The Political Correspondence of Esarhaddon — State Archives of Assyria 16

State Archives of Assyria 16 — The Crown and Court of Esarhaddon in Letters

The State Archives of Assyria online (SAAo) edition of Mikko Luukko and Greta Van Buylaere's 2002 print volume, "The Political Correspondence of Esarhaddon," gathers 246 letters, petitions, and reports written during the reign of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon (680–669 BCE) and the early crown-princehood of his son and successor Assurbanipal. Together with two companion volumes already in this library — the letters of Esarhaddon's scholars (State Archives of Assyria 10) and of his priests (State Archives of Assyria 13) — this volume completes the surviving Assyrian-language correspondence found at Nineveh from Esarhaddon's reign. Unlike a volume built around one class of writer, this one runs in both directions: it opens with the king's and the crown prince's own outgoing orders to officials across the empire, then gathers letters written back to the throne by other members of the royal family, petitioners seeking the king's favour or judgment, and informants denouncing crimes and conspiracies, before turning outward to the affairs of Assyria's other cities and its neighbours abroad, and closing with a chapter of texts the editors judged belonged, in subject, with the scholarly and priestly volumes already named. This edition follows the print volume's own eleven chapters exactly.

None of these letters carries an internal date; where a letter can be placed at all, it is by the people, offices, and events it mentions, and most can only be bracketed to a span of years — commonly 672–669 BCE, the years in which Assurbanipal and his brother Šamaš-šumu-ukin both held the rank of crown prince, of Assyria and of Babylon respectively. The volume's best-known episode is a set of denunciations, chiefly by the informant Nabû-rehtu-uṣur — described in SAAo's own catalogue as a servant of the queen mother — exposing a conspiracy against Esarhaddon centered on a courtier named Sasî, gathered in the chapter the print edition itself titles "Denunciations." A further curiosity, noted by the volume's own editors: no letter here comes from a provincial governor, unlike the correspondence of earlier kings such as Sargon II; by Esarhaddon's reign, the editors suggest, that correspondence had likely shifted to Aramaic written on parchment or papyrus, which does not survive.

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: 318 lines across 108 of the 246 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. One text, SAA 16 076, is catalogued by SAAo under a chapter number and a chapter name that disagree; this edition follows the chapter name (matched by the text's own position in tablet-number order) and notes the disagreement rather than resolving it silently.

Chapter One. Letters from the King and the Crown Prince — SAA 16 001–020
Chapter Two. Letters from Other Members of the Royal Family — SAA 16 021–028
Chapter Three. Petitions to the King and the Crown Prince — SAA 16 029–047
Chapter Four. Petitions to Officials and Private Letters — SAA 16 048–058
Chapter Five. Denunciations — SAA 16 059–075
Chapter Six. Letters from Nineveh and the Royal Court — SAA 16 076–094
Chapter Seven. Letters from Other Cities of Assyria — SAA 16 095–125
Chapter Eight. Letters from Phoenicia and Transpotamia — SAA 16 126–135
Chapter Nine. Letters Pertaining to Elam, Urarṭu, Media and Babylonia — SAA 16 136–156
Chapter Ten. Additions to SAA 10 and 13 — SAA 16 157–177
Chapter Eleven. Varia and Unassigned — SAA 16 178–246

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

Right Edge

[bef]ore the (king) of Hamath [...] (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

Edge

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

SAA 16 009 — Fragment Referring to Bel and Offenders

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07411; CT 53 351. [The king] to (unknown). Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 009; SAAo P313765.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... sayi]ng: "One [...] [... ] If [...] your [...], which [...] upon you Did he not gather [...]? [... say]ing: "It is not Bel

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

Bottom Edge

[......] [...] Be loyal!

Reverse

[...] your brothers [...] here do not know [that] you keep sending [letters to the so]n of Marduka [...] Now you [...] I have sounded [......]. And [...] [... the o]ffen[der(s) ...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 010 — They are Plotting to Kill You

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 099092; CT 53 977. [The king] to (unknown). Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 010; SAAo P314386.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...]s [...] have been plotting [against] me. [I t]old (this) truthfully, and you understood that they have (also) been plotting to kill you. What (else) should I write to you? You know (that) [...] has stood [...] (and that) [...] is [in] my [pre]sence. Why [...] ... [...]? (Remainder too broken for translation)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (rest broken away)

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

SAA 16 011 — Fragment Referring to Thrones

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07560; CT 53 397. [The king] to (unknown). Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 011; SAAo P313811.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] cam[e ...] [I have he]ard that [...] are continually se[n]ding [...] Again, [(the fact) that] you s[ent] me your [...]s and your [...]s but do not provide them [with ...] [......] says [......] We shall provide you [with ...] [... Š]umma-šarru, a chariot fighter [......] outside [...]

Bottom Edge

(Break)

Reverse

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

Reverse

"They have [taken] two towns [.....]. "The name of the second one is Kudana; [I don't know] the name of [the first one. The ...] of Iyazê goe[s] with [.....]." (rest uninscribed)

SAA 16 016 — Cimmerians in Minda

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0283; ABL 1161. [Ashurbanipal] to [the king]. Proposed date 670. SAA 16 016; SAAo P334765.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...]ra said: "He [has go]ne (away)." Let the king ask [him]. Thanks to these gods, [they are] ca[lm], and they are alive due to the kindness of the king. Now then he has brought all the Cimmerians, and they are staying in Mindâ. True, they have [not] yet ...

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 017 — Report on Kunaya and Kudurru

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0003; ABL 1257. Ashurbanipal to the king. Proposed date 670. SAA 16 017; SAAo P334819.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Assurbanipal. Good health to the king, my lord! May Aššur, Bel and Nabû bless the king, my lord. Concerning Kunaya (and) Kudurru about whom the king, my lord, said: "Send word that Sasî be interrogated, he knows about them" — he has writt[en] a[s] follows: (Break)

Reverse

Reverse

Reverse

Yet you are (only) a daughter-in-law — the lady of the house of Assurbanipal, the great crown prince designate of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria!

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

Chapter Three. Petitions to the King and the Crown Prince

SAA 16 029–047. 19 texts.

SAA 16 029 — Debts of the Governor of Barhalza

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01287; ABL 0916. Mardi to [the kin]g. Proposed date 680. SAA 16 029; SAAo P334623.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: your servant Mardî. May [Ninurta], Zababa, Nergal, Madanu [and Nabû] bless the strong and righteous [kin]g, my lord. [From the beginn]ing I have been his servant. My brother tried to make Bel-zeru-ibni kill me, (but) I grasped [the feet of the crown prince], saved myself from it in darkness and hunger, and fled to the tower [with the crown prince], my [l]ord. Compassion took hold of the king; [at my return], the crown prince sent a messenger with me, [saying], "You are to give him back [the things] that the governor of Barhalza owes him." I constantly prayed to [B]el, Nabû and Šamaš for the king, my lord, saying, "May the crown prince, my lord, seize the royal throne of his father's house! I am his servant and his dog, who fears him; may I see light under his protection!" Bel, Nabû and Šamaš heard (this) prayer for you, and they gave the king, my lord, an everlasting kingship (and) a long reign. And like sunshine, all the countries are illuminated by your light. But I have been left in darkness; no one brings me before the king. My outstanding debts, because of which I appealed to the crown prince, my lord, and (because of which) the king, my lord, sent (his messenger) with me, saying, "Give his outstanding debts back to him!" —

Reverse

[10 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

Obverse

Right Edge

performs [...]

