[Yo]ur [servant] Šullum[u: I would] gladly die for the king, my lord! May [Uraš and Ninegal] bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Certain unemploy[ed] men [...]. Nabû, who overwhelms cri[mes...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (2 lines uninscribed)

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

SAA 17 088

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15702; CT 54 331; cf. WO 4, 83, 191. Sender: Da’ini, Nabu-le[’i]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 088; SAAo P239392.

Obverse

[Tablet of] Da'ini and of Nabû-l[e'i to Sar]gon, king of the universe, [their] lord. [...] to the king [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(uninscribed)

SAA 17 089 — Barik-il of Larak Appeals to the King in the Assembly

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0028; ABL 0344; Cole, SAAS 4, 77-78; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 421. Sender: the šandabakku (of Nippur), recruitment officers. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 089; SAAo P237240.

Obverse

[To the king], their lord: your [ser]vants, the šandabakku, and the recruitment officers. Good health to the king, our lord! May Enlil, Ninurta and Nusku bless the king, my lord! The Sealanders have sent a letter to the recruitment officers. They have read it. Now we have sent the letter to the king, our lord. May the king act as he wishes.

Reverse

After Bariki-il, the Larakean, escaped from the prison of Larak, he appealed to the king in the assembly of the people. Now we have sent him to the king, our lord, so the king may question him.

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

SAA 17 090 — Watch of Ekur and Nippur

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01165; CT 54 011; cf. WO 4, 83, 87, 191. Sender: [the šandabakku (of Nippur)]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 090; SAAo P237993.

Obverse

[Tablet of the šandabakku to the] king, his lord. Good health to the king, my lord! May the great gods of Ekur and Nippur make you achieve whatever you plan. As to the words which the king wrote: "Place the son of NN here at [my] feet; let him strengthen the guard, so that the guard of Ekur and Nippur will be [strong]!" — Ninurta-naṣir, the son of [N]N, the high priest, is [...]

Reverse

[...] words [...] the king (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 091

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0563 + Sm 2169; CT 54 435; cf. WO 4, 70, 86. Sender: the šandabakku (of Nippur). Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 091; SAAo P240285.

Obverse

Your servant, the šandabakku: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Enlil, Ninurta (and) Nusku b[les]s the king, my lord! [Say to] the king, my lord: [...] king, [my] lord[, ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) May the king, my lord, send me [n]ew[s] of the king, my lord!

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

Chapter Seven. Letters from Gambulu

SAA 17 092–128. 37 texts.

SAA 17 092 — Handing Over Murderers of Babylonians

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00508; ABL 0848; cf. WO 4, 199, 203; S. A. Smith, PSBA 19, 175-176. Sender: Lanše. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 092; SAAo P237819.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Lanšê. Good health to the king, my lord! Concerning the murderers of the Babylonians of whom the king, my lord, wrote, whenever the canal is open for the Hindareans, they speak lies! Now then I have, instead of the murderers, handed over to the Babylonians two Hindareans and one (subject) of Abi-hasâ. I have at the same time handed over to the Babylonians the mothers of the Rasitu tribe.

Reverse

(rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 093 — Hostages of Hindareans; Digging Canal and Choosing Bulls

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01214 + K 07313 + K 07450; CT 54 174; cf. WO 4, 69, 192, 200, 203-205; W. Mayer, Or. 58, 152. Sender: Lanše. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 093; SAAo P238004.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: yo[ur servant] Lanšê. [Good he]alth to the king, my lord! [Say] to the king, my lord, for the well-being of the king, my lord: [No]w, concerning the [host]ages of the Hindareans of whom the king, my l[ord], wrote, I never take anyone — if he is a hostage or not a hostage — and imprison him in the garrison of the king, my lord! I bear (personally) the responsibility for all hostages of the Hindareans who are with me. Now, regarding those two soldiers, who were with them, they have come.

Bottom Edge

Their [...] in [...] ... [...]

Reverse

[...]. Because they are [...] [... he has] written. Their [...]s will bring the hostages here. As to the work on the river, of which the king, my lord, gave me orders: I am now working on it. As to the ungelded bulls of which the king, my lord, spoke, I am now choosing them. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 094 — Withholding Hostages

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 099008; ABL 1382; cf. WO 4, 200, 203-204. Sender: [Lanše]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 094; SAAo P237542.

Obverse

To the king, [my] lord: [your servant Lanšê]. Good health to the ki[ng, my lord! Say] to the king, m[y] lord, for the well-being of the king, [my] lord: [When] the ki[ng, my lord], raised me from the clouded darkness, saying: "[...]," he dispatched [.....], (and) his grandees c[onstantly ...] my face to [...]. Now ... [...] of the king, my lord, [...] to the king, [my] l[ord, ...] the govern[or ...] in ... [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [D]akuru [will] remove the [extensive] land from the hands of the king, [my] lord, and [I shall go] to the presence of the king, my lord. They have turned Mahumaya (and) himself into a chis[el]. Now then [I am waiting] for the king, m[y] lord. Is this it? [An inquiry ...] that the king, my lord, in [his] presence [...] In my heart I wi[sh ...] before he himself ... [...] and for these [...] he had wished for me and [...] My heart [is] not [...] Why in [...] opposite of [...] I stand there [...] The son of Sargon [...] every piece of [my] pe[rsonal] property [...] the house of my lord ... [...]

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

Edge

[... of the king], my lord, is with me. Up to one year they will serve [in the pa]lace of the king, my lord. This man, who loves [...] Dakuru (and) whom your father always [...]. This slave boy is five years old.

SAA 17 095 — Withholding Hostages (to the Vizier)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05264; ABL 1316; cf. WO 4, 203-204. Sender: [Lanše]. Recipient: [the vizier]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 095; SAAo P238385.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] Now th[en ...] [...] your enemy [...] [...] as soon as someone [...] At the time of Šamaš-buna[ya ...] a certain Ha'ir used to send ...[...] (as) hostages. They were caught [...], and [...]. [In the days] of Aššur-belu-taqqin, who [...], I myself used to do a lot to [...] (and) to eliminate the host[ages ...]. Now in the days of [Marduk-šarru-uṣur] they h[ave taken] a hostage of mine [...] in his youth ... [...] we are not trusted [...] and not [...] who in the kin[g's] palace [...] and (whom) the king, your lord, [...] counted me, a hos[tage ...]

Bottom Edge

you did not seek for me [...] This governor [...] we want to become strong ... [...] I myself shall rescue [...] at [the ...'s] command. As Na[bû...]

Reverse

of the vizier, my lord, [...] you have co[nquered] your enemy [...] peace to the kin[g...] you did not grow. In the presence of [...] the evil which he/they heard [...] Otherwise, he is not [...] and will make the va[st] land slide [from the hands of the king]. As to Abi-har[u], I am not de[voted to him]; as to Nerga[l-ereš], I am not de[voted to him either]; I am devoted to the [vizier, my lord]. May the vizier take care of my lawsuit [against NN, and] let Marduk-šarru-uṣur see (it and) [do] a[s ...]. Should he not do so, [...], (and) Dakuru will remove the extensive land [from the hands] of the king, my lord, and I shall go to the presence [of the king, my lord]. They have turned Mahumaya (and) himself [into] a chisel. The [...] [Now then] I [am waiting] for the vizier, my lord. [Is this i]t? An inquiry [which the vizier, my lord, ... in] his presence [...] (Break)

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

Edge

saying, "As to the fortress of Bit-Da[kuru], it is filled [to] the brim. I have not [...] This slave-boy is aged five [...]. [Let the vizier my lord ask]: "Is it true [...]?"

SAA 17 096 — Giving People for People

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00580; ABL 0849; cf. WO 4, 192, 199, 203-205. Sender: Lanše. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 096; SAAo P237832.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Lanšê. Good health to the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord, for the well-being of the king, my lord: Now, concerning the people of whom the king, my lord, wrote: "They are servants of Zeru-ibni; give them [ba]ck to him!" — there are no servants of Zeru-ibni in (my) presence. In reality, the two men are Damuneans, vanguards of the king, my lord. Their brothers [...] Zeru-ibni to [...] In case a word [...]

Reverse

and the men here [...] both and [...] they are (my) friends and owners of [...] I have handed them over with the forces (sent) to the governor of Damascus. If it is agreeable to the king, my lord, I shall give Zeru-ibni soldiers for the people, or, at the king my lord's command, people for people. There are however no servants of his in (my) possession. (2 lines uninscribed)

SAA 17 097 — Fragment Mentioning the Damunu Tribe

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05536; CT 54 131; cf. WO 4, 192, 203. Sender: [Lanše]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 097; SAAo P238481.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] not [...] [...] when I [...] [...] ... and of ... [...] [...] the Dam[uneans ...] [...] rose against me [...] [...] they received [...] [...] who through an arr[ow ...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 098

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 1779; CT 54 505; cf. WO 4, 200, 203, 205-206. Sender: [Lanše]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 098; SAAo P237207.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] to Zeru-ib[ni ...] [... ] Aššur to the king, [my] lord [...] [As to what the king (my lord) wr]ote: "[...] for the new[s ...]" [...] When [the hear]t of the king, my lord, is [...], [...] they will do [the king's work] and [...] to [...]. [As to what the king (my lord) wro]te: "[...] the women to [...] [Their eyes] are se[t] upon them" [...] [Their eyes] are set upon the king, my lord, (only) [...] (When) [... com]es, he will see (it), and the kin[g ...] [...] my herald [...] [...], saying: "The words [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 099 — Fragment Mentioning the Damunu Tribe and Der

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05433b; CT 54 102; cf. WO 4, 193, 200, 203-205, 212; von Soden, ZA 70, 147. Sender: [Lanše]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 099; SAAo P238445.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] my [...]s [...] to house and gate [... Bel]-usatu [...] my [...] [NN, ...]-Bel, his brother, [...] will come [...] all [...] nicely [... they] came [...] the governor [... t]o the presence [...] have [go]ne [NN, the son] of Tabnea [who ...] fled [... the] Damuneans [sent him] on the road (and) [help]ed (him) to flee. [......] [...] 30 [...]s (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) [...] anything [...] he sent him. [...] have been placed, saying: "[... pr]ince, princess [...] this [...] ... and because of that [...] concerning the governor [...] Ea-mahir [...] to the presence [...] altogether [...] let him come up [... he] will make for you [...] to the palace [...] as I asked [...] the camp [...] they were taken [to] the palace [...] the governor [...] the prelate [...] until now [...] of the river [...] said: "To

Right Edge

[...] to Der [...] to his presence (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 100

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 1919; ABL 0851; cf. WO 4, 200, 203. Sender: Lanš[e]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 100; SAAo P240426.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Lanš[ê]. [Good health] to the king, my lord! [Say to] the king, [my] lord, for the well-being of the ki[ng, my lord]: [The king], my lord, [...] [Concerning what the king], my [lord], wrote: "[...] (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

Reverse

(beginning broken away)

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

SAA 17 101 — Report on the [Son of Yakin]; Shipping Barley to Bab-bitqi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08409; ABL 0893; cf. WO 4, 196. Sender: Bada. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710/706 BC. SAA 17 101; SAAo P238724.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Badâ. Good health to the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: The fortress and the troops of the king are well. The people of the land are well. The king, my [lord], can be glad. Concerning the ne[ws of ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] at the disposal of the[ir] people [... of the ki]ng [is] with them [...] I did not wi[sh] them to be deported [... will he]ar: "The kin[g ...] [...] and Badâ [did not wish] them to be deported" [...] this, which in front of them [...] was accomplished particularly well. As [...] I have set down the [...] of the king. I am doing the king's work according to the king, my lord's wish. The work of the king, my lord, is in good shape. The king, my lord, can be confident; the king, my lord, can be glad. May the king, my lord, realize all his royal plans according to his heart's (desire)! My messenger, who was delayed and did not come to the audience of the king, [brought] my report [back]. I decided not to write to the king, my lord, but waited for instructions until the barley was deposited in Bab-bitqa. Thereafter I wrote 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.]

