Nabonidus 03
| Obverse | ||
| Column i | ||
| ii | Lacuna | |
| i 1'1' | (i 1') [(who) pl]otted evil [to t]ake away the people, his (Sennacherib’s) heart thought about sin. [He did] not [have] mercy on the people of the la[nd of Akkad. He approach]ed Babylon with evil [int]ent, laid waste to its sanctuaries, made its ground plans unrecognizable, destroyed (its) rituals, took the prince, the god Marduk, by the hand, and had (him) enter inside Baltil (Aššur). He treated the land like the wrath of a god. | |
| i 2'2' | ||
| i 3'3' | ||
| i 4'4' | ||
| i 5'5' | ||
| i 6'6' | ||
| i 7'7' | ||
| i 8'8' | ||
| i 9'9' | ||
| i 10'10' | ||
| i 11'11' | ||
| i 12'12' | ||
| i 13'13' | ||
| i 14'14' | ||
| i 15'15' | ||
| i 16'16' | ||
| i 17'17' | ||
| i 18'18' | ||
| i 19'19' | ||
| i 20'20' | (i 20') The prince, the god Marduk, did not assuage his divine wrath (and) for twenty-one years he took up residence inside Baltil (Aššur). The days elapsed (and) the appointed time arrived. The wrath of the king of the gods, the lord of lords, relented and he remembered Esagil and Babylon, the residence of his lordly majesty. | |
| i 21'21' | ||
| i 22'22' | ||
| i 23'23' | 21 MU.MEŠ | |
| i 24'24' | ||
| i 25'25' | ||
| i 26'26' | ||
| i 27'27' | ||
| i 28'28' | ||
| i 29'29' | ||
| i 30'30' | ||
| i 31'31' | ||
| i 32'32' | ||
| i 33'33' | ||
| i 34'34' | ||
| i 35'35' | (i 35') (As for) the king of Subartu (Assyria), who had brought about the ruination of the land through the wrath of the god Marduk, a son (that was) his own offspring, cut him down with the sword. | |
| i 36'36' | ||
| i 37'37' | ||
| i 38'38' | ||
| i 39'39' | ||
| i 40'40' | ||
| i 41'41' | ||
| Column ii | ||
| iiii | Lacuna | |
| ii 1'1' | (ii 1') He (Marduk) gave him (Nabopolassar) support (and) allowed him to find an ally. He made a king of a barbarian horde (the Medes), who had no opponents, submit to his command and made him come to his aid. Above and below, right and left, he overwhelmed (Subartu) like the Deluge. He avenged Babylon, he exacted vengeance. | |
| ii 2'2' | ||
| ii 3'3' | ||
| ii 4'4' | ||
| ii 5'5' | ||
| ii 6'6' | ||
| ii 7'7' | ||
| ii 8'8' | ||
| ii 9'9' | ||
| ii 10'10' | ||
| ii 11'11' | ||
| ii 12'12' | ||
| ii 13'13' | ||
| ii 14'14' | (ii 14') The fearless king of a barbarian horde (the Medes) destroyed the sanctuaries of the gods of the land of Subartu (Assyria), all of them. Moreover, (as for) the cities on the border of the land of Akkad that had become hostile towards the king of the land of Akkad and that had not come to his aid, he destroyed their cultic rites, spared no one, (and) laid waste to their cult centers even more severely than the Deluge. | |
| ii 15'15' | ||
| ii 16'16' | ||
| ii 17'17' | ||
| ii 18'18' | ||
| ii 19'19' | ||
| ii 20'20' | ||
| ii 21'21' | ||
| ii 22'22' | ||
| ii 23'23' | ||
| ii 24'24' | ||
| ii 25'25' | ||
| ii 26'26' | ||
| ii 27'27' | ||
| ii 28'28' | ||
| ii 29'29' | ||
| ii 30'30' | ||
| ii 31'31' | ||
| ii 32'32' | (ii 32') The king of Babylon (Nabopolassar), envoy of the god Marduk, to whom blasphemy is a taboo, did not lay his hand(s) upon any of the rituals of the gods, wore matted hair (as if in mourning), laid down on a bed on the ground, | |
| ii 33'33' | ||
| ii 34'34' | ||
| ii 35'35' | ||
| ii 36'36' | ||
| ii 37'37' | ||
| ii 38'38' | ||
| ii 39'39' | ||
| ii 40'40' | ||
| ii 41'41' | ||
| Column iii | ||
| iiiiii | Lacuna | |