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

SAA 16 042 — Governor Appropriates a Royal Gift

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0157; ABL 0415. Ṣallaya the major domo, Asalluhi-ereš the scribe to the king. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 042; SAAo P334285.

Obverse

To the king, our lord: your servants Ṣallaya, major domo, (and) Asalluhi-ereš, scribe. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû (and) Marduk bless the king, our lord. The governors have squandered the household of our lord, (and) the king does not know. The governor of Arrapha has taken away the gift which the king gave to our lord. May it be known to the king, our lord, that the household of our lord has been squandered.

Reverse

The king knows that our lord does not argue with his adversary; and when we litigate, they mistreat us. May the king entrust us to someone of his entourage, who will tell our story before the king. Moreover, may he appoint a royal bodyguard over the house of his servant, so that he may settle the lawsuits concerning the house.

SAA 16 043 — My Associate is a Criminal

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00893; ABL 0557. [...],Scribe who is in the service of [...] to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 043; SAAo P334382.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord]: your [servant PN], the scribe who is in the service of [...], the cohort of [...]. May Nabû (and) Marduk bless the [king], my lord. The king, my lord, appointed us as ... Now Nabû-šumu-iddina, my associate, is a criminal. He has wrecked the servants of the king outside and inside the city, (and) is utilizing the assigned quotas of the king. In response to what I said — "Why [are you wrecking the servants of the king and using the king's] assigned quotas?" — he answered: "[I ...] the corn heap [of ...] (and) the corn heap [of ...]".

Reverse

May the king, my lord, question the prefects and cohort commanders, and establish that I am right in this dispute with him. [I have liste]d the debts of the scr[ibe]s on a writing-board. Of the writi[ng board ...] the silver of the serv[ants of the king ...] (Break)

Edge

He is plotting against my life [...]

SAA 16 044 — May My Lord Appoint Me

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1882-05-22, 0158; ABL 1234. Iqbi-Aššur to the king. Proposed date 680-678. SAA 16 044; SAAo P334811.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Iqbi-Aššur, the scribe of Kar-Shalmaneser. Good health to the king, my lord! [May DNN bless] the king, my lord. [May] Bel and Nabû, [and the gods of heav]en greatly [... the king, my lord]! (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) are killing me [by] (giving out) bribes. May my [lor]d appoint me, so I can settle (this lawsuit) with them in the presence of the king. Have I been removed [fro]m my duty? The king, my lord, should know (this).

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

SAA 16 045 — Complaints from Naṣibina

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 098979; ABL 1371. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 045; SAAo P334869.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) The scribe [...] left [his post and did not do] the king's work, saying: "Why [...] my father?" They ap[pointed] me in his stead, (and) I stood by and [served] your father. I [...ed] in Naṣibina, [GN] (and) Hamedê; I [did] work for the king (and) [gave] booty to the king. Last year in Tebet (X), [when I was] in the presence of the king, my lord, [...] report of the Palace [...]. I exacted silver from the me[rchants] and [gave] it to the king. The [...] of the king, [my] lord, [...] had no[t] yet [...], [...] to Barhalza, (when) the scribe returned to my service [...]. He had st[ood] in the middle of kings, [but] did not inqui[re about] the king's health and did not tell it to me.

Reverse

Now the [scribe] has entered the king's presence. [They have] dism[issed ...] without the king's permission, heedlessly [...ed] the king's house, and [mistreated] a girl servant of mine and my people. Is it a country of the king? May [...]! Why do the merchants [...] me here [...]? May the king, lord of the kings, my lord, enquire about what I [spoke] in the presence of the king, my lord. Without [...], without [...] [......] in [...] [......] [......]

SAA 16 046 — Asking for Mercy

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05539; CT 53 275. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 046; SAAo P313690.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) May they have [mer]cy [on them]. [If the k]ing, my lord, ord[ers], [...] the [...] [...] the chief vic[tualler] (Reverse too broken for translation)

Reverse

[I am] now [writing] to my lord, (as) from the first day on their little ones in Calah cannot go to school without funerary offering(s). May my lord keep his servants al[ive] (with) the stored grain of Sivan (III), until a new barley ration falls to my share. What else? I prayed to Nabû, and he appointed me to my lord's service. Nabû will intercede for me before my lord.

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

SAA 16 053 — Adopting a Daughter

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00880b; CT 53 009. (No sender) to (unknown). Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 053; SAAo P313424.

Obverse

You took over [the property of] m[y] father's house [...]: the woman Ilussa and her two sons, the woman Muhhi-ili-šapkaku and her daughter, a total of 5 persons; a bed including a wooden board, 3 blankets, a bedspread, chairs, (and) a table. My father ordered: "Her daughter is to be adopted." She has given (her) in accordance with her preference one silve[r] bracelet (and) one silver daššu-implement. In all, 32 shekels of si[l]ver on the golden weight.

Reverse

[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) "Perhaps ther[e is ......]; let them ask [...]. "A slave-girl of Bel-ahu-uṣur [...] upon [...] in a suburb of Harran; since Sivan (III) she is enraptured and speaks nice words about him: 'It is the word of Nusku: The kingship is for Sasî. I will destroy the name and seed of Sennacherib!'" Let your squadron commander question the household of Bel-ahu-uṣur under the gate of the Nabû temple; let the ša-šēpi guards who brought the slave-girl into the house of Sasî bring her here, and let the king perform a(n extispicy) ritual on her (account). Let them bring Bel-ahu-uṣur from Harran and [...] Nusku. May the name and seed of Sasî, Bel-ahu-uṣur and their accomplices perish, and may Bel and Nabû establish the name and seed of the king, my lord, until far-off [days]! Let them speak with Ardâ as follows: "On the 27th, at night, [when] the scribe Issar-nadin-apli at this particular moment went to [Sa]sî the city overseer, [did ......] with the prefect Awyanu? [Did] the scribe Issar-nadin-apli [...] this [with Nabû-eṭir? What [did] Sasî [......] concerning it on the 28th? Did Sasî speak with you and the [...] on the following day? Why have you [not reported] what you sa[w and heard]?"

Right Edge

[Let] the squadron commander [...] men/troops [... arrest] the scrib[e] Issar-[nadin-apli ......].

Edge

[The people w]ho conspire with them and with Sasî [should die]! [...] let your [son]s and uncles guard you. Let [me] gather [yo]ur [...... As for you], stay in safety in your palace. [... Let the people di]e before [they get ahead (of you)]! Rescue your life!

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

SAA 16 060 — More on the Conspiracy of Sasi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01034 + K 07395 + K 09204 + K 09821 + K 10541bis? + K 11021; CT 53 017+. Nabu-re[htu-uṣur] to the ki[ng]. Proposed date 671-670. SAA 16 060; SAAo P313432.