Edge

[... l]etters [...] the king, my lord [...]

SAA 17 102 — The King Should Appoint Aqar-Bel-lumur

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00684; ABL 0892; cf. WO 4, 196. Sender: Bada. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710/706 BC. SAA 17 102; SAAo P237847.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Badâ. Good health to the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: The king, my lord, has done me more favours than to all the countries. My name has become respectable under the protection of the king, my lord. I pro[mise] to return the favours [that the king, my lord], has done. [...] that under the protection [...] may come to an end [...] Should the king, [my lord, say: "..."] (Break)

[2 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 the king, [my] lord [...] quickly [send] Na[bû-... here] by mule express, so that he may speak with my servants and encourage them. Let him gird the loins of Aqar-Bel-[lumur], and let him be .... [Let him appoint] my servants in [his] charge, so he himself may [come] here [and] honour the king, my lord! No one fulfills on the king's commands as I do, apart from Aqar-Bel-lumur. He will carry out all the king's plans and deliver everything to the king, my lord. I have written to the king seven times out of necessity. The king, my lord, has given the houses of all those men whose fathers are dead to their sons. Now these are fatherless servants who are loyal to the king. Let him not abandon his servants! Let him not destroy the house of a royal servant!

SAA 17 103 — Fragment Mentioning Bada (to the Chamberlain)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01226; ABL 0855; cf. WO 4, 193, 196. Sender: Aqar-Bel-lumur. Recipient: the chamberlain. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 103; SAAo P238007.

Obverse

To the chamberlain, my lord: your servant Aqar-Bel-lumur. The best of health to [the chamberlai]n, my lord! I[n ...] of Badâ, you[r] servant, [...] of water [...] has he [not] laid (it) down? [... w]ith us [...] why (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) I have written to my lord. May my lord do as he wishes. (4 lines uninscribed)

SAA 17 104

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01887; ABL 0856; cf. WO 4, 193. Sender: [Aqar-B]el-lumur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 104; SAAo P238099.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: [your servant Aqar-B]el-lumur. [Good health t]o the king, my lord! [Say to the king, m]y lord: [Concerning ...] ... a pair [about which the king, my lord], wrote, [I have now sent] ... and a pair [...] to the king, my lord. [...] and in case (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] this land [...] are they [n]ot reliable? [... roof]-beams in accordance with the wish [...] there is [...] the men who were taken away [...] ... [...] are glad [...] ... I will give.

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

SAA 17 105 — On Accounting (to Bel-ibni)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01158; ABL 0854; Dietrich, AOAT 253, 96; cf. WO 4, 193. Sender: Aqar-[Bel-lumur]. Recipient: Bel-ibn[i]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 105; SAAo P237989.

Obverse

Tablet of Aqar-[Bel-lumur] to Bel-ibn[i, his lord]. Good health to [my lord]! Now, ho[w can I do the] account[ing] which [my lord] commanded? Now then [...] very good [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) is placed [...] I shall recei[ve...] and [my] lord [...] the entire audience gift [...]. [After] you came and Ri[mutu] took 10.5 talents of his silver, they are alienating town after town. And he himself [is] very [...]. I am in the land of the enemy. Even the sole [king's servant], Šulâ the haruspex, says, tearing at his beard: "Why does the king gird his loins? He has never shown respect to him!" [...]

SAA 17 106 — The Son of Yakin in Babylon; Nabu-hamatua Attacks the Litamu

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00145; ABL 0436; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-196. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-lum]ur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 106; SAAo P237788.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Aqar-Bel-lum]ur. [Good health to the king], my lord! [Sa]y to the king, my lord: News of the son of Yakin: he is [in] Babylon. Furthermore, [I have] heard that Nabû-hamatua — and he has troops with him — has ... marched downstream all the way to the Litamu. Firstly, they are saying: "Why do the Assyrians keep attacking our towns? We shall go and attack the cities of Bit-Dakuri." Secondly, it is being said that they say: "Isn't it actually good that he (Nabû-hamatua) came? When they pull themselves back, we shall have entered Babylon."

Reverse

Furthermore, I have heard that they have established a mutual rule: No one may draw back and g[o] against the towns of Assyria [...] them [...] and [...] and [...] her [...] it/she [...] her [... to the king], my lord [...] verily [... of the king], my lord [... I] did to him [...] half way [of ...]...

SAA 17 107 — Report on the Son of Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05471; CT 54 119; cf. WO 4, 194-196. Sender: A[qar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 107; SAAo P238468.

Obverse

[To] the king, [my lord]: your [servant] A[qar-Bel-lumur. Goo]d health [to the king, my lord]! Concerning the n[ews of the son of] Yakin: [...] [...] three [...] [...] my lord [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(as far as preserved, uninscribed)

SAA 17 108

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05412b; ABL 0857; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-197, 199. Sender: Aqar-Bel-lumur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 108; SAAo P238431.

Obverse

[To the] king, m[y] l[ord]: [yo]ur [servant] Aqar-Bel-lumur. [Good] health to the king, my lord! [Say] to the king, my lord: The fortress [and the troop]s of the king [are well. The mood of the pe]ople of the land is good. [The king, my lord, can b]e glad. (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(uninscribed)

SAA 17 109 — Report on the Son of Yakin; NN with Archers in Dur-Abihara

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05431b; ABL 1319; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-197, 199, 206. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 109; SAAo P238444.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Good [health to the king, my lord]! Say t[o the king, my lord: The fortress] and the troop[s of the king, my lord] are well. The mood of the [people of the land is good]. The king, [my] lo[rd, can be glad]. New[s of the son of Yakin]: h[e is in Babylon]. There [...] to [...] to ... [...] in Babylon [...] after his heart [...] and after he had boasted in the middle ... [...] [had] ... [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [... he has] gone. ... [...] [Now th]en [I will f]ind out wha[t it is and] send a detailed report [to the king, my lord]. [NN], the brother of Ku[...], has come [with] m[any] archers and entered [my] presence [in the fortress] of Abi-haru. Ne[ws] of the Babyloni[ans ...] the son of Tamgitu [...] man[y ...] he sen[t ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 110 — The Son of Yakin Will not Come for the New Year’s Festival

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05447a + K 13038; CT 54 111; cf. WO 4, 193-195, 211. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 110; SAAo P238455.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] each other [...] [...... h]e wen[t ...] [......] the Kiši[tes ...] [......] at the foot [...] [......] the Borsi[ppeans, the Sippareans] (and) the Cuthae[ans, saying]: "This year the son of Yak[in] will not come [in] the month Nisan (I)." [He ga]ve [the order]: "The king of Elam has held him back, but you, come yourself and sacrifice your lambs!" I have made inqui[ries]. After he wrote to the son of Yakin, Kuttiya, the son of Šarrani, wanted to return to his presence. He did not [agree but] gave him [40] minas of silver and spoke to him with these words: "I have already given you [4]0 minas of silver. And now [I will give] you 10 minas of silver and send you back to the son of [NN]. Go and encourage the Babylonians and say to them (thus): '[Since] you went away, there has been no more procession of Nin[urta]. Because of this [...] has not come, but he will come [next year]. And I myself [...].'"

Reverse

[...] the leper [...] [...] to [...] [...] my [mess]engers to [...] (Rest destroyed)

Edge

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

SAA 17 111 — Kalbi-Uku’a Submits to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01936 + K 16609; CT 54 039; cf. WO 4, 193-197, 199, 201, 205. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 111; SAAo P238116.

Obverse

[Your servant Aqar-Bel-lumur: t]o the ki[ng, my lo]rd. Good health [to] king, my lord! [Say] to the [king, my lord]: The fortre[ss and the troops] of the king are well. The mood of the people of the land is good. The king, my lord, can be glad. Now then Kalbi-Ukûa has gone to the audience of the king, my lord! The king, my lord, can rejoice! May Bel and Nabû grant to the king, my lord, that all the men who have transgressed against the king, my lord, in this way will come an[d bow] before the king, my lord! And perhaps [...] he will proceed [... of] the king, my lord, [...] friendly words [...] and ... [...] until ... [...] (Break)

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

Reverse

"Speak friendly [with ...] and [...]!" I was delayed [...] they set off [...] weep for him, to [...] I sent a herald to [...] of the land, saying: "[...]." I shall speak friendly wi[th them, give them] orders, (and) make them confident. [...] of the fortresses of the king, my lord, [...] and the knowledge of the [...] they have set off. Wha[t ...] from right and le[ft ...] [I will keep] the guard of the king, [my lord]. And afterwards I will go before [...]. I am writing to the king, my lord out of urgency: [...] The king, my lord, should not [...] words wi[th the governor of] Arrapha and [with] Kalbi-Ukûa! [...] ... [...] for the king, my lord, [...] [...] I [...] [...] of [...] [...] ... [...]

Right Edge

[...] ... I speak reliable [...] to [the king], my [lord].

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

SAA 17 112 — The Wife of the Son of Yakin is Dead; King has Saved the Country

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16613 + Sm 0037 + Sm 0361 + Sm 1794 + Sm 1951 + Sm 2158; CT 54 393; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-197, 199. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 112; SAAo P239468.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: [your] ser[vant Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Good health to the ki[ng, my lord]! Say to the ki[ng, my lord]: the fortr[ess and the troops of the king], my lord, are well. The king, [my lord, can be glad]. Concerning the news of the son of [Yakin: he is in Babylon]. His wife has die[d. ...] I have written to the governor, (but) I did not put [...] to [...] until [...]. I am now writing to the king, my lord: [...] of Nergal-naṣir and [...] When they cam[e ...] in Babylon, in Cutha [...] in cities under the command of [...] his house under [ ...] As to what the king, my lord, [wrote]: "[...] 1,000 peop[le ... which] you sent here [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...] [...] sa[ys ...] [...] ... and [...] [of the king, m]y lord, [...] [...] pleasantly [...] [...] are suitable [...] [...] the Ba[by]lonians [...] [...] came [...] [... I wi]ll do. The king, [my] lo[rd, ...] [...] their [...] (Break) (two lines destroyed)

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

Reverse

[...] he put before me [...] [...] The king, my lord, conq[uered] this land and saved [...]. I said: "Let me [...] myself [...] I shall bring back and only by myself [...]." Has [...] mobilized my own [...]? Per[haps the ...s] will say: "There is [...] in the house of his lord [...]" — My [...], my people, my wives, [my] son[s], my daughters, whatever property of mine there was [that I had acquired with] my work under the protection of the king, my lord, were [plund]ered, ruined and sold to El[am and] Bit-Yakin. I myself did [flee] alone to [Assyria] and grabbed the feet of the king, my lord; and having been ready to die wi[th the men] of the king, my lord, under the protec[tion of] the gods of the king, I have fulfilled the mission that [the king] gave me, and the king, my lord, has put the plant [of life] in my mouth. If he says a [frien]dly word [to] me, and secondly [tells me]: "You are saying: 'The men who [are ...], should not giv[e ...] like me [...]'" — they are like me; the king, my lord, [knows that] I am a servant of the king who eve[r] since [...] up until now has been ready to die and live with the me[n of the king], my lord. And the kin[g, my lord], has done favours [to] all [...]. Ever since the day when [...] the word [...], I have been very afrai[d ...] Words [...] ... [...] to [......] there[in ......] (Break)

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

Right Edge

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

Edge

[...] ... I have sent their people to the vizier.