| iii 1'1' | [x] x DINGIR.MEŠ-[šú]-nu | (iii 1') ... of [the]ir deities, [the one who carries] out their puri[fication] rites to perfection, whose name the god Marduk called to (re)settle the desolate cult center(s) of the gods, (and) in whose hands he placed the abandoned mounds (that were) the sanctuaries of the gods. |
| iii 2'2' | ||
| iii 3'3' | ||
| iii 4'4' | ||
| iii 5'5' | ||
| iii 6'6' | ||
| iii 7'7' | ||
| iii 8'8' | ||
| iii 9'9' | ||
| iii 10'10' | ||
| iii 11'11' | (iii 11') (As for) the goddess Ištar of Uruk, the exalted princess who resides in an inner sanctum (which is clad) in gold, who harnesses seven lions, whose purification rites the people of Uruk had overturned, whose inner sanctum they had removed, and whose yoked team they had dismantled during the reign of the king Erība-Marduk, who in anger had gone out from Eanna and who had dwelt (in a place) that was not her residence, (and) in whose shrine they had made a protective goddess who did not befit Eanna dwell — | |
| iii 12'12' | ||
| iii 13'13' | ||
| iii 14'14' | ||
| iii 15'15' | 7 la-ab-bu | |
| iii 16'16' | ||
| iii 17'17' | ||
| iii 18'18' | ||
| iii 19'19' | ||
| iii 20'20' | ||
| iii 21'21' | ||
| iii 22'22' | ||
| iii 23'23' | ||
| iii 24'24' | ||
| iii 25'25' | ||
| iii 26'26' | ||
| iii 27'27' | ||
| iii 28'28' | ||
| iii 29'29' | ||
| iii 30'30' | (iii 30') he (Nebuchadnezzar II) brought the goddess Ištar (back) safely, firmly (re)established (her) in her inner sanctum, (re)harnessed for her (her) seven lions, the insignia of her divinity, drove the unbefitting goddess out of Eanna, and returned the goddess Innina (Ištar) to Eanna, her cella. | |
| iii 31'31' | ||
| iii 32'32' | ||
| iii 33'33' | ||
| iii 34'34' | ||
| iii 35'35' | ||
| iii 36'36' | ||
| iii 37'37' | ||
| iii 38'38' | ||
| iii 39'39' | ||
| iii 40'40' | (iii 40') (As for) the goddess Ištar, the lady of Elam, the princess who resides in Susa, | |
| iii 41'41' | ||
| iii 42'42' | ||
| iii 43'43' | ||
| Column iv | ||
| iviv | Lacuna | |
| iv 1'1' | za-[...] | (iv 1') [...], the most overpo[wering one of the gods], the one who resides in [...], which is ins[ide ...], whom no one had seen since distant days — he firmly established his residence (for him) with alabaster, which is always as radiant as daylight, and reddish gold. |
| iv 2'2' | ||
| iv 3'3' | a-šib [...] | |
| iv 4'4' | ||
| iv 5'5' | ||
| iv 6'6' | ||
| iv 7'7' | ||
| iv 8'8' | ||
| iv 9'9' | ||
| iv 10'10' | ||
| iv 11'11' | ||
| iv 12'12' | ||
| iv 13'13' | ||
| iv 14'14' | (iv 14') (As for) the goddess Anunītu who resides in Sippar-Anunītu, whose residence in the time of the enemy had been transferred into Arrapḫa and whose cultic rites the Gutian had destroyed — Neriglissar renovated (her cult statue) and clad her in a ceremonial garment (befitting her) divinity. Her temple was in ruins, so he had her take up residence in Sippar-Amnānu and (re)confirmed her nindabû-offering(s in that city). | |
| iv 15'15' | ||
| iv 16'16' | da-nu-ni-tum | |
| iv 17'17' | ||
| iv 18'18' | ||
| iv 19'19' | ||
| iv 20'20' | ||
| iv 21'21' | ||
| iv 22'22' | ||
| iv 23'23' | ||
| iv 24'24' | ||
| iv 25'25' | ||
| iv 26'26' | ||
| iv 27'27' | ||
| iv 28'28' | ||
| iv 29'29' | ||
| iv 30'30' | dam-na-nu | |
| iv 31'31' | ||
| iv 32'32' | ||
| iv 33'33' | ||
| iv 34'34' | (iv 34') After (his) day(s) had elapsed (and) he had taken the road to (his) fate, Lâbâši-Mar[duk], his you[ng] son who was untutored in proper behavior, ascended the royal throne against the will of the gods and | |