Obverse

To the ki[ng], my lord: your servant Nabû-re[htu-uṣur. May Bel and] Belet, Nabû and Tašmetu, Ištar of Ni[neveh and Ištar of Arbela, your] gods (who) [called] you by name [to kingship, keep] you a[live]! Those who sin against [your father's goodness, yo]ur fat[her's and] your own treaty, and who [plot against yo]ur [life, shall be placed] in [your] hands, [and you shall delete] their name [from As]syria and from [your pa]lace. This is the word of Mullissu; [the king, my lord], should not be ne[glectful] about it. On the 6th of [Marchesvan (VIII)] I had a vi[sion]: "[... stay(s) for the night] in the midst [...]." [I am bound by the treaty of the king my lord]; I cannot c[onceal the words of ...]. Just as I saw, [...] in [......] I have put at (the culmination of) the Tripl[et] s[tar ......] The king my lord knows that [......] [It is written] as follows in the lette[r: "......] "should have ... [......] (Short break) "[......] the crown pr[ince ......] "[.......] to the crown prin[ce ......] "are in league with one another [......] he says: "These [......]" and: "The whole palace [is] with [......] "anything; the daughter of Bambâ [......] and the men of Adad-šumu-uṣur and Ar[dâ ......] have said to me: "They are making a rebellion [......] "He has become confident in (his) heart [and is saying]: 'I have set [......].' He has rejected what Bel, Nabû, Ištar of [Nineveh and Ištar of Arbela have ...ed], and [......] of his own." Ištar of Nineveh says: "[......] "have done ...[......] "from [your] pal[ace ......] (Break)

Reverse

may ...[......]. it r[ead]s as follows: "In Harran [......] "What orders has he given [to you] about me? [......] "You have guar[ded] the word of my father greatly, [and] "you have turned the palace into a [...]. "My men [......] "Sasî [......] "[I] trust [in ......] "They [......] "with S[asî ......] let him e[stablish ......] (Small break) the l[ife of ......] the lif[e of ......] [in the pres]ence of the chief eunuch [......] Rescue your life! [Let the people die] qu[ickly! ......] Sasî to [......] [Mi]lki-nuri and Urad-Issar [......] with [him]. Interrogate them! Let them tell you the [...] people who conspire with them, and let [these] people die! Have no fear; Bel, Nabû and Mullissu are standing [with you]. Let the people die quickly, and [rescue] your life! May this letter be a spell, it will [...] upon you! Let the people die [quick]ly before they get ahe[ad] (of you). Hear me, O king, my lord! Save your life! [The men o]f Sasî have [set] an ambush, [saying: "The moment the king] will speak with us, w[e shall kill] him [before he g]ets ahead (of us)."

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

Edge

Hear me, O king [my lord]! Bel [......]. Let the [...] bring gold and precious stones ...... [As for you, ke]ep in safety, [pray to Bel], and let him prolong your life. Take care of yourself, ditto ditto (= let the people die quickly)! [Rescue] your life and [the life of] your family! Rescue your life [from the hands of the e]unuchs! Ditto ditto. [Brace] yourself! [Le]t the [...] stand [with you]; they are loyal to you.

SAA 16 061 — Partial Duplicate of No. 60

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0508; CT 53 938. [Nabu-rehtu-uṣur] to [the king]. Proposed date 671-670. SAA 16 061; SAAo P314347.

Obverse

[To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-rehtu-uṣur. May Bel and Belet, Nabû and Tašmetu, Ištar of] Nineveh and Ištar of [Arbela, your gods who] called [you by name to kings]hip, [keep you alive]! [Those who sin against] your father's [goodness, your father's and your own] treaty, and who [plot] against your life, shall be placed [in yo]ur [hands], and you will delete th[eir] seed [from Assyria and from] your [pala]ce! [This] is the word [of Mullis]su; the king, my lord, should n[ot] be ne[glectful] about it. [On the 6th o]f Marchesvan (VIII) I had a vi[sion]: "[...] spend the night [...]" [I am] bound by the treaty of the ki[ng, my lord; I cannot conce]al the word[s of ...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) which have been done in your palace [......] he has not heard, and does not know [......] do not turn away your attention [......] destroy ... [......] and Bambâ [......] do not [......] their [......] (Rest destroyed)

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

Edge

(two lines broken away)

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

SAA 16 062 — The Case of Nabu-kabti-ahhešu and Sasi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04786; ABL 1308. (No sender) to the king. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 062; SAAo P334844.

Obverse

[Concerning the case of] Nabû-kabti-ahhešu [which I previously communica]ted to the king, my lord, why has the king, my lord, until now [nei]ther asked nor enquired (about it)? Is it an insignificant matter? O king, my lord! May the king, my lord, not disregard this matter! May the king, my lord, perform his rites at once! Now then, the months of Shebat (XI) and Adar (XII) have arrived. They are favourable months, it is auspicious to perform the rites (now). What do I count this scribal lore for? Is it made for the averting of misfortunes, [of ...]s, of sins, and of evil things? [...] is of Ea. Is [...] of Ea? The king, my lord, [......] upon [...]

Reverse

(Break) [......] is of revenge. The second [matter] is (the same as) the previous matter. May [the king], my lord, ask (about it); I shall then tell the other matter to the king, my lord. Now then, Hamnanu (and) the priest whom Sasî released from ..., who did not stand with us before the magnates — may the king, my lord, ask these (people) how they were released. Two or three reports should be completed by my hand; he will ... watch over my [...], (while) I speak with the rest. May [...] also be my forces! Out of many (people), [why] did [the king], my lord, write to his servant? [...] they have [p]ersecuted me

Right Edge

[...... in] the palace [...... ma]y I [g]o in and out [...... that] I am [...]

Edge

[......] May my [h]eart become happy!

SAA 16 063 — Crimes in Guzana

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01366 + K 11448; CT 53 046. (No sender) to the king. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 063; SAAo P313461.

Obverse

[Concer]ning the six men (and) one woman about whom [I wrote] to the king, [my lord] — Kutî the scribe, Tutî [the scribe], Adad-killanni the priest, Qurdî the ch[ariot driver], Niri-Ia'u the chief of accounts, Palṭi-Ia'u the [depu]ty, (and) Zazâ, the wife of Tarṣî, (all) servants of the governor — as to the matter of Guzana, they know if there is (such a thing), and if there isn't, they know it, too. The king, my lord, should speak with them, but (first) let me tell the king, my lord, about their other crimes. The first crime of Kutî and Tutî: When my son commanded them, "Bring me the horses, so that I can bring (them) to the king!," they refused. Their other crime: (In the reign of) the father of the king, my lord, they wrote the silver quota of the shepherds on an Assyrian document (and) on an Aramaic document and sealed the amount of silver with the neck seals of the treasurer Nabû-qati-ṣabat, the village manager, (and) the scribe, with their neck seals (and) with the (royal) stamp seal, saying: "If they don't pay this year, they will die!" (But) when a bribe was made, they cut off the [stam]p seals (and) their neck-seals, (and) threw them away. Did they not cut (them) off arbitrarily? [Qurd]î, the chariot driver of the treasury horses, is treading on (the authority of) the [Pa]lace. He has laid his hands on the cone [of Ištar], saying: "Strike (f. sg.) me! Let's see (what happens)! Bring me an iron knife, (so) I can cut it off and stick it in the [gov]ernor's ass!" I am unable to tell [what else] he has said about everybody. The priest (Adad-killanni) has encouraged him; [I] am powerless. Šamaš-emuranni, the governor, took counsel with Palṭi-Ia'u (the deputy) [and] Niri-Ia'u (the chief of accounts), saying: "Who(se feet) should we grasp?" They told the governor: "The one who dressed [you] in purple garments (and) gave you the golden [br]acelet (and) the golden dagger [......]." The governor said: "Go out and gather the elders of the city [of Guzana in] front of the crown prince's palace! [...] no bracelets, n[o ...]."