SAA 17 113 — News on the Son of Yakin; Catching Criminals

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15323 + Rm 2, 408; CT 54 305; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-199, 235. Sender: [Aqar-Bel-l]umur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 113; SAAo P239348.

Obverse

[To the king, m]y [lord: your servant Aqar-Bel-l]umur. [May the ki]ng, my lord, (be) well! [Say to the king, m]y [lord: The fort]ress and [the troops of the king are well. The mood] of the people of the land [is good. The king], my [lord can be glad! Concerning the news] of the son of Yakin: [he is in Babylon]. My [...] [......] ... of the king [...] [......] ... [...] [......] you go [...] [......] ali[ve ...] [......] the nešakku-priest [...] [......] have attacked [...] [......] to put down [...] [...... t]o Badâ [...] [...... the]re are [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] of the king [...] [......] my [...] t[o ...] [...] are/were many. (I swear) by the gods [of the king, my lord], that even before the king, [my] lord wrote [...], I [...] as much as a cohort. And I will seize all the men who are [... dev]oted to him with the men [of NN] and hand them over to the king. [...] He is not guilty of anything. [...] This [...] great crime [......] Hananu [......] has done When [...] he raised for me untruthfulness, [... I ...ed] to the king, my lord.

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

Right Edge

[......] to ... May he carry [......] [......] ... [...]

SAA 17 114 — Affairs of Hanana and Belet-taddina

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0549 + Sm 1213; CT 54 401; cf. WO 4, 193, 195-199. Sender: [Aqar-Bel]-lumur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 114; SAAo P240284.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord]: your [servant Aqar-Bel]-lumur. Go[od health to the king], my lord! Sa[y to the king, my lord]: The [fortress] and the tro[ops of the king] are [well. The mood of the pe]ople of the land is g[ood. The king, my lord, can be] glad. (Break) (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) from [......] wherever [......] I shall send [...] I did not let [...] detained [...] I do not send [...] just as I ... [...] are complete. Wi[th ...] my lord. Goodness [...] they have hit, to H[anana ...] with the harem warden [...] I came [...] to the harem warden [...] as follows: Hana[na...] and all water [...] When afterwards the king [...] of Belet-ta[ddina ...] him and [his] people [...] I had brought here and [...] like ... [...] ... [...] these [... be]fore the king, my lord, Hanana [...] Belet-taddina Hanana [...] these men [......] Belet-taddina [...] I had them brought here and [...] among these men

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

Right Edge

[...] the remaining [...] Belet-taddina [...] the king [... sp]eaks

Edge

[...] I am herewith sending to the king, my lord, Nabû-ereš, his two sons, his two daughters, his two maids [...] (and) the people of Nabû-ereš.

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

SAA 17 115 — The Son of Yakin Prepares for the New Year’s Festival

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00563; ABL 0261; cf. WO 4, 193, 199. Sender: Nabu-šumu-lišir, Aqar-Bel-lumur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 115; SAAo P237829.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-šumu-lišir and Aqar-Bel-lumur. Good health to the king, our lord! Say to the king, our lord: the fortress and the armed forces of the king are well. The king, our lord, can be glad. News of the son of Yakin: he is in Babylon. He is waiting for the month Nisan (I). As soon as the month Nisan is over, we shall hear the relevant report and inform the king, our lord.

Reverse

[...] the eunuch [...]... before [...] Now [...] dependent [...] archers [...] 4 donkeys 700 [...] we have dispatched to the king, our lord. Concerning [the news of Bel]et-taddina about whom the king, our lord, wrote, the property of the palace [...] is available. I shall now go to the town Pad(da)nu I/he will do [...] the rest [...]

SAA 17 116 — The Son of Yakin in Babylon;May the King’s Messenger Come Quickly

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01045; ABL 0264; cf. WO 4, 193, 199. Sender: Nabu-šumu-lišir, Aqar-B[el-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 116; SAAo P237968.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: [your] servants Nabû-šumu-lišir and Aqar-Be[l-lumur]. Good health to the king, our lord! Say to the king, our lord: the fortress and the troops of the king are well. The mood of the people of the land [is good]. The king, our lord, can be [glad]. Concerning the news of the [son of Yakin]: he is in Babylon. As to the news [of ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...]...[...] [... of the k]ing, our lord, [...]... [the moun]ted messenger of the king to [...] ... of the king, our lord, and [...] shall come. The messengers of the king should now quickly come to us. Then we will come quickly, see the king, our lord, and [get] confident. May we become happy under the protection of the king, our lord! (1 line uninscribed)

SAA 17 117 — The Son of Yakin in Babylon; May the King’s Messenger Come Quickly

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01371; CT 54 023; cf. WO 4, 193-194, 196, 199. Sender: [Nabu-šumu-lišir, Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 117; SAAo P238057.

Obverse

[To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-šumu-lišir] and [Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Go[od health to the king, our lord! Say to] t[he king, our lord: [The fortress] and the troops [of the ki]ng are well. The mood of the people of the land is [good]. The king, [our lord], ca[n b]e gl[ad]. The [...] of the king [...]. Concerning the news of [...], he is well. He is being observed. As to the news of the man of Bit-Yakin: he is in Babylon. Normally, after the [...] of the king have survived and those who are in the [enemy] land deci[de] to go [back to] Assyria [from] the enemy land, a messenger of the king sets out in advance from the enemy land and comes [to his servant]; he hears of the well-being of the king, his lord, and his heart is revived under the protection of the king, his lord.

Reverse

Now, why is it that the king our lord has entered his house in well-being, but a messenger of the king has not come to [these] dogs? [Our heart] became afraid and wor[ried] and is constantly trou[bled:] "We ha[ve been] neglected." Right and left [...], are they not saying: "These dogs [......]. Their lord [does] no[t ......]."

Edge

May we quickly see the king's messenger, so that our hearts may be soothed under the protection of the king.

SAA 17 118 — The Son of Yakin [in Babylon]; Report on Bit-Dakuri

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05450b; CT 54 114; cf. WO 4, 69, 193, 199-200, 204. Sender: Nabu-šumu-[lišir, Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 118; SAAo P238457.

Obverse

To the king, [our lord: your servants] Nabû-šumu-[lišir and Aqar-Bel-lumur.] May [the king, our lord, be] well! Say t[o the king, our lord: The fortress] and the troops [of the king] are well. [The mood] of the people of the land is go[od. The king], our lord, can be [glad]. [Concerning the news] of the son of Yakin: [he is] in [Babylon]. As to the news of the Da[kureans, NN], the son of Raha[...] of Lanšê [...] the scribe of [...] and Nabû-uša[llim...] because of the capture [...] [..] he has caugh[t him ...] [...] their [...] [... c]am[e ...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(eight unintelligible lines; rest broken away)

Edge

(four unintelligible lines)

SAA 17 119 — Report on the Son of Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16112 + K 16586 + K 16596; CT 54 350. Sender: [Nabu-šumu-lišir, Aqar-Bel-lumur]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 119; SAAo P239416.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [The king, my lord], can [be glad]. [News] of the son of [Yakin: he ......]. As to the n[ews of ......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] in [......] [...] and [......] [...] is getti[ng ......] [...] wherever [......] [...] Nippur [......] [...] says: "[......]" [...] of barley and [...] flour [......] I respect the treaty of the ki[ng ......] He fled [.......] "(All) the lands as [......] he has sei[zed] with them [......] he fled [......] because thus [......] because [......] (Break)

Edge

[... wi]th the shei[kh .......] [who ca]me, they will con[quer ......]

SAA 17 120 — Elamite Attack

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07326 + EPHE 342; ABL 1335+; cf. Parpola, AOAT 281, 559; Scheil, RA 18, 31; WO 4, 75-76, 87, 92, 193, 199. Sender: Nabu-šumu-lišir, Aqar-Bel-lumur. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 120; SAAo P238648.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-šuma-lišir and Aqar-Bel-lumur. Good health to the king, our lord! Say to the king, our lord: The king's forts and troops are well. The mood of the people is good. The king, our lord, can be glad. On the 8th of Kislev (IX), on the eve of the 9th day, a messenger of Šamaš-belu-uṣur, the legate of Der, arrived on a passageway horse. (While) the people [of] Zitta were organizing help, he said: "Go up to the fortified place! The king of Elam is (marching) against you!" When we said to him, "Proceed against him! Tell us, why are you organizing help?" he said: "I am under orders to call (people) to arms from wheresoever, and I have called to arms everybody from the trail of Der as far as the [mo]uth of the river of Nergal." When we heard this, we strengthened] the guard [...]; all the people of the country were crowded [toge]ther [......]. Silence [...] upon ... [Wh]en we heard (this) [and we]nt into the city, Lulla-Bel, [... Mu]kinni-Aššur and [PN] ...... [......] went with us

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed)

Reverse

[......] the people of the country [...] [......] with them to [...] [......] them to Lu[lla-Bel]. When there [was ......], we [brought [bo]wmen and shieldmen [... into] the king's fort, wrote down [letters] and dispatched them to [the king, our lord]. Lulla-Bel too [......] dispatched letters [......]. [On the xth day], the messenger came (back) [...] on horseback, saying: "There is nothing [to worry about]! They have [gon]e up to the territory [of the Elami]tes, taken land as far as Bit-Ha'iri, [and] returned." We sent (word) and had the letters which we had dispatched to the king, our lord, returned, thinking: "Should the king, our lord, read (lit., 'hear') them, he would get startled." In case they bring in the message of Lulla-Bel, the king, our lord, should not believe the content of the message. There is nothing is to worry about; the king, our lord, can be at ease. As to the work on the river of Bit-Deraya which the king, our lord, ordered to be dammed — the king, our lord, knows that last year and the year before it the people of the country were many, and they were brought out and worked on it like one farmer. But now the people of the country are few and (...), and we have not worked on it earlier. The days have arrived, but all the people are sulky and do not act according to their hearts. The king, our lord, will say, "They shall do the work! They shall have no claim!" (But) they do not obey us, so we cannot do the work. May the king act best as he can. With the Urhulu, Damunu and Aradatu (tribes) [......] ... is not angry. We fear the king, our lord, and shall never place a woe on them! May the king, my lord, act best as he can.

SAA 17 121 — To the Vizier: Coming to the review

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08395; ABL 0640. Sender: [Nabu-šumu-lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 121; SAAo P238718.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) May our lord [quickly] write [us] that he is in go[od health and] hap[py]! I and Aqar-Bel-lumur are now coming to the review. (As to) the silver sword, of which I talked with my lord and my lord told me: "It will be made" — may my lord make a [beauti]ful silver sword and keep it for me.

SAA 17 122 — Pouring Gifts on Abu-eriba, King’s Relative

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00654; ABL 0511; Dietrich, AOAT 274; cf. WO 4, 193, 200. Sender: Nabu-šumu-[lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 122; SAAo P237843.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-šumu-[lišir]. Good health to the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I prepared everything for the journey of Abu-eriba, the king's relative, and his wife, and they have now arrived. Abu-eriba has been given a kusītu-gown, a woollen cover, a threaded work dress of Tukriš, bracelets worth 1/3 shekels gold, 2 silver dishes, 35 dependents, 2 female singers, 1 horse, 2 camels, 4 donkeys, 20 cows, 300 sheep and 1 wagon; and his wife was provided with jewellery worth 2/3 minas of gold. She [with] all [her lady staff ...] was dressed in garments. All his men too were robed (in purple) and provided with silver bracelets.

Bottom Edge

[Aqar]-Bel-lumur and his wife have given an order to Abu-eriba: "As soon as you have gone back, speak maliciously of Nabû-šuma-lišir in the palace!" Perhaps he will speak maliciously of me in the palace. The king, my lord, should know that the order came from our house.