| iv 35'35' | ||
| iv 36'36' | ||
| iv 37'37' | ||
| iv 38'38' | ||
| iv 39'39' | ||
| iv 40'40' | ||
| iv 41'41' | ||
| iv 42'42' | ||
| Column v | ||
| vv | Lacuna | |
| v 1'1' | (v 1') they brought me inside the palace, and all of them fell limp at my feet and (then) kissed my feet. They constantly blessed me being king. | |
| v 2'2' | ||
| v 3'3' | ||
| v 4'4' | ||
| v 5'5' | ||
| v 6'6' | ||
| v 7'7' | ||
| v 8'8' | (v 8') By the word of the god Marduk, my lord, I was raised up to rule over the land and (thus) I achieve whatever I desire and have no rivals. | |
| v 9'9' | ||
| v 10'10' | ||
| v 11'11' | ||
| v 12'12' | ||
| v 13'13' | ||
| v 14'14' | (v 14') I am the strong envoy of Nebuchadnezzar (II) and Neriglissar, the kings who came before me. Their troops are entrusted to my hand. By their command(s), I am not negligent and I please them. | |
| v 15'15' | ||
| v 16'16' | ||
| v 17'17' | ||
| v 18'18' | ||
| v 19'19' | ||
| v 20'20' | ||
| v 21'21' | ||
| v 22'22' | ||
| v 23'23' | ||
| v 24'24' | ||
| v 25'25' | (v 25') Amēl-Marduk, son of Nebuchadnezzar (II), and Lâbâši-Marduk, son of [Nerigl]issar, [...] their fathers [...] and [...] their [...] they made void. Their [w]ords | |
| v 26'26' | ||
| v 27'27' | ||
| v 28'28' | ||
| v 29'29' | [...] AD-šú-nu | |
| v 30'30' | [...]-ma | |
| v 31'31' | [...]-ti | |
| v 32'32' | [...]-⸢e⸣-šu-nu | |
| v 33'33' | ||
| v 34'34' | ||
| Column vi | ||
| vivi | Lacuna | |
| vi 1'1' | (vi 1') [I looked at t]hem [pious]ly and prayed to them. I was concerned (lit. “spoke with my heart”) about the close approach of the Great Star (Jupiter) and the moon (Sîn). A young man stood by my side and spoke to me, saying: “(As for) the close approach (of the celestial bodies), there are no inauspicious signs.” | |
| vi 2'2' | ||
| vi 3'3' | ||
| vi 4'4' | ||
| vi 5'5' | ||
| vi 6'6' | ||
| vi 7'7' | ||
| vi 8'8' | ||
| vi 9'9' | ||
| vi 10'10' | ||
| vi 11'11' | ||
| vi 12'12' | (vi 12') In that same dream, Nebuchadnezzar (II), a former king of the past, and a palace attendant were standing in a chariot. The palace attendant spoke to Nebuchadnezzar (II), saying: “Speak with Nabonidus and he will report to you this dream (of his) that he had seen.” | |
| vi 13'13' | ||
| vi 14'14' | ||
| vi 15'15' | u 1-en LÚ.GÌR.SÌ.GA | |
| vi 16'16' | ||
| vi 17'17' | ||
| vi 18'18' | ||
| vi 19'19' | ||
| vi 20'20' | ||
| vi 21'21' | ||
| vi 22'22' | ||
| vi 23'23' | ||
| vi 24'24' | (vi 24') Nebuchadnezzar (II) heard him and said to me, saying: “Tell me, what are the good things that you have seen?” | |
| vi 25'25' | ||
| vi 26'26' | ||
| vi 27'27' | ||
| vi 28'28' | ||
| vi 29'29' | (vi 29'b) I answered him and said to him, saying: “In my dream, the Great Star (Jupiter), the moon (Sîn), and the god Marduk were risen high in the heavens. (As) I looked piously at them, he called out to me by my name.” | |
| vi 30'30' | ||
| vi 31'31' | ||
| vi 32'32' | ||
| vi 33'33' | ||
| vi 34'34' | ||
| vi 35'35' | ||
| vi 36'36' | ||
| Column vii | ||
| viivii | Lacuna | |
| vii 1'1' | (vii 1') [...], Venus, Saturn, [...], Boötes, ..., the great star(s) who reside in heaven, I established a large amount of strewn offerings for them and I prayed to them for a long life (lit. “a life of long days”), a firmly secured throne, a long reign, (and) making my words gain favor in the presence of the god Marduk, my lord. | |
| vii 2'2' | ||
| vii 3'3' | ||
| vii 4'4' | ||
| vii 5'5' | ||
| vii 6'6' | ||
| vii 7'7' | ||
| vii 8'8' | ||