Bottom Edge

I am being told that he asked them (= the elders): "To whom are you [devoted]?" Adda-sakâ, a chari[ot] owner, answered: "Tell us, why do you ask u[s]? Ask our sons!" He said: "It is you I have aske[d], so tell me!" They answered of one [accord]: "We have eaten the slice of our sons and daughters, and [that of] Aššur-zeru-ibni too, but we keep the t[reaty of the king], we are devoted to Esarhaddon."

Reverse

[The governor] threw [the sceptre] from his hands, place[d] h[is] arms [on] his [chest], and said: "[You are] his [servant]s! [W]hat are you saying? You [...] yo[ur dynastic house! I [......] your [cit]y." Halbišu the Samarian, [a servant of] the king, my lord, (and) Bar-uri, the eunuch (and) maqaltānu-official [of] Ba'al-rakkab of Sam'al, told me this matter: Tarṣî, the scribe of Guzana, has given his son to the household of Aššur-zeru-ibni. When Aššur-zeru-ibni is with the son[s of the ki]ng, the son of Tarṣî is the chief of accounts. During these ten days when Aššur-zeru-ibni is lingering in Nineveh, the son of Tarṣî is the chief tailor, taking care of the golden bracelet, the golden dagger and the parasol of Aššur-zeru-ibni. This Tarṣî, O king, my lord, is a powerful (and) influential man. He has taken away the servants of the queen, of the crown prince, of the household of the magnates (and) the exempts, (and) given them to the household of Aššur-zeru-ibni. Moreover, the messengers whom the king, my lord, sends to Guzana — who hears (all) the slighting remarks that Tarṣî and his wife make (about them)? Zazâ, the wife of Tarṣî, and her sons should not be kept alive. O king, my lord! The priest is a brother-in-law of Tarṣî. Their wives bring down the moon from the sky! O king, my lord, concerning (this), in all the letters which I have sent to the king, my lord, there is just this one matter. I have been shamed. On account of the words that I have spoken [...], instead of Aššur-zeru-[ibni ...], I have butted Marduk-išmanni [...].

Right Edge

The king, my lord, is the sun! [I am] a servant of the ki[ng, my lord], (but) I do not see [...].

Edge

[And] the words spoken [by] Milki-nuri, O king, my lord, are not accurate. I will tell [the king], my lord, the very first [day when I enter before the king]. His words are within my ears. Let me see [the face of the king, m]y [lord, ...]. Should the king, my lord, say: "[Why did you not wri]te what you heard?" — [...].

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

SAA 16 064 — How to Deal with Appeals for Royal Intervention

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05432a + K 11465; CT 53 078+. (No sender) to the king. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 064; SAAo P313493.

Obverse

Concerning the men who [appeal] for royal intervention, the king, my lord, should not tarry. Let th[e men] come and speak up, and may [the king] familiarise himself with [their] cases. May the king seize upon the matter whi[ch] is accept[able t]o him. What is not acce[ptable t]o the king, my lord, the king, [my] lord, [may] drop. If one is a servant of the king and tells ab[out] his prefect or about his governor, his prefect should be given clear instructions about him; (and) if one is a servant of an Assyrian, his lord should be told in no uncertain terms: "He rests in the king's protection — nobody may litigate against him! You must not lead him to ..., he must not be detained!"

Bottom Edge

(Should) the king, my lord, finish off his m[e]n, one might [g]o to his comrade and say: "I too want to speak before the king." No, O king, my lord! The magnates should be given clear instructions about it. They will hear it at once and many people will come. The desire of the king, [my lord], will be achieved through much talk.

Reverse

As to the gold about which I wrote [to] the king, my lord: "If the report of this [...] comes to the king, my lord, the king, [my lord], should write to his servant" — why [has] the kin[g, my lord, not written to me]?" [I]f the king, my lord, [...] about t[his] matter [...] to the sartinn[u ......]

Right Edge

[o]f Harhar, the king, my lord [......] [T]hey should keep their eyes on him [...]

SAA 16 065 — Divination Taught to a Goldsmith’s Son

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0121; ABL 1245. (No sender) to the king. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 065; SAAo P334816.

Obverse

May Aššur, Šamaš, Bel (and) Nabû bless the king, my lord. Parruṭu, a goldsmith of the household of the queen, has, like the king and the crown prince, bought a Babylonian, and settled him in his own house. He has taught exorcistic literature to his son; extispicy omens have been explained to him, (and) he has even studied gleanings from Enuma Anu Enlil, and this right before the king, my lord! Let the king, my lord, write to his servant on account of this matter. [......] that [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) Sasî [......] They are even planting amulets of black wood, a neck-stone (and) Pazuzu-heads on his head. Should I interrogate and bring out the man? Let the king, my lord, give orders: if he daubs her with hiddu, they should give it to me. The hiddu must be given to me, (whether) by force, (or) without anybody('s permission)! As to what the king, my lord, wrote to his servant: "Who displays much malice towards you (and) is disagreeable?" — would I not write to the king, my lord! ... I put the foundation stone in a bag, (thinking): "How will he return it?" Send your servant.

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

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) the me[n of ...], the [...s], Sumutî, the scribe [...], Nasi'-bar, the village manager [...] [Th]ey know [and will say it] to the king, [my lord]. [As t]o Zeru-ken, when he [...] [t]o become a 'third man' (or) a chariot-d[river], [Adad]-killanni himself said: "[...] [... form]erly under [him] He is [...]." The king, my lord [...] [...] promoted [...] [... the king, my lor]d, said [...] [......] not [...] (Break)

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

Edge

[...] Assyrian(s). O king, my lord, [...] [... who] incit[es] criminals [...] [...] another [...]

SAA 16 069 — Sin-balassu-iqbi Sends Gold to Sasi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00724; ABL 0445. (No sender) to the crown prince. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 069; SAAo P334309.

Obverse

May Nabû (and) Marduk bless the crown prince, my lord. Nabû-naṣir, the staff-bearer, has told me: "Sîn-balassu-iqbi, son of Nikkal-iddina, has sent 1 mina of gold with a chariot driver to Sasî, the superintendent [of] the crown prince, saying, 'What is it that the king, my lord, commands?'"

Reverse

(rest uninscribed)

SAA 16 070 — May the Horse not Die!

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01372; CT 53 178. (No sender) to the crown [prince]. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 070; SAAo P313593.

Obverse

May [Nabû and Marduk] bless the crown [prince], my lord. [Concer]ning that horse, [Urdu]-Issar is now telling me: "[D]o [as] you were ordered to do!" Hear me, O crown prince, [my] lord! I am your [servan]t. May it [ha]ppen to the [crown] prince that [...], may [the horse n]ot die!

Reverse

[Th]at [...] (official) is saying: "Why [the ho]rses that are under [me ......]? (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 071 — Fragment Mentioning Sasi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01357; CT 53 044. (No sender) to [the crown prince]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 071; SAAo P313459.

