Antiochus I 01

(1) Antiochus, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Babylon, king of the lands, provider for Esagil and Ezida, foremost heir of Seleucus, king of the Macedonians, king of Babylon, am I.

(6) When I decided to (re)build Esagil and Ezida, I molded the bricks of Esagil and Ezida in the land of Hatti (Syria-Palestine) with my pure hands, using the finest oil, and for the laying of the foundations of Esagil and Ezida I brought them.

(13) In the month of Addaru, on the twentieth day, in year 43 (27 March 268 BC), I laid the foundations of Ezida, the true house, the temple of Nabû which is in Borsippa.

(16) Nabû, supreme heir, wisest of the gods, the proud one, who is worthy of praise, firstborn son of Marduk, offspring of Erua, the queen who forms living creatures, look favorably (upon me).

(23) At your supreme command, whose command is unalterable, may the downfall of the land of my foe, the achievement of my successes, triumphant victory over my enemies, a just rule, a prosperous reign, years of happiness and the full enjoyment of great old age, be a gift for the kingship of Antiochus and king Seleucus, his son, forever.

(33) Son of the prince, Nabû, heir of Esagil, firstborn son of Marduk, offspring of Erua the queen, when with rejoicing and jubilation you enter Ezida, the true house, the house of your supreme divinity, at your true command, which cannot be annulled, may my days be long, my years many; may my throne be secure, my reign lengthy, on your exalted tablet which preserves the boundary of heaven and earth.

(46) In your pure mouth may my good fortune be constantly established.

(47) May I conquer the lands from the rising to the setting of the sun; may my hands inventory their tribute and may I bring it to perfect Esagil and Ezida.

(51) Nabû, supreme heir, upon your entry to Ezida, the true house, may the good fortune of Antiochus, king of the lands, king Seleucus, his son, and Stratonike, his consort, the queen, be established in your mouth.