| vii 9'9' | ||
| vii 10'10' | ||
| vii 11'11' | (vii 11') I laid down and, during the night, I saw the goddess Nin<tin>ugga, the lady who brings the dead (back) to life (and) who gives distant life, and I prayed to her for preserving my life forever (and) showing (me) favor, and (then) she turned her attention towards me and looked steadfastly at me with her bright countenance. | |
| vii 12'12' | ||
| vii 13'13' | ||
| vii 14'14' | ||
| vii 15'15' | ||
| vii 16'16' | ||
| vii 17'17' | ||
| vii 18'18' | ||
| vii 19'19' | ||
| vii 20'20' | ||
| vii 21'21' | ||
| vii 22'22' | (vii 22') The day became bright and I entered Eniggidrukalamasuma. In the presence of the god Nabû, the one who prolongs my reign (and) who lets my hands grasp a just scepter (and) legitimate rod that widen the land, I saw the seat(s) of the goddesses Tašmētu (and) Gula, the one who gives life, and, for lengthening (my) life (to) distant days (and) cutting down would-be kings, she (Nintinugga) made my words gain favor in the presence of the god Marduk, (my) lord. | |
| vii 23'23' | ||
| vii 24'24' | ||
| vii 25'25' | ||
| vii 26'26' | ||
| vii 27'27' | ||
| vii 28'28' | ||
| vii 29'29' | ||
| vii 30'30' | ||
| vii 31'31' | ||
| vii 32'32' | ||
| vii 33'33' | ||
| vii 34'34' | ||
| vii 35'35' | ||
| vii 36'36' | ||
| vii 37'37' | ||
| vii 38'38' | (vii 38') At that time, I was reverently attentive towards the god Marduk, my lord, and, with prayer(s) and supplication(s), I frequently visited his places (of worship). | |
| vii 39'39' | ||
| vii 40'40' | ||
| vii 41'41' | ||
| vii 42'42' | ||
| vii 43'43' | (vii 43') I began a prayer to him and told him my thought(s) (lit. “the word of my heart”), saying: “May I be the king who is the favorite of your heart, (although the thought) of being king was not (originally) in my heart. (As for) me, I did not know that you, O lord of lords, would place (kingship) into my hand(s and elevate me) more than (all of the other) kings that you have called (to be king) and who have exercised lordship since the distant past. Prolong my days so that my years are long (and) that I perform the role of (your) provider.” | |
| vii 44'44' | ||
| vii 45'45' | ||
| vii 46'46' | ||
| vii 47'47' | ||
| vii 48'48' | ||
| vii 49'49' | ||
| vii 50'50' | ||
| vii 51'51' | ||
| vii 52'52' | ||
| vii 53'53' | ||
| vii 54'54' | ||
| vii 55'55' | ||
| vii 56'56' | ||
| Column viii | ||
| viiiviii | Lacuna | |
| viii 1'1' | [...]-⸢bi-šu⸣ | (viii 1') [...] ... [... befit]ting (his) divinity, whose appearance is brightened [with a se]lection of stones and gold — For the god Ea, (my) lord, the one who makes my kingship surpassing, the god Nabû, the overseer of the totality of heaven and earth and the one who prolongs the days of my life, (and) the goddess Tašmētu, the lady who safeguards my life, I made (these garments) fitting as ceremonial garment(s) for their great divinity. |
| viii 2'2' | [x x]-nu DINGIR-ú-tú | |
| viii 3'3' | ||
| viii 4'4' | ||
| viii 5'5' | ||
| viii 6'6' | ||
| viii 7'7' | ||
| viii 8'8' | ||
| viii 9'9' | ||
| viii 10'10' | ||
| viii 11'11' | ||
| viii 12'12' | ||
| viii 13'13' | ||
| viii 14'14' | ||
| viii 15'15' | ||
| viii 16'16' | (viii 16') As a second (gift) for the god Ea, my lord, I made an arattû-throne of reddish gold, (something) that no king of the past had ever built, (just) like one in the past and I firmly established (it) as his seat in Ekarzagina, in his shrine. | |
| viii 17'17' | ||
| viii 18'18' | ||