Obverse

SAA 16 075 — A Crime Committed

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0838; CT 53 954. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 075; SAAo P314363.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] is there [...]? [...] months [... W]hen did he sit [...]? [......] ... he committed a crime [...... h]e commits (a crime) [......] which he has done [... the ...] of the king, my lord, [...... go]es down. The king [has ...] to his servant [...] [......] they [s]hould return [...... w]hat [......] (Reverse too broken for translation)

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

Reverse

Furthermore, we shall [...] the multi-coloured textiles (placed) before the breast [of] Adad.

Edge

They have stopped the [...] of the king.

SAA 16 085 — Itemising Textiles

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0118; ABL 0770. Nabu-šarru-uṣur to the king. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 085; SAAo P334545.

[To the king, my lord: your servant PN. Good health to the king, my lord]! May Bel (and) Nabû bless [the king], my lord. As to what the king, [my] lor[d] told me: "Chec[k] and test the upper part of the aṣūdu-bowl and thereafter dri[nk] on the accounts!" If it is acceptable to the [king], my lord, [let] the [...] vizier and the chief [......] the (royal) del[egate ...]

Reverse

(Rest destroyed or too broken for translation) (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 16 093 — May the Chief Baker Release Us

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01556; ABL 1451. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 093; SAAo P334914.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) I will as[k] about the corn, [...] As [long as] we are on the alert, [...]. We will climb up (and) [k]eep watc[h]. Let the chief baker [of DN] be ord[ered] to release u[s] so we [can put] (one) half of [...] on the top of the ziggur[ats] and the other half of [...] on the roof [of ...]; we will climb up and keep watch.

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

Reverse

Furthermore, let them send bod[yguards] to the Inner [City], Cal[ah], Arbela, (and) Dur-Šarrukin; [...] the chief [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 094 — An Appeal to the Queen Mother

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01527; CT 53 182. (Unknown) to [the mother of the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 094; SAAo P313597.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... about whom] I was given [t]hos[e orders] (and) [about wh]om the qu[een moth]er w[rote] to me yesterd[ay]: "They have appealed to [me]; they were not frightened [...]"

Bottom Edge

(Rest destroyed)

Reverse

"8 [..]s who gave [... to] the king, my lord, [......] "a brib[e ......] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 100 — An Earthquake Hits Assur

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 123358; Iraq 04 189. Nabu-šumu-ka’’in, scribe to the king. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 100; SAAo P336177.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-šumu-ka''in, the scribe. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord. There was an earthquake on the 21st of Elul (VI). The outer town in its entirety was damaged (lit. "scratched") but the whole wall of the outer city was saved; (only a stretch of) 30.5 cubits was torn out of it and fell into the centre of the city. The House of God in its entirety was dam[ag]ed and cracked, but all the gods of the king are well. The architrave of the window-opening of the House of God (and) [the ... of] Nabû (and) Adad [......]

Reverse

(Break) of the ziggurat[s ... and] of the ... house of ... fell down; one [...] collapsed from this house. The watchtowers of the middlemost gate and the outer gate have collapsed; (and) one [...] house outside the city garrison and one inside it have collapsed. A royal eunuch should come and have a look.

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

SAA 16 101 — Repairing Earthquake Damages

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01948; CT 53 216. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 101; SAAo P313631.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) the chi[ef ......] together with [......] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) May [the king, my lord], ask the chief [...]. The king [...]. When the city wall [...] was damaged [...] to fal[l ...] the door-beams [...] I will do as the kin[g, my lord, commands].

Edge

[The king, my lord], can be glad [in]deed.

SAA 16 102

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16532; CT 53 794. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 102; SAAo P314204.

Obverse

[To the king, our lord: your] se[rvants PPN]. Good [health to the king, our lord]! [May] Ašš[ur and DN bless the king, our lord]. (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) befor[e ......] of the ki[ng ......] (rest uninscribed)

SAA 16 103

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04710; ABL 1299. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 103; SAAo P334840.

Obverse

To the king, [my lord]: your servant [Bel-iqiša]. Good health to [the king, my lord! May] Nabû and Marduk very great[ly bless the king, my lord]. The shepherds of [...] about whom the king, my lord, [wrote to me] — Nabû-šezib [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) The king [... said] to [......]: "Do [......]!" [Now then] I am appealing [to the king], my lord: [may] the king, my lord, [...]! Why [does] Nabû-šezib [... h]is lord's household?

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

Right Edge

Obverse

[T]o the king, [my] lord: yo[ur servant] Babilayu. Assy[ria] is [well]. The great gods who dw[ell in Assyria] (and) keep [the king], my lord, ali[ve, are we]ll. [The crown pr]ince [is well]. I am well. The bes[t of health to the ...] of the king, my lord! [May the magn]ates and manservants, [and the ... hor]ses of the king, [my lord], be [ve]ry well in[de]ed! (Break) [......] they have gone up (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 16 119 — Fragment Referring to Riding

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04522; ABL 0927. Nabu-da’’inanni to the king. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 119; SAAo P334627.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: [your servant] Nabû-da''inanni. [May Nabû] and Marduk [bl]ess the king, my lord. As to Babilayu (and) his [servant]s about whom the king, my lord, [g]ave me [orders ......] (Break)

(Break) [...] their/them [......] i[n the m]orning [......] as soon as Ištar of [...] their tongues [......] their ears [......] in the morning [...] before [...] the 'sons' of A[rbela ......] there [......] I cir[cled ......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 123 — People for the Rab Mugi

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 09811; ABL 1343. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 123; SAAo P334853.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [PN], a [...] maker — [...] a parasol he will make [the]re — [PN], chief singer [PN], from Arbela [PN], from Arbela [PN], an Aramean [scrib]e [total x people] at the disposal of the rab-mūgi [......] his sister [PN, ...] of Commagene (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) [...] has released [...] ... [...] bundles [...], servants of the king [who] have been sold [for mon]ey. [If the kin]g, my lord, commands, [I will sen]d them over. [... whom] your [...] know(s) (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

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

SAA 16 124 — Shepherd Acting as an Informer

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0155; ABL 0950. Nani to the crown prince. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 124; SAAo P334640.

Obverse

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

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [Ever since] they went, they have been with [...]. Now then one shepherd has come to me to Calah. He has acted [as an in]former.

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

SAA 16 125 — Inscribing a Foundation Stone

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01103; CT 53 025. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 125; SAAo P313440.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [May DNN bles]s [the king, my lord]. [Concerning the ... in] Adia, they have finished [...], (but) for laying the foundations, the earlier foundation stone which we loosened was (too) calcareous. Now, there is another foundation stone at hand. If the king so orders, let the name of the king be written on that and we shall build it in. Alternatively, the king may command: "Build in the old one!" May the king write to his servant what the king finds acceptable.

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed)

Reverse

As to the wood which we are to trample between the foundation stone, let the king command whence it will be given. Let the king order the chief scribe to write the name of the king on the stele, and at the same time to look up a favourable day for the (objects) to be placed in the doorjambs of the house. We will bring the [...] of the king and a staff and lay (them) [there]. The [...] should be performed [on the x]th [day]. [...] Iyyar (II) [...] you will go (Rest destroyed)

Chapter Eight. Letters from Phoenicia and Transpotamia

SAA 16 126–135. 10 texts.