Reverse

(rest uninscribed)

SAA 17 123 — A Royal Eunuch Should Come

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 1243; CT 54 410; cf. WO 4, 200. Sender: Na[bu-šumu-lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 123; SAAo P240360.

Obverse

To the king, [my lord]: your servant Na[bû-šumu-lišir]. Good health [to the king, my lord]! Sa[y to the king, my lord]: (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) of/what ... [...] I have writte[n ...] goes [...] ... [...] and place [...] over [...], until [...] we write [...]! [If] it is agreea[ble to the king], my lord, [...] which in their hands [...] [of] the king, my lord, [...] and if it is agreeable to [the king, my lord], let one of the king's eunuchs make [him] attain [...].

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

Right Edge

May the kin[g, my lord], do as he wish[es]!

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

SAA 17 124 — Report on Troops and Their Belongings

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07428; CT 54 192; cf. WO 4, 200-201. Sender: Na[bu-šumu]-li[šir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 124; SAAo P238667.

Obverse

[T]o the [king, my lord]: your [ser]vant Na[bû-šumu]-li[šir.] Good health to the [king, my lord]! Say to the ki[ng, my lord]: Concerning the men of whom [the king, my lord], wrote to me, [...] 188 men, among them 53 [dependents], 20 oxen, 24 donkeys, [x] sheep, [x mi]nas of gold

Reverse

(Break)

Edge

[...] your house [...]-peopl[e ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 125

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13100; ABL 0265; cf. WO 4, 200. Sender: Nab[u]-šumu-liš[ir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 125; SAAo P239182.

Obverse

T[o the king, m]y lord: your servant Nab[û]-šumu-liš[ir]. Go[od hea]lth to the king, [my] l[ord]! Sa[y t]o the king, [my] l[ord]: [The ... o]f the information of[ficer whom the king] sent [to me] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 126

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01898; CT 54 032. Sender: [Nabu-šumu-lišir]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 126; SAAo P238103.

Obverse

To the king, my lord, [your servant Nabû-šumu-lišir]. Good health [to the king, my lord]! Say to th[e king, my lord]: This dog [...] I [am] i[n ...] and he [...] Bit-Da[kuru ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) "[......] ... [...]." His words [...] He is not circ[umspect ...] He and [...] the woodcutter [...] a contract [...] I will give ... [...] which the king of Assyria [...] broke [...]

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

Right Edge

the words of the king [...] Nabû-šuma-iddin[a ...] of the king, my lord ... [...]

Edge

[...] let him speak to the king, my lord. [...] I have not spoken with him. If [...] and [it is agreeable] to the king, my lord [...] below her.

SAA 17 127 — Sending Messengers to Greet the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, DT 138; CT 54 438; cf. WO 4, 99, 203. Sender: [Kalbi-Uku]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 127; SAAo P237730.

Obverse

[Your servant Kalbi-Ukû: I would gladly die for] the kin[g, my lord]! Good health [to the king, my lord! Say] to the ki[ng, my lord]: I [am herewith] sending [my ta]blet to greet [the king, my lord]. [Previously] I did [not] send [...] to (inquire about) the well-being [of the king, my lord]. [...] Now [I am sending x+]4 men for the well-being (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 128 — Writing Down and Sending the King the Names of Noblemen

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00894; ABL 0900; cf. WO 4, 99, 193-194; SKT 2 62. Sender: Kalbi-Uku. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 128; SAAo P237925.

Obverse

Your servant Kalbi-Ukû: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Good health to the ki[ng], my lord. Say to the king, m[y] lord: I am herewith sending a tablet for the well-being of the king, my lord. Concerning the noblemen of whom the king wrote: "Write (their names) down!" I shall now write them down, however many (or) fe[w] (they be).

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

Chapter Eight. Letters from Uruk

SAA 17 129–144. 16 texts.

SAA 17 129 — Organising the Cult of Eanna

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1880-07-19, 0045; ABL 1200; cf. WO 4, 71, 83, 87-88, 191. Sender: Sin-duri. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 129; SAAo P236913.

Obverse

Tablet of Sîn-duri to the king, his lord. The guard of Eanna and the temples of your gods are well. Concerning [the ...] of the Lady of Reš [...] and the [...]s of Nanaya of which the king wrote: "Let [them] be in[stituted]" — [...] the king for ever [...] [...] well-being [...] [...] with [...] [...] they climb up [...] [... they] bless [...] [...] with [...] I shall write everywhere as follows: "[If] you [... silver] and gold without the king's (permission) and giv[e out] prebends [...], you shall [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) without [the king('s permission) ...] in front of [...] "The men [of the temple ...] and palm branch[es ...] the fortress [...] "The work of [...] and without the king [...]" And now [...] 100 men of the temple should cut reed [...]! [Concerning the work] of which the king wrote, [I have] not [been able] to finish it. Now let [...] go [...] [... If] he does not like what I [said], (viz.) "Why does not a single [...]?", and keeps sending words of death [...], if it is agreeable to the king, let me move back to the house of my lord! And [...] they are attentive. Now for [...]. Last year in the month Adar (XII) the king's rations [...], but the priests were negligent [...] and did not examine [...]. Now let him give as rations 30 sacrificial bulls. [As soon as] they have entered the temple, let [...] go where the king commands. The master keeps writing: "Why is he with you?"

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

SAA 17 130 — Securing Barley and Garden Products for Eanna

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0032; CT 54 483; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 294; cf. WO 4, 70, 83, 87-88, 92-94, 191, 229. Sender: Si[n-duri]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 130; SAAo P237076.

Obverse

Tablet of Sî[n-duri] to the king, [his] lord. The guard of Eanna and the temple of your gods are well. Nabû-šuma-iškun, the governor, the foster child of the king, is paralysing me because of the garden and the men; he does not let me to do my work in peace. The king could solve the matter with one word, so that there would be silence between us! Now he is going to the audience of the king. Let the king decide what is (to be done). Qištiya, the prelate, is turning me into a laughingstock in the assembly, he is telling me: "Chaff in excess of one litre should go for interest." With the king's prefect [...] ..., and this [...] me. I shall not speak before a word from the king. [...] Doing justice [...] the sun

Bottom Edge

[......] [...] the guard [......]

Reverse

[......] [......] are not good. [......] me [...] [...] They have [chang]ed the barley of the temples for oil; they have not brought it in nor laid it in its place. May the king send (word) so that they will bring the barley back into the storehouse.

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

SAA 17 131

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01941; CT 54 040; cf. WO 4, 71, 88. Sender: Sin-duri, [prelate of] Eanna. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 131; SAAo P238118.

Obverse

[Tablet of] Sîn-duri, [prelate of] Eanna, [to the ...], his lord: [...] of the Lady of Reš [...] has chosen [...] the elders [...] stood [thi]s [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 132 — Deserters for the Vizier

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05399 + K 07335 + K 16585; CT 54 085; cf. WO 4, 190-191. Sender: [Bull]uṭu. Recipient: [the viz]ier. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 132; SAAo P396013.

Obverse

[Tablet of Bull]uṭu [to the viz]ier, his lord. May [Uru]k and Eanna bless [my lo]rd! [Now] there are 20 defectors [wh]o have gone over to the side of the vizier, [my lord] — Aššur-belu-taqqin [should] bring them out. [Perhaps] my [lo]rd will say: "Who are th[es]e [me]n?" Nabû-ahhe-iddina [from] Bit-[Uqa]ta; Ilu-bani, [a Ch]aldean; Amel-Enlil, [a Hi]ndarean; Il-palṭi, [a Hi]ndarean; [...-il]u, your messenger, [...]; Marduk-šarru-uṣur, [a ...]mean;

Reverse

(Rest destroyed or too fragmentary for translation) (two lines broken away) (three lines broken away) (rest broken away)

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

SAA 17 133 — You Owe the Tribute of Two Years

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00862; CT 54 002; cf. WO 4, 94. Sender: Nabu-dan. Recipient: Nabu-šuma-iškun. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 133; SAAo P237916.

Obverse

Tablet of Nabû-dan to Nabû-šuma-iškun: Why haven't I seen you at the camp for the past two years? And since you haven't seen my house either, by Bel, the tribute of the past two years is incumbent on you.

SAA 17 134 — Report on Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05605; CT 54 150; cf. WO 4, 70, 89, 299. Sender: Ṣil[laya]. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 134; SAAo P238509.

Obverse

Your [servant] Ṣi[llaya]: I would gladly die [for the king of the universe, my lord]! May Uruk [and Eanna bless] the king of the univ[erse, my lord]! Say to the king, my lord: After [...] before [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) the son of Yakin [...] to the king, [my] lo[rd ...] thither [...] Perhaps [the king, my lord, will say] (Rest 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.]

Right Edge

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

SAA 17 135 — Appeal to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04715; CT 54 065; cf. WO 4, 205, 212, 230, 232. Sender: [Ṣillaya]. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 135; SAAo P238334.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [May ...] and Uruk [bl]ess [the king, my lord]! Say [to the king, my lord]: (I swear) by the god himself [......] that [......] to you [......] seizes you [......] that before (taking) oath [......] my crime is sl[ight]. [.....] why [.....] in the presence of the king [.....] the šandabakku [.....] Bel-usati (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) [......] Uruk being exiled [.....] if heaven has decided [...] all ... [.....] I do not say: "[...] I am an Akkadian" — [...] would lead me away [on accou]nt of it. [May] the king [rescue] me! May I be a citizen of Der! May the king not abandon me [to] a single oppressor! [I] have no [...]. Turn your beautiful face [...] towards me! [...] are plotting, saying: [.....] Nanaya (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 136 — Elamite Offensive at Bit-Imbiya

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00823; ABL 0781; cf. WO 4, 207, 238; TBWW 7. Sender: Marduk-naṣir. Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 136; SAAo P237901.

Obverse

Your servant Marduk-naṣir: I would gladly die for the vizier, my lord! May Anu and Ištar bless the vizier, my lord! Say to the vizier, my lord: The caravan from Lahiru arrived on the thirteenth of the month Tammuz (IV). The sons of Ina-tešî-eṭir, from the house of Ṣullulu, brought wool from Bit-Imbiya.

Reverse

They say: "Now the palace herald and the entire army of Upper Elam are at Bit-Imbiya. They are crossing a ford on the river Abani." I have sent the news to the vizier, my lord. May my lord command at the palace that troops be positioned opposite them at Der until the king has attained his objective.

SAA 17 137 — Why Did you Give [...] Back to Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-02-04, 0076; ABL 1095; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 291; cf. WO 4, 70. Sender: Nabu-zera-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 137; SAAo P236963.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-zera-iddina: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Anu and Ištar bless the king! Say to the king, my lord: [When] they heard from the citizens of Ur that [...] [...] Merodach-Balada[n ...] [they] will perish [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) "W[hy] did you gi[ve ...] back [to] Merodach-Baladan?" The king, my lord, must not believe it! I have not given anything back to anyone. (Erasures)

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

SAA 17 138 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 19564. Sender: [...]-eššir. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 138; SAAo P239878.

Obverse

[Tablet of ...]eššir [to the king], his lord. [Say t]o the king, my lord: [Concerning the ...] of Nabû-zera-iddina [... about which the ki]ng wrote, [......] I wrote (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] as [......] gave ... [...] Merodach-Baladan [...] ... (last line blank)

SAA 17 139 — Account of Disbursed Silver

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00830; ABL 0527; cf. WO 4, 189; SKT 2 60. Sender: Šuma-ukin. Recipient: Nergal-naṣir. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 713 BC. SAA 17 139; SAAo P237905.