| viii 19'19' | ||
| viii 20'20' | ||
| viii 21'21' | ||
| viii 22'22' | ||
| viii 23'23' | ||
| viii 24'24' | ||
| viii 25'25' | ||
| viii 26'26' | (viii 26') I am the king who is constantly attentive to the provisioning of Esagil and Ezida, and who never stops (even for a) single day. | |
| viii 27'27' | ||
| viii 28'28' | ||
| viii 29'29' | ||
| viii 30'30' | ||
| viii 31'31' | (viii 31') (As for) the wooden doors that are in the rooms of Eḫalanki, the room of secret(s) of the god Marduk and the goddess Zarpanītu, as well as both doors of Dukisikil, (those) of the chapel(s) of the main courtyard, and (those of) the Gate of the goddess Bēltīya, on the procession street of the goddess Zarpānītu, the beloved of the god Marduk who made the foundation(s) of the throne of my royal majesty secure, I had (them) clad in shiny silver. | |
| viii 32'32' | ||
| viii 33'33' | ||
| viii 34'34' | ||
| viii 35'35' | ||
| viii 36'36' | ||
| viii 37'37' | ||
| viii 38'38' | ||
| viii 39'39' | ||
| viii 40'40' | ||
| viii 41'41' | ||
| viii 42'42' | ||
| viii 43'43' | ||
| viii 44'44' | (viii 44') (As for) Kagula, the gate (leading to) the main courtyard, whose doors, doors with cover(s), were made with (just ordinary) wood, I built anew its doors, magnificent doors of cedar. I inlaid (them) with ešmarû-metal (and thereby) made (them) as bright as daylight. I clad (them) with a covering according to their original appearance(s). I installed (them back) on the track(s) of the goddess Namma, in their (proper) place(s). | |
| viii 45'45' | ||
| viii 46'46' | ||
| viii 47'47' | ||
| viii 48'48' | ||
| viii 49'49' | ||
| viii 50'50' | ||
| viii 51'51' | ||
| viii 52'52' | ||
| viii 53'53' | ||
| viii 54'54' | ||
| viii 55'55' | ||
| viii 56'56' | ||
| viii 57'57' | (viii 57') (As for) the copper mušḫuššu-dragon(s), which are (stationed) at the bases of the main courtyard, and the copper goat-fish [...] | |
| viii 58'58' | ||
| viii 59'59' | ||
| viii 60'60' | ⸢ú⸣-[...] | |
| Column ix | ||
| ixix | Lacuna | |
| ix 1'1' | (ix 1') I am the provider who brings large gifts to the great gods. | |
| ix 2'2' | ||
| ix 3'3' | (ix 3'b) In the month Nisannu (I), (on) the tenth day, when the king of the gods, the god Marduk, and the gods of heaven and earth take up residence in Esiskur, the house of blessing, the akītu-house of supreme power — (as for) me, as voluntary gifts, I had 100 talents and 21 minas of si<lver>, 5 talents and 17 minas of gold in addition to the gifts for an entire year, which (come) from homage-gifts, the wealth of all of the lands, the yield of the mountain, the income from all of the settlements, the rich gifts of kings, the extensive possessions that the prince, the god Marduk had entrusted to me, brought in(to Esiskur) for the gods Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, and Nergal, the great gods who love my reign (and) protect my life, for eternity. | |
| ix 4'4' | UD.10.KAM e-nu-ma | |
| ix 5'5' | ||
| ix 6'6' | ||
| ix 7'7' | ||
| ix 8'8' | ||
| ix 9'9' | ||
| ix 10'10' | ||
| ix 11'11' | ||
| ix 12'12' | KÙ.<BABBAR> 5 GUN 17 MA.NA | |
| ix 13'13' | ||
| ix 14'14' | ||
| ix 15'15' | ||
| ix 16'16' | ||
| ix 17'17' | ||
| ix 18'18' | ||
| ix 19'19' | ||
| ix 20'20' | ||
| ix 21'21' | ||
| ix 22'22' | ||
| ix 23'23' | ||
| ix 24'24' | ||
| ix 25'25' | ||
| ix 26'26' | ||
| ix 27'27' | ||
| ix 28'28' | ||
| ix 29'29' | ||
| ix 30'30' | ||