SAA 16 126 — The Whole Country Blesses the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0055 + 1891-05-09 Bu, 0086; CT 53 148. Itti-Šamaš-balaṭu to the king. Proposed date 672 or 671. SAA 16 126; SAAo P313563.

Obverse

To the king, my lord, the righteous, sincere, and beloved of his gods: your servant Itti-Šamaš-balaṭu. Good health to the king, my lord! May Aššur, Šamaš, Bel, Nabû, Nergal, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of the Kidmuri temple, (and) Ištar of Arbela very generously give to the king, my lord, long days, everlasting years, happiness, physical well-being (and) joy. Just as the king, my lord, is truthful to god and man, and the command of the king, my lord, is good to god and man (and) 'the black-headed people,' in the same manner the powerful gods of the king, my lord, who raised the king, my lord, from childhood till maturity, will fully carry out (these blessings) and render them to the king, my lord. And [they will brin]g all the enemies [of] the king, my lord, [to submission] before the feet of the king, [my] lord. As [it is said] in the treaty: "[May iron swords consume him] who go[es] to the south [and may iron swords consume him] who g[oes] to the north. May your waterskins b[reak] in a place of [severe] t[hirst]" — [by] the gods of the king, [I have don]e just as [it is said] in [the treaty] (Break)

Reverse

Edge

May the gods of the king, my lord, [......]!

SAA 16 130 — Fragment Referring to an Insurgent

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0169; CT 53 813. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 130; SAAo P314222.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] Aduni-[Ba'al] [...... his] face [......] set [......] he is an [insur]gent [... Šarru-lu-dari son of Ru]kibtu [...... o]f Assyria [......] truly (Rest destroyed)

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

(beginning broken away) [PN], cra[ftsman] — Ṣil-šarri the [...] has made common cause w[ith them]; they (plan to) destroy the [...] of the king, [my lord]. Two bodygu[ards ...] because of him [...] among the enemy [...] The servants [of the king] are ready to [......]

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

Right Edge

(Break)

Edge

[... o]f Arpad [...] also serve [with the] enemy. [The ki]ng, my lord, should know (it).

Chapter Nine. Letters Pertaining to Elam, Urarṭu, Media and Babylonia

SAA 16 136–156. 21 texts.

SAA 16 136 — Deserters from the Governor of Der

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 00518; ABL 0140. Nabu-ra’im-nišešu, Salamanu to the king. Proposed date 679-675. SAA 16 136; SAAo P334086.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servants Nabû-ra'im-nišešu and Salamanu. Good health to the king, our lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, our lord. As to the deserters whom the governor of Der sent to me (and) about whom the king, my lord, wrote to me: "Interrogate them!" — we have interrogated them. Bur-Silâ, 'third man' of the crown prince; Kudurru, servant of Mannaipite, likewise a 'third man' of the crown prince. Total two Elamites. Rama-il, a man from Arrapha, chariot fighter of the governor, Addiqritušu, (and) servants of Iairu, the Gambulean:

Reverse

Fifteen deserters whom the governor of Der sent to me. (rest uninscribed)

SAA 16 137 — The Kings have Made Peace with One Another

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0068; ABL 1115. [Nabu-ra’im-nišešu], [Salamanu] to [the king]. Proposed date 679-675. SAA 16 137; SAAo P334742.

Obverse

[To the king, our lord: your servants Nabû-ra'im-nišešu (and) Salamanu]. Good [health to the king], our [lo]rd! May Nabû (and) [Marduk] bless [the king, our lord]! Con[cerning the messeng]er from Nip[pur], about whom the king wrote to us: "Ask him!" — We asked him (and he replied): "The messenger of Pa'e, the legate of the land Araši, has come to Nippur (saying): 'The kings have made peace with one another, so why have you taken plunder/captives?' The recruitment officers told him: '[...] (Break)

Bottom Edge

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

Reverse

"They have entered the city [...] "[......] of [... ar]chers 1 [......] donkeys They will enter [Arrap]ha either tomorrow, o[r the day] after tomorrow. (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

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

SAA 16 138 — Report on Araši and Elam

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 04690; CT 53 070. [Nabu-ra’im-nišešu], Salaman[u] to the king. Proposed date 679-675. SAA 16 138; SAAo P313485.

Obverse

T[o] the king, [my lord]: your servants [Nabû-ra'im-nišešu] (and) Salaman[u. Good health t]o the king [my lord]! [May Nabû and] Marduk [bless the king, my lord]. [Perh]aps the king, my lord, will sa[y]: "[W]hy [have you not ...] until now?" Pa'e, [the deleg]ate of the land Araš[i, sai]d to us: "[...] [... the Ela]mite(s) [...] (Break)

Reverse

Reverse

(beginning broken away) "[...... Why] has he put [crosses] on them?" — At [the time when] he (= the king) was the crown prince, Nabû-šarrani brought them to the king into the Rear Palace, and the crosses were put on them (at that time). Now Šulmu-mati has gone and started working on the palace. I am writing to the king, my lord, only as a reminder. [The k]ing, my lord, [may a]ct as he deems best.

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

SAA 16 144 — Appeal for Royal Intervention

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Rm 0050; ABL 0776. Nabu-ra’im-nišešu to the king. Proposed date 679-675. SAA 16 144; SAAo P334549.

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-ra'im-nišešu. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord. Šar-uarri, a [... from] the town Luli[...], a servant of the king, [my lord, has appealed for] the intervention of the king, my lord. (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 16 145 — Fragment Referring to Locusts

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 13059; ABL 1351. [Nabu-ra’im-nišešu], Salam[anu] to the king. Proposed date 679-675. SAA 16 145; SAAo P334860.

Obverse

To the ki[ng, my lord]: yo[ur] servants [Nabû-ra'im-nišešu] (and) Salam[anu. Good health] to the king, [my lord! May] Nabû (and) Ma[rduk bless the king, my lord]. 4 days [...] Against the locu[sts ...] (Break)

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

Reverse

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [I have] also [sp]oken [with the emissari]es of Maz[amua]. (Perhaps) the king, my lord, will say: "My servant has been negligent; he did not send (a report) earlier." Those who (came for) the treaty had not yet finished leaving the presence of the king, my lord, when the letter [...] before [...]. As soon as Urdu-Issar saw [...], he delivered it to hi[m].

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

(completely broken away)

SAA 16 154 — Assigning Houses to Sarrabaneans

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01001; ABL 0572. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 154; SAAo P334393.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [have b]lessed [...]. The [...] have come, made sacrifice[s (and) bles]sed the king, my lord. May Bel and Nabû make their blessing reach the king, my lord. The king, my lord, knows that the people of Sarrabanu hold (houses) in Babylon, Nippur and Uruk and in the Itu'u land. Recently, they have been entering my audience. I have showed them houses around Bit-[...] (and) they are roofing them.

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

Reverse

[...] they tol[d me]: "[...]." I said: "[...] people [...] [...] and the king [...] there is [...] good [...]s" [...] are staying I have showed them [...] [......] I [...] to the status of a fortress there is [...] the king [...] did [not] settle [...] [...] the Puqudu [...] the Sarrabaneans (Rest destroyed)

Edge

May the king, my lord, not listen to [...] until [...].