Obverse

Tablet of Šuma-ukin to Nergal-naṣir: (Concerning) what you wrote, "Give Arrabatu to Qallatu!" — Binitu, Tu'atu, Huluttu and Arrabatu (already) are at her disposal. Why did you during these 8 years think of Arrabatu (only now)? (As to) what you wrote earlier, "You gave me silver during good times of the land, but during the destruction of the land you took it back" — what you wrote is correct. But as to the payment of silver that you made: In the second year of King Merodach-Baladan, the silver that you wanted to have, (namely) 10 minas, was given to the Cuthaeans by Ina-qibi-Bel and Nabû-ušallim son of N[i...].

Reverse

In addition, the dame Namirtu was given 10 minas by Lu-ha'il and Bel-naṣir; 3 minas were weighed to Erešu son of Dabibu, the supervisor of Bel-naṣir; 6 minas (were given) to Ašaredu son of Ṭabiya; 1 mina to Nabû-šarra-uṣur, the messenger of the king; 1 mina to Erešu, the messenger of the king of Elam, 10 shekels to [...]ê; and 1 2/3 minas to the Urukeans placed at your disposal. 1 mina is the price of the she-camels that was given to Sagibi, 1 mina and 1/3 shekels are in the hand of Ima'in the eunuch, 1/3 mina and 5 shekels were weighed for Dummuqu son of Ir'anni. Finally, there are 5 minas silver brought to Namirtu by Ṣillâ son of Belaya and [...] silver that [...] in the second year of [Merodach-Baladan]. Until now [...] silver of the eunuchs [...] of the eunuch and silver [...] as an interest-free loan

Right Edge

[...] as an advance payment [...] you did not give it. These words are not yours, they are Bel-naṣir's.

Edge

Why [...] to [...] to [...]?

SAA 17 140 — Arameans in Uruk Friendly to the Son of Yakin Should be Deported

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00923; ABL 0747; cf. WO 4, 200. Sender: Nabu-ušallim. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 140; SAAo P237939.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-ušallim: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Concerning the Arameans of whom the king, my lord, wrote, there are among them Arameans, who came from Uruk. [They are] now on the shore of the channel o[f Merodach-Ba]ladan. [...] among them [have proce]eded [...] they have gone [...] I/he have examined [...] of Barik-il (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] none of them ran away and came to the king, my lord. By the gods of the king, my lord, none of those who have received favours from the son of Yakin has heard anything benevolent from him! The king, my lord, should uproot them so the land can be happy. They should not harass the servants of the king, my lord! They are not reliable.

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

SAA 17 141 — Sealanders and Sons of Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05474; ABL 0748; cf. WO 4, 200. Sender: Nabu-ušallim. Recipient: the vizier. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 141; SAAo P238470.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-ušallim: I would gladly die for the vizier, my lord! Say to my lord: [... Sea]landers, sons of Ya[kin] [...] 'temple-enterers' of E[anna] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] I [...] [...] the [dep]endents he returned to me [...]

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

SAA 17 142 — Puqudeans in the Marshes Should be Deported

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0501; ABL 1052. Sender: [Nabu-ušallim]. Recipient: [the vizier]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 142; SAAo P334701.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Let the vizier send a bribe to the governor that he should deport them. The messengers of the Puqudeans, who live in the Qatannu marsh, go daily to the son of Yakin. The vizier may also write to the governor that he should lead Sagibi-ilu, the Amukanean who lives in Bit-re'î, to them. If he delivers them into the hands of the vizier, my lord, he is a servant of the vizier.

Reverse

If, (on the other hand), he does not deliver them into the hands of my lord, then my lord may know that his heart is not with my lord. As to my lord's sending Ṣalamu to Nabû-ušabši, I have seized Nabû-ušabši and am herewith sending him to the vizier, my lord. The vizier, my lord, may do as he wishes. He is [a ser]vant of the vizier, my lord; he prays daily to Bel and Nabû for the good health of the vizier, my lord. (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 143 — Messengers of Son of Zeriya in Kissik

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 1975; ABL 0749; cf. WO 4, 200, 204. Sender: Nabu-ušallim. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 143; SAAo P240432.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-ušallim: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Now the messengers of the son of Zeriya, who came here to gather news of the king, my lord, [have] against Kissi[k...] all [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) As far as I am concerned — on the day that I went to the king, my lord, they were taken captive. Now they are in the care of Ma'umaya. The messenger of the king, my lord, should go to Ma'umaya and [release] them. I have [...] gathered very much straw.

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

SAA 17 144 — Old Border

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15003; ABL 1467. Sender: [Nabu-ušallim]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 144; SAAo P239306.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Elam [...] the ol[d] border [...] the Lady of Uruk and [...] Now the king has [...] for [the ... of] his gods [...] they rejoice, before [...]

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

Reverse

of Sarg[on ...] the Bit-Amu[kaneans ...] of Sarg[on ...] have carried away [...] of Sarg[on ...] (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Nine. Letters from Nemed-Laguda

SAA 17 145–148. 4 texts.

SAA 17 145 — Restoring the Privileges of Nemed-Lagudu

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04745 + K 05550 + K 05614 + K 16119; ABL 1029+; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 256; cf. WO 4, 90; SKT 2 75. Sender: Kina, [Ereši], temple-enterers and el[ders] of Nemed-Laguda. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 709 BC. SAA 17 145; SAAo P238349.

Obverse

[Yo]ur [servants] Kinâ [and Ereši], the 'temple-enterers' and the el[ders] of Nemed-Laguda: We would gladly [die] for [the ki]ng! May E[a, Damkina, Uruk] and Eanna bless Sargon, king of the universe, [our lord! Say t]o the king, our lord: [...] defectors [...] ... After the god Šeršeri together with Laguda had delivered the four quarters of the world into the king's hands — all [the enemies had bowed] before the king, our lord — (and) the king, [our] lord, Sargon, had conquered the Sealand as well, he exempted [...] the old cult cities as a prayer of blessing for [himself]. At that time, four cities were exempted. Nemed-Laguda, a temple of Marduk in the middle [of ...], an old cult town which the king had p[ut] in the treaty, and had cursed with a curse [...] Merodach-Baladan [...] different from before [...] and [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) Why [does] the [...]? And see, [our] messengers [whom] we sent [to the king, our lord — his] head [...]; and another one, having escape[d, ...] Why does the king, our lord, say: "[Those who] have grabbed ... [...]"? Adad-šuma-uṣur, the [..., ...] whom I sent to the king [...] are coming up here, I [...] th[is] boundary stone [...] we had chosen [...] [...] ... [...] [......] [...] ... [...] ... [...] the houses [...] the son of Yakin [...... of the k]ing, my lord, [......] us [...] they do not trust in the word of the king. I [and] my brothers, our mouth and [...]

Right Edge

[...] said. The messenge[r ...] [...] who came here [...] [...] ... [...]

Edge

[...] we are lost.

SAA 17 146 — Sending Information to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08389; ABL 0865; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 254; cf. WO 4, 91. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 146; SAAo P238715.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Let [the ... who] go to [...] tell the news [...] to us, and let us (then) write to the king, our lord. We have (already) sent one message to the king, our lord, from [GN] in Hindaru through Kinâ and Ereši. Later on, as soon as the king has defeated his enemies and has come to Babylon and kissed the ground in front of Marduk and Zarpanitu, [we shall send him] every information that we hear.

Reverse

We shall say all [the news] t[o NN] word by word. He will then speak to the king, our lord, then come out (again) and say to us: "The king is your lord! Fear not!" Later on, as soon as the king, our lord, has gone to Dur-Yakin, we shall [send him] all the news that we hear. Bel-išdiya-kini, the mungu-commander, who [...] the horses. (Break)

Right Edge

I have reported all my news [...], and I shall act. The king [...]

SAA 17 147 — Ostrich’s Egg

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00882; CT 54 003; cf. WO 4, 91; von Soden, ZA 70, 147. Sender: Kina. Recipient: Nergal-naṣir. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 147; SAAo P237922.

Obverse

Tablet of Kinâ to Nergal-naṣir, my brother: I am well, may my brother be well too! It can't be true that my brother is severely ill! Now [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) Get back your health and write! (As to) the ostrich egg(s) of which my brother wrote to me, by Bel and Nabû, they are not available in Nippur.

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

SAA 17 148 — Capturing the Family of Haza’-il

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00899; ABL 0559. Sender: Kinn[a]. Recipient: (unknownl). Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 148; SAAo P237927.

Obverse

To [NN, my brother]: thus says Kinn[â, your brother]. Good health to you! Say to my brother: Concerning Haza'-il of whom you wrote: "If you catch him, I will give you as an equivalent a horse [or] a donkey [or a sheep]" — [...] Haza'-il [...] your messenger [...] Haza'-[il ...] He has not co[me] h[ere ...].

Reverse

This is the truth. I have now entrusted [NN] with the following (order): "[...]!" Perhaps he will return to his family. If he returns, I shall [arrest him and] give him to my brother. [...] this. Now [NN], his family (member), [...] a donkey. If you want it, send (someone) here to lead it away.

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

Chapter Ten. Letters from Tubliaš

SAA 17 149–155. 7 texts.

SAA 17 149 — Natannu’s Escape to Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0215; ABL 0422; cf. WO 4, 200; TBWW 7. Sender: Abi-yaqiya. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 149; SAAo P240148.

Obverse

Your servant Abi-yaqiya: (I would gladly die) for Sargon, my lord! Good (health) to Sargon, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: Natannu was forced to run away to Elam, and here his men have been led away by Nabû-šumu-iddina, the commander of the fortress. All the king's men are also running away and not coming back.

Reverse

Kali, [the wife] of Natannu, and [his sons] are with him. Now [...] in his presence [...]; he refuses to give (them) back. Now then I have written to the king, my lord. May the king command that the men of Natannu should not flee but that they should turn themselves in.

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

SAA 17 150 — To the Chief Tailor: The Army Should Come Quickly!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01146; ABL 0906; SKT 2 43. Sender: sheikhs of Tubuliaš (Bel-epuš, Nabu-zera-ušabši, Nabu-šuma-ereš, Il-ya[tanu], Adgi-hi'il, Mar-[...], Naqqia, A[...], Kudurru, Bel-l[išir], Iddin-aha). Recipient: [...], the chief tailor. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 150; SAAo P237986.

Obverse

Tablet of the sheikhs of Tubliaš, all the noblemen old and young, Bel-epuš, Nabû-zera-ušabši, Nabû-šuma-ereš, Il-ya[tanu], Adgi-hi'il, Mar-[...], Naqqia, A[...], Kudurru, Bel-l[išir] (and) Iddin-aha to [NN], the chief tailor (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) I have appointed [...]. The army should quickly get there! There is talk that people are rising up in great numbers. Persuade the magnates and come in five days' time! You must not loose the land! Come quickly! Come!

Edge

May the family of Zaba[n] by your name [...].

SAA 17 151 — To the Magnates: The Army Should Come Quickly, or We Shall be Lost

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0057; ABL 1112. Sender: sheikhs of Tubuliaš (Bel-epuš, Nabu-zera-ušabši, Nabu-šuma-ereš, Abi-yaqia, Adgi-hinna, Nabu-ušallim and Il-yatanu). Recipient: the magnates of the king of Assyria. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 151; SAAo P237251.

Obverse

Say to the magnates of the king of Assyria, king of the universe, our lord: thus say the sheikhs of Tubuliaš — Bel-epuš, Nabû-zera-ušabši, Nabû-šuma-ereš, Abi-yaqia, Adgi-hinna, Nabû-ušallim and Il-yatanu, and the old and the young, serva[nts of the king]. [A coll]eague among the chief[s ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) We are [...]. La[ṣ is our Lady!] He should reach us on the 5th of Sivan (III), otherwise the king will lose us. Let us hear from you as soon as possible!

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

SAA 17 152 — May the Army Come Quickly!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1889-04-26 Bu, 0162; ABL 0774. Sender: Abi-yaqiya, Abi-yadi', Zerutu, Šulluma, Ahi-bigayanu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 152; SAAo P237651.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Abi-yaqiya, Abi-yadi', Zerutu, Šulluma and Ahi-bigayanu. May Bel and Nabû bless the king, our lord. As of now, Fort Šama'unu is abandoned. There is nobody there except 200 scratch soldiers, and there is no food there except for the travel provisions which they carry with them. Moreover, they have cut off the water between us and the land of Rašu. Nobo[dy] from Rašu has (been able to) c[ome] to you. However, I have spoken with the sheikhs of [GN], of Dummuqu, and of [GN]. All of them are servant[s of the king, my lord]. They have sent their letters to the king, my lord, with my [messen]ger. It may not be postponed until later! May the army reach us quickly, so that I can give the whole country back to the king, my lord! The king, my lord, should not say: "You wrote me once, and I sent you troops; what did you give me [as compensation]?"

Reverse

[Abi-y]aqar, the P[uq]udean, does not wish the recovery of the land in the king's presence, he is looking for revenge. He has changed the timetable which he had set. Obliging poverty and robbery, he is (thinking) to take booty for himself. He does not wish the clasping of hands. So, I am sitting in my house with Indabiya, the chiliarch, trodden down. If not, I would have delivered the fortified place to the king. The captive Elamite held in Abi-yaqar's prison, who k[nows] my affairs and had heard (them) in the presence of Abi-yaqar and seen my letter — Abi-yaqar's palace manager released him for one mina of silver. And when he came, he testified for me before the legate of Rašu so we were not killed, but our sons are being held as hostages. Now the whole country has raised its hand towards the king. May the army come and take its hand! I swear by Bel and Zarpanitu, Nabû and Marduk, the wise one, that the words which we have sent to the king our lord in this letter are true, out of our heart.

SAA 17 153 — Reliable Appointee

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00564; ABL 1275; cf. WO 4, 99, 188. Sender: Šama’gunu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 153; SAAo P237830.

Obverse

To the king, his lord: [your servant], Šama'gunu. [Good health] to the king, my lord! [Concerning] the guard of which the king, [my lord], wrote: "[Appoint NN] over the gua[rd] of the Qa'iš-šumateans!" — He will repair the crack on the damaged foundations and will eagerly go to the guard under Šarru-amuranni and Kalu[mu]. Once before I sent messengers to the swindlers in Elam. (As) they returned, they told me that Balassu (and) Kurrala'u are with the legate of the land Raši, and [...] Nabû-tuklassu-ana-[...] (and) Kiburti are in the presence of the king of Elam. And after they had heard that Babylon would plead, they became very angry. And like decoys [...] they settled with them. [...]

Reverse

He will [care] for the guard eagerly. Perhaps he also will do what is not [...] and [...]. I will seek [...] among them [for the ... of] the king, my lord.

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

SAA 17 154 — Elamite Sheikh

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05627; ABL 1331. Sender: Šama’[gunu]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 154; SAAo P238519.

Obverse

To the king, m[y] lord: your servant Šama'[gunu]. Good health to the king, my lord! Yabi-il, from the sheikhs [of the ki]ng of Ela[m] (Break)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

Edge

Madunu [......] hith[er ......]

SAA 17 155 — Your Messenger Must Bring a Letter with Him!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00831; ABL 0214; cf. TBWW 8-9. Sender: Šama’gunu. Recipient: Ummaniša. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 155; SAAo P237906.

Obverse

Tablet of Ummaniša to his brother Šama'gunu. Good health to my brother! Aya-saggî and his travel companion, whom you sent here, did not come to me. Having been captured in the city centre, Aya-siggi was taken to me. He says: "I was sent to you." (However) he had no letter with him. I kept him with me until I saw your messenger. Now I have sent him to you with your messenger.

Reverse

They say: "Keep an eye on him so that he cannot come back here. If he comes, he must bring a letter with him. Otherwise he may not come." Both kings have made peace with each other. And each of us has settled in his parental house. Now Immaštašu, the legate of the town Hamu, will come over and settle in Hamu. Appoint his helpers there permanently as well. Let the evildoers not come and take away his property.

Edge

You yourself may not go away, neither are we allowed to leave. The king could (otherwise) hear about it and say: "I must take one more town."

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

Chapter Eleven. Letters of Unknown Provenance

SAA 17 156–168. 13 texts.

SAA 17 156 — Plotting against an Official of the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04779; ABL 1020; cf. SKT 2 57. Sender: Ahi-nuri. Recipient: the treasurer. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 156; SAAo P238355.

Obverse

[To the] treasurer, my lord: [your servant] Ahi-nuri. Good health [to the] treasurer, my lord! [The] treasurer, my lord, [is] well, but I am not well. Without the king [there is no] we[ll-being], and I have not writ[ten] about the affairs of the city [...] to the king, nor [to the treasur]er, my lord. [I have] no[t come] to the presence of the king, but I shall not quit the king['s work, I have] not [...ed the ... which] they placed before the king, [my] lord. The king said: "[.....] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...]aya, Nabû-[..., ...]-ummu, Bani-[..., NN] — and these men are plotting [on] behalf of the son of Yaki[n], their [l]ord, in order to kill [me]. Now then I am wr[iting] to the treasurer, my lord: may my lord report it to the king, and may he send (word) to Il-yada' so he will exterminate them all. And may my lord report (to me) that I [can co]me and see the eyes of the king, [my lord]. [Thes]e men [are con]stantly writing to the other side (of the river): "[...] Ahi-nuri which he gave and settled on [..., ...] like our hearts."

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

Edge

My [guar]d is strong, [I am] not [negligent]. [x] cities have gathered against them; [al]l of them will die.

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

SAA 17 157 — Troops

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01546; ABL 0999. Sender: Gabbaru. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 157; SAAo P238080.

Obverse

[You]r [servant] Gabbaru. I [w]ould gladly die for the king, my lord! Say [t]o the king, my lord: The soldiers whom the king sent [... the ki]ng [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [b]efore the ki[ng] al[l ......] I shall go where the king sends (me) to.

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

SAA 17 158 — Shooting Arrows at the Wall of the Temple

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 08379; ABL 1339; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 258. Sender: Marduk-apla-iddina. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 158; SAAo P238713.

Obverse

[Your servant] Marduk-apla-iddina: I would gladly die for [the king], my [lord]! Say to the king, my lord: [As to what the king] wrote: "When you sent your soldiers (and) they penetrated into the inner city, they covered the temple wall with arrows" — My soldiers gave one another the following orders: "Nobody may wound anybody, and the herald may not call up anybody!" Did they not give (such) orders to one another for fear of the name of God (lit., 'gods')? Why should we [be] against the people, and why should there be an arrow on the temple wall? My men, who attacked and stood by the temple wall — I myself stationed them there. How could a(ny) bow have hit the [temple] wall? With regard to Zakir, of whom the king wro[te: "Who] is he?" — I already wrote to the king: "His father put in a good word for me, saying, 'Verily you did not get in touch with my quarter ... fr[om ...], your men [...] are reliable.'" Be it (something) for name or of appearanc[e ......] I did not hear. And someone to [...] [...] who [does] not [obey] the king's order (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) to [...] ... [...] the king [...] whatever he [sends] to Elam [...] for [...] ... for the house of gods [...]

SAA 17 159 — Sending Tyrians to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0113; CT 54 494; cf. WO 4, 94. Sender: Nabu-ili. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 159; SAAo P237181.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-ili: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (Regarding) Sagibi and the Tyrians with him, of whom the king wrote: "Who is the eunuch [...] and the barley (and) seeds ... In your house the 'washing of the mouth' [...] wood, houses (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) we will lay [...] I want to see ... [...] of the king to [...]. I am herewith sending to the king the Ty[rians and the ...] which you set for them, as well as their wardens [...], Rahi and Ia[...]. May the king [...] the [...] and the price [...].

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

SAA 17 160 — The Throne of Bel

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0948; ABL 1182. Sender: Nabu-[ili]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 160; SAAo P240184.

Obverse

Your servant Nabû-[...: I would gladly] die for the king, my (lit. "his") lor[d! Say to] the king, my lord: [I am herewith sending] the throne of Bel [... t]o the king, my lord. The sign of a (servant) of the king [...] (Rest destroyed or too fragmentary for translation)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (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 17 161 — Working with the King’s Men of Bit-Dakuri

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01238; ABL 0913; cf. SKT 2 39. Sender: Naṣib-il. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 161; SAAo P238011.

Obverse

Your servant Naṣib-il: I would gladly die for my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I and all the king's men in Bit-D[akuri] have now [...] the work (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) and [...] ... [...] the brother [...] heard [...] in Babyl[on...] Now then I have sent with my messenger to the king ever[y ...], three of his sons and [...] five members of his family.

SAA 17 162 — Sending City Lords to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0054; ABL 1072. Sender: Naṣib-il. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 162; SAAo P334717.

Obverse

Your servant Naṣib-il: I would gladly die for my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (As to) [what I] earlier [w]rote to [the king]: "[... hand]s [...] ... [...] have sent here [......] [......] [...] their [...] [...] their [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) I am (herewith) sending to the king [NN], son of [DN-ah]a-iqiša, [the city]-lord of Kapar, together with his brothers. With him, I am sending you Nergal-eṭir, the city-lord of Paddanu.

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

SAA 17 163

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05591; CT 54 143; cf. WO 4, 97. Sender: [Naṣib-il]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 163; SAAo P238500.

Obverse

Your servant [Naṣib-il: I would gladly die for my lord]! Say t[o the king, my lord]: Concerning what the king, [my] lord, [wrote] to me: "[......] for the ... [...] one among them [...] knows them. For [...] unlike an e[nemy ...] [to] our [e]ars [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) for [...] Be[l-... ...] are jubilant [...] [...] ... [...]

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

Right Edge

I sent [...] to [the king, my lord], on the 9th day [...].

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

SAA 17 164 — My Lord Should not Believe Calumnies about me

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13071; CT 54 246; cf. WO 4, 99-100, 193; von Soden, ZA 70, 147-148. Sender: [Šu]zubu. Recipient: [the gov]ernor. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 164; SAAo P239177.

Obverse

[Your servant Šu]zubu: I would gladly die [for the gov]ernor, my lord! Say to my lord: I am herewith sending [my ta]blet as a greet[ing to the gov]ernor, [my lord]. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) As to the what my people have said, the governor knows that they are spreading lies. Perhaps they will write to my lord about a certain thing that concerns me or about me in person. The governor should not believe them! (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 165 — We Have not Sold Sinneans for Silver!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01942; CT 54 041; cf. WO 4, 96-97. Sender: Ullub[aya]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 165; SAAo P238119.

Obverse

Your servant Ullub[aya: I would gladly die] for the king, [my] lord! Say to the king, [my lord]: They have said to the king: "[...] Sinneans have been s[old] for silver." 100 or 200 for [...] the king, my lo[rd, ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) and [...] ca[me ...] befo[re...] sol[d ...] side [...] We have not s[old] any [Sinneans] f[or silver].

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

SAA 17 166 — Selling Sinneans for Silver

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01942 + K 13025 + K 16584; CT 54 238; cf. WO 4, 97. Sender: [Ullubaya]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 166; SAAo P239168.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) "[...] go and [...]! [Do not s]ell the Sinneans for s[ilver]! You and [...] [g]ather them! Monthly [...]" — [...] what they said to the king [...] [...] he had extended. From [...] [N]N, the Uruk[ean ...] [...] attac[ked ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 167 — Welcome for the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 11694; CT 54 227; cf. WO 4, 98. Sender: [...]qu. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 167; SAAo P239023.