SAA 16 155 — Returning a Field to the Chaldeans

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15175; CT 53 626. (Unknown) to [the king]. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 155; SAAo P314038.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [Concerning the field about which the king, my lord, wro]te to me: ["... of the] Chaldeans [... which y]ou took, [...; ...] the field [and give it back] to the Chaldeans" — [...] I said [to K]unaya [......] from [......] I brought forth [......] they refused to [...... I became] scared (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] my [s]ilver [...... I to]ld him [......]... [......] he gave [......] saying: "Go [......] field, silver [...... p]laced [......] 5 minas from it [...... w]ent to him [......] the crown prince (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 156 — Fragment Referring to Akkad

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 099316; CT 53 972. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 156; SAAo P314381.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...... the land of] Akkad [...] [......] there is [...] [......] ... [...] [......] Place (pl.) [...]! (Rest destroyed)

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

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

Right Edge

[... W]ho [would ...] in [his] lord's household [that] I am [not loy]al (and) not [...]? [The king], my [l]ord, [is as perfect] as Adap[a]. [As for me, I am] a servant who is l[oyal] to his lord.

SAA 16 170

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1881-07-27, 0276; CT 53 910. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 170; SAAo P314319.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] do[es] [... is hur]ting them [......] has not stood [... whom ...] promoted [...... the] chief victualler [......] from m[e] (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) [...... the d]aughter [......] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 171 — Fragment Referring to Extispicies and a Treaty

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05517; CT 53 266. [Mar-Issar] to [the king]. Proposed date 671-669. SAA 16 171; SAAo P313681.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [......] the king, [my] lo[rd, ...] [... I sai]d to him, "[...] [...] I said, "Soon [...] [...] we will [...] with each other." [PN ... t]o Nabû-ahhe-šallim, th[e ...], [...], saying: "[...] a lamb [...] [...] "I am a servant of the king; [if] [it] is acceptable [to the king, let] Nabu-taklak, the haruspex [...]." [...] they sl[aughtered] lambs [......] [...] I raged at h[im], [bou]nd [...], and [made] a treaty w[ith him] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 16 172

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16521. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 172; SAAo P336781.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [... wro]te to me (Break)

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

Reverse

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

[What are the written instru]ctions [of the king], my lord? (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 16 176 — Fragment of a Horse Report

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 14625; CT 53 551. [Nabu-šumu-iddina] to [the king]. Proposed date 671-666. SAA 16 176; SAAo P313963.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) here [...] any [...] trained to the yoke [...] riders [...] the king, my lord, [...] when [......] we [......] (Break)

Reverse

Obverse

To the king, my lord: your servant Nabû-ahhe-šallim. Good health to the king, my lord! May Nabû (and) Marduk bless the [king, my lord]. As to [what the king, my lord], [wrote] to [his] servant: "If [......], "when t[o ......] "he [......] "from the house of [...]

Reverse

"pro[vide ...]. "If n[ot], "she may stay as is!" Who knows what is in Balṭay[a]'s presence? Nobody knows! I swear by the gods that (at least) I do not know for whom she is.

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

SAA 16 182

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05506; CT 53 263. [...]-Šumu-uṣur to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 182; SAAo P313678.

Obverse

[To the king], my lord: [your servant DN]-šumu-uṣur. (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(as far as preserved, uninscribed)

SAA 16 183 — Bread for the King’s House

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1891-05-09 Bu, 0192; CT 53 970. (Unknown) to the king. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 183; SAAo P314379.

Obverse

[T]o [the king, m]y [lord]: yo[ur] servant [PN. Goo]d health to the k[ing, my lord]! May Nabû and [Marduk] bl[ess] the king, my lord. The king, [my] lord, said concerning [...]: "Why does a governor in char[ge of ...] not d[o] the work of my (royal) house nor [give] bread to my house? Why are his arms in[ept]? What actually is your wo[rk]? [You are] not a scribe [...]. Why ... [...]?" — [The words] from the k[ing my lord's] mouth [...] [...] ga[ve] orders [...] [...] him. (As to) what the king [...] [...] Why [...] [...] not [...] (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [...] the governor [...] [...] what is [their] wor[k]? Their [...] trees [...] [... like]wise the town [...] I ... the harem manageress [...] The doors which the Assyrians [...] ...... I have [written down and] I will [...] to the king, my lord. Now, I have [...] from the governor; he will [... to] the king, my lord. The consumption of [... ... each] oth[er]. ...... [...] of the cit[y ...] Let the king, my lord, ask them w[h]y [...] bread, (and) [let them perform] the king's work! Now [......] to [......]

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

Edge

[......] the hands [of] the king, my lord, [...] [...... the k]ing, my lord [...]

(as far as preserved, uninscribed)

SAA 16 188

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 19979. (Unknown) to the kin[g]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 188; SAAo P336783.

Obverse

To the kin[g, my lord]: your servant [PN]. Good health t[o the king, my lord]! May Nabû (and) Mar[duk] bl[ess the king, my lord]. (Break)

Reverse

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

Reverse

(two lines broken away) They will catch [the enemies o]f the king from the land of [...] and [...] from/with [...] (Break) [...] the gods [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 192

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0707; CT 53 940. (Unknown) to the kin[g]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 192; SAAo P314349.

Obverse

To the kin[g, my lord], your servant: [PN]. Good healt[h to the king, my lord]! May Aššur, [Šamaš, Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord].

Bottom Edge

(Break)

Reverse

SAA 16 197 — Golden Plate for a Couch

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01116; ABL 0592. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 197; SAAo P334407.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [the plate] of the scu[lptor ...] which was made [......] a (piece of) ivory a palm (wide) [...] On the 3rd of Ni[san] (I) we fit[ted] the gold plate of the scul[ptor] on the wood. The plating of the couch measured 6 cubits [...]

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

Reverse

[......] the king (Rest destroyed or too broken for translation)

SAA 16 198 — Making Cursers Talk

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 01150; ABL 0613. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 198; SAAo P334425.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

Somebody will go (and) br[ing in ...]. I shall go too (and) make the curs[ers] talk according to the wis[h of ...]. (rest (about 6 lines) uninscribed)

SAA 16 199 — Report on Work

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0562; ABL 1055. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 199; SAAo P334702.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) they are guard[ing ...] As to what the king, my lord wr[ote to me]: "Let them do [...] wor[k] until the 20th. [...] their work [...]." On the 3rd day of the mon[th ...] they came [......] a bodyguard [...]

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

Reverse

(Break) They will set to [work and do it]. (rest uninscribed)

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

SAA 16 200 — All the Lands Belong to the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0148; ABL 1139. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 200; SAAo P334749.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] we will c[ome ...] [......] with [...] [All the lands] from where the sun rise[s to where] it sets be[long] to the king. [The people] of all the lands [are] obedient to [the king]. The eunuchs (and) the bearded court[iers] eat bread [under the king's protection ...] [...] and in the houses [...] [...] quickly ... [...] (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 201 — Revering the King

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, 1883-01-18, 0160; ABL 1144. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 201; SAAo P334753.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) saying: "I [will ...] in the palace. One of you [...]." In the reign of your father, (when) our grandfather went up (there), they revered the king.