Obverse

[Your servant ...]qu: [I would gladly] die for the king, [my] lord! May [DNN] bless the king, my lord! Say to the kin[g, my lord]: [NN sw]ears: "There is nobody [who would have ...ed] his hands to[wards ... and who] would not have got well [...]." [Has ...] of Assyria become different? For five years [...] [...] we set [our eyes] upon the king [...] [...] the earlier [......] [...] until now the king [...] [...] which to the truth ... [...] [...]s who repor[t ...] [...] ... [...] [...] the gods [...] [... have ...]ed me [...] (Break)

Reverse

(destroyed)

Right Edge

[... N]ow we have written [to the king], our [lo]rd, very [...].

SAA 17 168 — Cohort Commander Reports on Chaldean Matters

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05551 + K 07474 + K 16595; CT 54 135. Sender: [...], coh[ort] commander. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 168; SAAo P238486.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant NN], the coh[ort] commander. [Say to the ki]ng, my lord: [As to what the king, my lord], wrote: "[......] [...] to [...] [...] you move up [...]" [...] Now to [...] [...] if [...] [... n]ews of [...] [...] to [...] (Break) [...] people [...] [...] repo[rt ...] [......] according to [...] palace matter [...] for the month Sivan (III) [...] in Chaldea [...] great country to [...] [...] with the overseer [...] they have given [...] [...] the k[in]g [my] lo[rd ...]

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

Bottom Edge

(Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

Chapter Twelve. Letters of Unknown Authorship

SAA 17 169–207. 39 texts.

SAA 17 169 — Aššur-bel-taqqin Visited in Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 1915; ABL 1067. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 169; SAAo P334712.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) not [......] the king, my lord [......] as [......] settl[ed ......] the deputy of [......] the governor of [GN ...] killed the people and destroyed [their houses]. When the god [......],

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

Bottom Edge

he we[nt] to Babylon [...].

Reverse

Because Aššur-belu-taqq[in ...] the governor said, "Go [... to] the king [...] ask [......] for the god (and) the kin[g ...] will be sav[ed ...] and the land [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 170 — Mušezib-Marduk Goes to Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04748; ABL 1304. Recipient: [the vizier]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 692 BC. SAA 17 170; SAAo P238350.

Obverse

You[r servant NN]: I would gladly die for [the vizier], my [lord]! Say to [my lord]: [N]N [has written] from Bi[t-...]: "[...] ... the army of [...] [... Save] yourselves!" [...] Nabû-ušabš[i...] [wen]t [b]efore the king ... [...] [...] which in Lahir[u ...] [...] daily [...] [...]... I shall have brought [...] [...]-halam to the lega[te ...] [...] ... [...], and did not this [... sub]due you? Do not trust [him]! During the past [x] years Mušezi[b-Marduk] did not go down to the king of Elam. Now however, as he saw the king of Assyria, he gladly went down to him. His [people] and his towns ...[...]

Bottom Edge

Our [people] and [our] towns [...] [...] ... [...] [...] ... [...]

Reverse

[...] ... [...] [...] Lahiru [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 171 — Fragment Concerning Babylon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07317; ABL 1334. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 171; SAAo P238647.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) the words of N[N ......] greatly what the kin[g ...] there is [...] of the Babyloni[ans ...] I do not sup[port] the king [...] Rimutu [...] the Babyloni[ans ...] there is [...] to be(come) strong(er) [...] (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) With difficulty I [......] do not sa[y ...] of my lord is one who knows [...] like one who does not know [...] in Babylon [...] any news [...] of Babylon [...] [let him write] to my lord [...] to the palace in ... [...] concerning [...] are safe w[ith ...] there is ... [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 172 — King Retreats from Der, Fortresses Burnt

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01138; CT 54 008. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 172; SAAo P237983.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... sa]id to me: "[...] the servants are not unoccupied, and they will not give your [m]en to you." Now he did not return my men to me, but said this in the presence of the king, my lord. After the king had retreated from Der, at that time, when the [L]uhayati started hostilities with the Iašubeans, they attacked the wall (and) burnt all the fortresses [of] the king. They attacked the men [of the go]vernor of Mazamua.

Reverse

When I myself [... the arm]y of the king, my lord, [..., the m]en (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 173 — King’s Eunuch Comes to Arrapha

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01225 + K 15690 + K 16582; CT 54 018. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 173; SAAo P238006.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [of] the king, [my] lord, which the king sen[t], I have safely led here. Also the eunuch whom the king, my lord, sent, has come up to Arrapha for my lawsuit. Now, on the 2nd day, I have brought him safely across the river.

Reverse

The fortress of the king, my lord, is well.

SAA 17 174 — Dur-Yakin in Disrepair

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01879; CT 54 030; cf. WO 4, 69, 93. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 174; SAAo P238098.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) he brought them here [...] find out the details and write [...] "He says [...] "All my towns [...] he has let the fortress of Yaki[n ...] fall into disrepair. One [...] upon the other [...] in hunger [...] The king of Babyl[on ...] (Break)

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

Reverse

[...] seized [...] One [...] of the king of Assyr[ia ...] [...] the town Maruru has said: "I shall go to the fortress of Ya[kin]." Earlier the town wall of the fortress [of Yakin] was 300 cubits times 200 cubits (in a rectangle). As to the harvests of which the king wrote: "Let workers go out (and) reap (them)" (Break)

Edge

[I keep] the guard of the king, my lor[d].

SAA 17 175 — May the King Send Troops, so We Can Enter Marad

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05170; CT 54 073. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 175; SAAo P238373.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) When [... P]N sent us a messenger [..., saying, "C]ome and en[ter] the city," [...] here are few [...] and we fear the king. May my lord say [in the presence of the kin]g, and if it [is agree]able to [the king, let him send] us armed forces so [we can en]ter Marad. My lord knows that the [...]s which the king gave [are ...] May my lord say [t]o the king and [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 176 — Report on the King of Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 06122; CT 54 171. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 176; SAAo P238599.

Obverse

(beginning broken away) [Your servant NN]: I would gladly di[e for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord]: [......] "The king of Ela[m] [has writt]en [to ...], saying: 'The crimes [...] [... has t]old you; on the road [...] [......] has exceeded Der [...] [......] Do we know the Aramean(s)? [...] [......] my [...] wrote you [...] [......] the Gambu[lu ...] [......] I will give for you [...] [......] there is no [...] [...... s]ent [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 177 — Contacting the Vizier

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07409; CT 54 186; cf. WO 4, 189-190. Sender: [Kalbi-Uku]. Recipient: [the vizier]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 177; SAAo P238660.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] ... [to/with/against] us [... agai]nst the Assyrian(s) [...] he hears. Concerning [...] [... the ...]s of Marduk-šarru-uṣur [...] [...] he sent (word) and took away [...] [...] ... the land Irreja [... who] were brought to me, whose names I wrote down and (whom) I sent to [the vizier], my lord,

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

Reverse

[...] they are [...], and he is held before him. [(I swear) by the gods] of the vizier, my lord, that before [...] brought peace to me, for three years [...] I was mute and [did not write] to the king, my lord. [Now] I have [written] to the vizier, my lord. [Perhaps the k]ing, my lord, will say: "[...] that these people [... Marduk-šarru-u]ṣur in reports [...] soldiers of the king, my lord (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 178

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07435; CT 54 194; cf. WO 4, 93. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 178; SAAo P238669.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... the Elam]ite(s) [...] [...], saying: "[...] [...] to Marduk-[...] [...] to his presence [...] [... Na]bû-šuma-išku[n ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 179

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07489; CT 54 199. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 179; SAAo P238677.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... ] well-being [...] [... the k]ing, our lord [...] [...] our [br]other [...] [... the k]ing, our lord [...] [...] house [...] [...] ... [...] [...] which/of [...] [...] ... [...] [... fro]m the day [...] [...] the watch [...] (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) [...] wha[t ...] [...] ... [...] [... he s]aid: "[...] [...] Do not [...] a messenger [...]! He (is) [in G]N; to seize [..] [...] When we did [...] [...] we fetched [...] [... w]ith him [...] [...] I waited [...] [...] to [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 180

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07527; CT 54 203. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 180; SAAo P336156.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) He kneels [...]. I am devoted to [the king]. I am [indeb]ted [because of his...] (and) his favour. And since [... w]ith the soldiers [... he] bent and [...] to the king I spoke [with him ...], and it turned out well. [...] After we had waited [for ...], a report [...] when our words

Reverse

[...] left [...] the soldiers [...] were captured [...] the agreements [...] completed [...] of the king entered [...] were relieved. May we hear [of the well-being of the k]ing, so we can give [... t]o the king. (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 181 — Free Passage for the son of Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07880; CT 54 211; cf. WO 4, 93; von Soden, ZA 70, 147-148. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 181; SAAo P238701.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

"Why do you let the [son of] Ya[kin] go to [GN] and sl[eep] (there)?" [I swear] to the king, my lord: "[...] much [...] heard [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 182

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 09187; CT 54 216; cf. WO 4, 69, 192. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 182; SAAo P238844.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) "When [... went] before Lanšê [...] [...] "he will do my [...] and to [...] [...] before [...] the middle night watch [...] [...] repeate[d ...] [...] to [...] spoke [...], [...] before [... i]n the king's palace [...] [...] my foundation [...] [...] "for [N]N [...] [...] "I am a servant of the king [...] [...] accordingly [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 183 — Fragment Mentioning Tilmun and Urarṭu (to the Crown Prince)

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 09525; CT 54 217; cf. WO 4, 187-188, 245. Recipient: [crown prince]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 708-704 BC. SAA 17 183; SAAo P238854.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Za[badu ...] knowingly [...] "Kurr[ala'u ...] what canvas [...] the plundered of the land [...] that you have [...] to (all) the lands the lands of ... [...] Tilmun, the land [...], the Ura[rṭean ...] said [...] (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) he seizes ... [...] the governor of [...] he let consume, [...] a bad piece of advice [...] and the gov[ernor ...] I have seen [...] After they had tak[en ...] the crown prince, [my] lord, [...] and fumigants [...] all for [...] before [...] as [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 184 — Fragment Mentioning Tyrians

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 11674; CT 54 225. Sender: [Nabu-ili?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 184; SAAo P239020.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Bottom Edge

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

Reverse

my messenger to Tyre [...] [...] should I have changed my mind? The king, my lord, [...] my two sons hither [...] [of whom] I spoke to the king, my lord, [...] [...]...[...] [...] the kin[g ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 185 — Fragment Mentioning Marduk-šarrani

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13045 + K 14599; CT 54 240; cf. WO 4, 85. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 185; SAAo P239170.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] brought up [...] [...] took [...] [...] Marduk-šarra[ni ...] [...] gave, in [...] [Ma]rduk-šarrani by the command [...] [...] brought out, with [...] [...], "Instead of [...] [... yo]u did, he/it will appe[ar ...] [...] and what [...] [...] you did [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 186 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13080; CT 54 247; cf. WO 4, 85. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 186; SAAo P239178.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] Merodach-Bal[adan ...] [......] who opposite [...] [...] "You are meek [...]" [...] I am meek. The lord of king[s ...] [...] all lands [... that ...] he had written, ... [...] [... the ro]be of a [...] [...] the towns [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 187

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13092; CT 54 248; cf. WO 4, 93. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 187; SAAo P239180.

(Beginning destroyed) [...] all ... [...] [...] the towns of the fortress of [Yakin] [...] concerning all not [...] [Perhaps the king], my lord, will say: "[...] 1,000 of yo[ur] men [...]" [...] man[y ...] [...] of the king, my lord, [...]

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

SAA 17 188

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13169; CT 54 256; cf. WO 4, 69, 192. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 188; SAAo P239190.

(Beginning destroyed) [...]anni, the so[n of NN] [... sa]id to him [...] [...] I said [...] [... be]fore me: "[...]" [...] Lanšê [...] [...] and after [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 189 — Fragment Referring to a Carrier Pigeon

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14621; CT 54 270. Recipient: (unknown). Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 189; SAAo P239286.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [May ... my lord not] forsake us, [may he ...] us! The house which my lord [...], may he hold (it) back! The bird [which] they sent [t]o the king, [may my lord not] eat it! I have fastened [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] comes out [...] I have no prebend, I have [no (...)] boat. I am but [...], [may ... my lord not] forsake me! (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 190 — Seed-Grain and Barley for the Fortress

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14636; CT 54 272. Sender: [Aqar-bel-lumur?]. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign, c. 706-692 BC. SAA 17 190; SAAo P239288.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] the king [......] Nabû the journey [......] they remained. [......] as the king [......] ease of doing [...... o]f seed [......] to the fortress [......] barley [......] of [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (rest broken away)

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

SAA 17 191 — Fragment Mentioning Zabaya

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14649; CT 54 274. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 191; SAAo P239290.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] placed ...[...] [...] Zabay[a ...] [...] his messenger [...] (Rest destroyed) (other side destroyed)

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

SAA 17 192 — Fragment Mentioning Kalbi-Uku and Lanše

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14680; CT 54 279; cf. WO 4, 69, 203. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 192; SAAo P239295.

(Beginning destroyed) [As for Kalbi]-Ukû, his watch [is strong]. [...] the watch which I ke[ep] for the king [...] [...] he attacked, not [...] [... him]self [...] [...] do! ... [...] [...] just as Lan[šê ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 193 — Battle at Bit-Bunakki

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15709; CT 54 338. Assigned to Sennacherib's reign. SAA 17 193; SAAo P239399.

(Beginning destroyed) [... a]ssemble [...] and a defea[t] [... Bit]-Bunakki [...] and the towns [...] have plundered [...] the[ir ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 194 — Fragment Mentioning Bit-Yakin

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15714 + K 15719; CT 54 342. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 194; SAAo P239403.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Now then they are in [...] The ne[ws ...] of Bit-Ya[kin ...] I have as[ked ...] They have fini[shed ...] saying, "[...] (Break)

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

Reverse

have [...] after u[s ...] in the shadow [...] of the king, (my) lo[rd, ...] and [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 195 — Taking Captives

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16111 + K 16115; CT 54 349. Sender: [Bel-iqiša?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 195; SAAo P239415.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] legal case [...] [...] I arrested and gave [...] to the [...] official [...] 2 dependents [...] [...] his [know]ledge early in the morning ... [...] [... to] the bodyguard and to [...] [...] I gave to Redi-ilu [...] [... the ca]ptives of the Lit[amu] [...] I am [in] N[u]nak (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 196 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16581; CT 54 375; cf. WO 4, 86. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 196; SAAo P239449.

Obverse

[Your servant NN: I would gladly die for the king, m]y [lord! S]ay to the ki[ng, my lord]: [x] men with 3 ho[rses] have [...]ed [...]. [Th]ey are [...] m[en of] Merodach-Bal[adan ...]. On the 24[th] day [...] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 197 — Fragment Mentioning Nabu-taklak

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16610; CT 54 391; cf. WO 4, 84. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 197; SAAo P239466.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation) (rest broken away)

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

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 17 198 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0740; CT 54 405; cf. WO 4, 94. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 198; SAAo P240308.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... Aššur]-belu-taqqin [...] kept guard [...] the swordsman [...] to the šandabakku [...] entered and [...] with him [...] to Merodach-Baladan [...] with the ey[es ...] (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) [... d]o and go! [...] tell him [...] that [...] saved me [...] lead up [... i]n Der [...] purse (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 199 — Fragment Mentioning Esaggil and Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 2, 596; CT 54 447; Vera Chamaza, AOAT 295, 293; cf. WO 4, 84. Sender: [Bel-iqiša?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710 BC. SAA 17 199; SAAo P240228.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] ... in [...] [...] as he he[ld back ...] [...] Bel-le'ann[i ...] [...] Qibi-Be[l ...] [...] their [...] [... the pe]ople are con[fident ...] [...] their [...] [...] their [...] [... w]ent out [...] [... f]ro[m ...] (Break)

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] wen[t ...] [...] merchant [...] [...] jeweller [...] [...] Esaggil [...] [...] he will take o[f ...] [... will g]o up and [...] the gate o[f ...] [...] against me not [...] [...] Now then the arche[rs ...] [...] Merodach-Balada[n...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 200 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1879-07-08, 0153; CT 54 449; cf. WO 4, 188-189. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 200; SAAo P236889.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] ... Na[bû-...] [...] which for Hudi-[...] [...] Nabû-ahhe-erib[a...] [...] Nabû-eṭir son of Nab[û-...] [... Mar]duk-iddina and the [...] [... Da]bibi and [...] [... Meroda]ch-Baladan [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 201 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan and Dur-Ladini

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1879-07-08, 0257; CT 54 451; cf. WO 4, 86. Sender: [Ana-Nabu-taklak?]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 201; SAAo P236892.

Obverse

(obverse completely destroyed)

Bottom Edge

[...] and at Der greatly [...].

Reverse

[...] And when they removed our writing-boards, they brought (them) to Merodach-Baladan. And they themselves have verily destroy[ed] (them) on the shore. They lie [encamped] at Dur-Ladini. [...] in their battle equipment [...] they do not eat bread [...] they have contracted [...], have not rested. [The warriors of the ki]ng, my lord, have pains in their legs. [...] they are building [...] [...] their eyes have become dark [...] and the decision [...... May ...] come and [......] you said to me [......] and [...... the ki]ng (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 202 — Fragment Mentioning Merodach-Baladan

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1879-07-08, 0312; CT 54 452; cf. WO 4, 99. Assigned to Sargon II's reign, c. 710-709 BC. SAA 17 202; SAAo P236894.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) from Bit-[...] as far as Bab-[Marrat ...] and the king has not [...] Bit-Zabi[di ...] Merodach-Bal[adan ...] the king had [......] of Bit-Ša[k...] (Break)

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

Reverse

SPACER to [...] of silver [...] of the tra[cks ...] and [...] they confirm [...] of the king [...] before [...] a[s ...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 203 — Reporting to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0148; CT 54 485. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 203; SAAo P237090.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...], but he did not speak with [us]. May the king do as he sees best. We are now on our way (there); we shall without delay (lit. 'without staying overnight') find out what news there is [and quickly] write [t]o the king, [our] lo[rd].

Reverse

(As to) the order [which the king] g[ave us, under the pro]tection of the go[d(s) ...]. [...] the Ba[bylonian(s) ...] [t]o the city Ši[...] [a]s w[e ...] [t]o [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 17 204 — News of Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0872; CT 54 551. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 204; SAAo P237440.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) We have se[nt ... to the king], our [lo]rd. [The king, our lord] may do [as he sees be]st. [......] [......] 2 eunuchs [......] [......] with these men [......] [......] messengers, lords [......] [......] News of Elam: [...] [......]s from Ela[m ...] [......] the Ru['ueans ......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 205 — Fragment Mentioning Humbe

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0080; CT 54 565. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 205; SAAo P237680.

(Beginning destroyed) [...] and [...] with him [...] [...] brings up [...] and [...] [...] from the beginni[ng ...] [...] to darkness [...] [... H]umbê of [Bit-Zualza] [...] you did not cheat [...] [...] treaty wi[th ...] [...] tribute (payment)s [...] [...] land [...] [......] [......] in the presen[ce ... (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 17 206 — Greetings

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 134587; CT 54 592. Sender: [Nabu-dan?]. Recipient: Nabu-šu[ma-iškun]. Assigned to Sargon II's reign. SAA 17 206; SAAo P237514.

Obverse

Tablet of [NN] to Nabû-šu[ma-iškun]. I am herewith sending my tablet as a gre[eting to my lord]. [I heard] the news of [my] lord and became very glad. [...] in your place and for his servant [...] Has not Enlil in an effus[ive way ...] whom the king, your lord, not [...] [...] daily [...] [...] and [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) of his lord, until [...].

SAA 17 207

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 20570. Assigned to the reign of Sargon II or Sennacherib. SAA 17 207; SAAo P239973.

Obverse

Your [servant NN: I would gladly die] for [the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord]: ...[......] to [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) soldiers [......] to [......] (1 line blank)

Colophon

Source and license. This edition reproduces the English translation of the State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo, oracc.museum.upenn.edu/saao/saa17/), the digital edition of Manfried Dietrich, The Neo-Babylonian Correspondence of Sargon and Sennacherib (State Archives of Assyria 17; Helsinki University Press, 2003), lemmatised by Mikko Luukko (2009–11) as part of the AHRC-funded research project "Mechanisms of Communication in an Ancient Empire: The Correspondence between the King of Assyria and his Magnates in the 8th Century BC" (AH/F016581/1; University College London), directed by Karen Radner, fetched 2026-08-08. SAAo's own per-text credit line states the annotated edition is "released under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license 3.0"; the project's own machine-readable catalogue and metadata files carry the further, separate statement "This data is released under the CC0 license" (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). Both statements are recorded here; this edition credits SAAo, Manfried Dietrich, 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 207 catalogue entries edited in Dietrich's The Neo-Babylonian Correspondence of Sargon and Sennacherib, 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 twelve-chapter division follows the print edition's own chapters exactly — royal letters first, then letters grouped by the Babylonian region or city they were sent from, closing with chapters of unplaced and unattributed letters — and each tablet's obverse, reverse, and edges are marked where the source itself marks them. No word has been altered, paraphrased, or supplied by this library. Brackets, ellipses, and parenthetical markers such as "(?)," "(!)," and italicized variant readings are SAAo's own, recording damaged, restored, or uncertain cuneiform. 214 lines across 111 of the 207 texts are too damaged for SAAo itself to have published a translation; each such gap is marked in place rather than filled. A number of standalone editorial notes in this volume's pagers — describing a line as broken away, uninscribed, or otherwise physically absent (136 such notes across the corpus) — are recorded by SAAo in a separate descriptive field rather than inside the translation itself; those notes are reproduced here, in parentheses, at the point in the text where SAAo places them, using SAAo's own wording. Where a line's physical state is instead described directly inside SAAo's own translation column (for example "(Beginning destroyed)," "(Break)"), that wording is used instead, since it is the more specific of SAAo's two published descriptions of the same gap. Each letter's assignment to Sargon II or Sennacherib, and any more specific proposed date, is SAAo's own attribution from its catalogue, not a claim independently made by this library; fifteen letters that SAAo itself could not assign to one reign or the other are marked "Sargon II or Sennacherib" throughout.

Composite identification. Each tablet above is given by its SAA 17 catalogue number, its museum registration, excavation, or accession number where recorded (the British Museum in every case), its citation in the earlier Assyriological literature — chiefly Robert Francis Harper's Assyrian and Babylonian Letters (cited by SAAo as "ABL") and Theophilus G. Pinches and others' Cuneiform Texts from Babylonian Tablets... in the British Museum (cited as "CT 54") — together with any further cross-reference SAAo's own catalogue records under its own abbreviations (chiefly "WO 4," the journal Die Welt des Orients volume 4, and studies by Vera Chamaza and Steven W. Cole cited by author and series only, as SAAo itself cites them, since this library has not independently verified their full titles) — and its SAAo text ID (a CDLI P-number), under which the full transliteration, morphological analysis, and complete bibliographic citations 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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