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

SAA 16 207 — Promoting Chariot Drivers and ‘Third Men’

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05478; CT 53 249. (Unknown) to [the king]. Proposed date 672-669. SAA 16 207; SAAo P313664.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] my [......] [......] to the cro[wn] prince [...] As soon as your gods [have ...ed] the face of the king, my lord, the king, my lord, will see his statement: a servant who is loyal [to his lord], a servant who [...]s the [...] of h[is lord], a servant who [falls] and die[s] on behalf the house of h[is] lords. Now, if on [... the ch]ariot-driver(s) and the 'third men' [com]e before the king, [my] lo[rd], let him be promoted. As to [...], let the overseer of the [...] write [the names of two ch]ariot-drivers and two 'third men' on [...], so that [...] [...] Nabû-mušezib [......] (Rest destroyed)

Reverse

(completely broken away)

SAA 16 208

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05497; CT 53 259. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 208; SAAo P313674.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation) (rest broken away)

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

(Obverse destroyed)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) Should I come to Cal[ah]? What is it that the king, [my l]ord, commands? (rest uninscribed)

SAA 16 212 — Good Advice

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 05597; CT 53 294. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 212; SAAo P313709.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Now [......] I said: "[......] of [your]se[lf ...] I said: "[......] [......] I said: "Wh[y ...] the king [......]

Bottom Edge

(broken away)

Reverse

[......] [He sa]id: "Wh[y don't you agree] "to feed an aṣūdu-bowl [to ...]? O[f ...] of the deputy [...] Why [......] (Break)

Edge

[The ...]s of the king [...]. That is a ve[ry] good advice.

SAA 16 213

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 07418; CT 53 354. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 213; SAAo P313768.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation) (rest broken away)

SAA 16 216

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 12998; CT 53 456. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 216; SAAo P313869.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [Previ]o[usly] [......] the [... o]f the [...] official said: "[...] ... [......]" Now he has go[ne around ......] set ou[t ......] they sell [......] Previously [......] they used to knit [......] dark-blue wool [......]

Bottom Edge

bast [......] (Break)

Reverse

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

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed)

Reverse

(rest broken away)

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

SAA 16 221

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15386; CT 53 654. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 221; SAAo P314066.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) Let him br[ing ......] here [......] let him take [......] of/which the kin[g ......]

Bottom Edge

to [......]

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 222

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15387; CT 53 655. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 222; SAAo P314067.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...... to] the king, [my] lord [...... t]o greet [...] I saw the [... of the king, m]y [lord] [...... the kin]g, my lord (Break)

Reverse

(beginning broken away) [......] because of [......] [...... t]o the king (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 223 — It is a Royal Order

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15414; CT 53 669. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 223; SAAo P314080.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...] eyes [...] [...] He said: "It is a royal order [...] me ... [...] (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 16 224

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15621; CT 53 688. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 224; SAAo P314099.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation)

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

Bottom Edge

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

Reverse

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

Bottom Edge

(uninscribed)

Reverse

[......] month [......] him (Rest destroyed)

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

SAA 16 230

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 15683; CT 53 714. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 230; SAAo P314124.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed)

Bottom Edge

[Concerning what the kin]g, my lord, [pr]eviousl[y wrot]e to me [......]

Reverse

(Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 231 — Fragment of a Military Report

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16060; CT 53 735. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 231; SAAo P314145.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) [...... out]riders [......] [...... r]oads [......] they are silent [...... ] the[y] are [pr]ovoked to fight (Break)

Reverse

SAA 16 235

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, K 16100; CT 53 758. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 235; SAAo P314168.

Obverse

(Beginning destroyed) days [......] (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) Ilu-[......] (rest uninscribed)

(Beginning destroyed) Concerning [......] he dres[ses ......] may he not [......] ... [......] which [......]

Bottom Edge

(broken away)

Reverse

she [......] the bed [......] (Rest broken away)

SAA 16 240

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, Sm 0354; CT 53 815. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 240; SAAo P314224.

Obverse

(Too broken for translation) (rest broken away)

(Beginning destroyed) I said: "[......] We shall kill them [......] has returned, but [......] to the king, my lord, [...] [Are they] men of the kin[g, my lord]? In truth, I have sen[t ......] (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) one [......] battl[e ......] the troops of [the ......] On account on this the kin[g ...] We are 30 [......] [They have made a] treaty with one another, saying: "As long as the king of Assyria [...] (Rest destroyed)

SAA 16 244

Tablet; clay; Kuyunjik (Nineveh). British Museum, BM 099184; CT 53 978. (Unknown) to [the king]. Assigned to Esarhaddon's reign (680–669 BC). SAA 16 244; SAAo P314387.

Obverse

What this edition is. The English text above is SAAo's own published translation of all 246 catalogue entries edited in Luukko and Van Buylaere's The Political Correspondence of Esarhaddon, 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 eleven-chapter division follows the print edition's own chapters exactly, 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. 318 lines across 108 of the 246 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 (212 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. One catalogue detail is disclosed rather than silently resolved: SAAo's own catalogue lists text P336779 (SAA 16 076) under the chapter number of Chapter Five (Denunciations) but the chapter name of Chapter Six (Letters from Nineveh and the Royal Court); this edition follows the chapter name, which the text's own position — immediately before Chapter Six's first member by tablet number — also supports, and groups it under Chapter Six. A second catalogue detail, less consequential, is recorded in place rather than corrected: SAA 16 167's own provenance line above quotes SAAo's catalogue note that this fragment is joined, via CDLI, with material also independently edited as SAA 10 223.

Composite identification. Each tablet above is given by its SAA 16 catalogue number, its museum registration or accession number where recorded (chiefly the British Museum, with a small number of pieces in the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Berlin), its sender and recipient where SAAo's catalogue records them — this volume, unlike some other SAA volumes in this library, collects correspondence running in both directions, from the king and his crown princes as well as to them — 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") — where SAAo notes one, and its SAAo text ID (a CDLI P-number), under which the full transliteration and morphological analysis can be studied further at SAAo's own site.

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

🌲

The Political Correspondence of Esarhaddon — State Archives of Assyria 16

State Archives of Assyria 16 — The Crown and Court of Esarhaddon in Letters

Contents

Chapter One. Letters from the King and the Crown Prince

SAA 16 001 — Letter to Urtaku, King of Elam

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 002 — King’s Word to the Queen Mother

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 003 — King’s Word to Issar-na’di

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 004 — King’s Word to Ištar-[...]

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 005 — Settling Accounts and Preparing for Royal Visit to Harran

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

SAA 16 006 — Reading Letters to the King

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 16 007 — Sealed Order

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 16 008 — Augurs from Hamath

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

Edge

SAA 16 009 — Fragment Referring to Bel and Offenders

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 16 010 — They are Plotting to Kill You

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 011 — Fragment Referring to Thrones

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 16 012

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 013

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 014

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 015 — Report on the Cimmerians of Iyaze

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 016 — Cimmerians in Minda

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 017 — Report on Kunaya and Kudurru

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 018 — Report on the Border of Urarṭu

Obverse

SAA 16 019

Obverse

Bottom Edge

Reverse

SAA 16 020 — Milki-nuri Curses the Crown Prince

Obverse

Reverse

Right Edge

Edge

Chapter Two. Letters from Other Members of the Royal Family

SAA 16 021 — Treacherous Astrologers

Obverse

Reverse

SAA 16 022 — Audience Gifts for the King

Obverse

Reverse