| ix 31'31' | (ix 31') To carry basket(s), I gave to the gods Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, and Nergal, the gods who march at my side, 2,850 (people) from an (enemy) army, booty from the land Ḫumê, which the lord, the god Marduk, had placed in my hands (and thereby) made me surpass the kings who came before me. | |
| ix 32'32' | ||
| ix 33'33' | ||
| ix 34'34' | ||
| ix 35'35' | ||
| ix 36'36' | ||
| ix 37'37' | ||
| ix 38'38' | ||
| ix 39'39' | ||
| ix 40'40' | ||
| ix 41'41' | (ix 41'b) After I had performed the akītu-festival (and) had made the gods Bēl (Marduk) and Son-of-Bēl (Nabû) occupy their pleasant residence(s), I had splendid gifts brought inside them. | |
| ix 42'42' | ||
| ix 43'43' | ||
| ix 44'44' | ||
| ix 45'45' | ||
| ix 46'46' | ||
| ix 47'47' | ||
| ix 48'48' | (ix 48') In the great cult centers, I prayed to the god(s) and goddess(es). I went to Uruk, Larsa, and Ur and had silver, gold, (and) selected stone(s) brought in before the deities Sîn, Šamaš, and Ištar. In Keš, the city of (the goddess) Bēlet-ilī, when I was passing by, [...] sumptuous offerings, fattened bulls, | |
| ix 49'49' | ||
| ix 50'50' | ||
| ix 51'51' | ||
| ix 52'52' | ||
| ix 53'53' | ||
| ix 54'54' | ||
| ix 55'55' | ||
| ix 56'56' | ||
| ix 57'57' | ||
| ix 58'58' | ||
| ix 59'59' | ||
| Column x | ||
| xx | Lacuna | |
| x 1'1' | (x 1') whose treasure(s) had be[en carried off] (and who) could no longer occupy their residence(s), the god Marduk, my lord, waited for me and he had the constant renewal of the cultic rite(s) of the god(s) placed in my hands. With his pure mouth, he ordered the reconciliation of the angry gods (and) the (re)occupation of their residence to (take place during) my reign. | |
| x 2'2' | ||
| x 3'3' | ||
| x 4'4' | ||
| x 5'5' | ||
| x 6'6' | ||
| x 7'7' | ||
| x 8'8' | ||
| x 9'9' | ||
| x 10'10' | ||
| x 11'11' | ||
| x 12'12' | (x 12') (With regard to the city) Ḫarrān (and) Eḫulḫul, which have been in ruins for fifty-four years, (whose) sanctuaries had been laid to waste by the desecration wrought by a barbarian horde (the Medes), with (the consent of) the gods, the appointed time for (divine) reconciliation drew near, the fifty-four years, when the god Sîn would return to his place. | |
| x 13'13' | šá in-na-du-u 54 MU.MEŠ | |
| x 14'14' | ||
| x 15'15' | ||
| x 16'16' | ||
| x 17'17' | ||
| x 18'18' | ||
| x 19'19' | 54 MU.AN.NA.MEŠ | |
| x 20'20' | ||
| x 21'21' | ||
| x 22'22' | (x 22') Now, he returned to his place and the god Sîn, the lord of the crown, remembered his exalted residence. Moreover, (as for) the gods, as many as had gone out <of> his cella with him, it was the god Marduk, king of the gods, who had commanded that they be assembled (together). | |
| x 23'23' | ||
| x 24'24' | ||
| x 25'25' | ||
| x 26'26' | ||
| x 27'27' | ||
| x 28'28' | ||
| x 29'29' | ||
| x 30'30' | ||
| x 31'31' | ||
| x 32'32' | (x 32') (As for) a seal (made) of valuable jasper, the stone of kingship, upon which Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria, had an image of the god Sîn conceived and made for his (own) fame, which he had the praise of the god Sîn written on that seal, and which he had firmly placed around the neck of the god Sîn, whose (Sîn’s) features had been revealed in distant days, (about which) his (Sîn’s) oracular decisions had not ceased on account of the desecration by the enemy, in Esagil, the temple that protects the life of the great gods, | |
| x 33'33' | ||
| x 34'34' | ||
| x 35'35' | ||
| x 36'36' | ||
| x 37'37' | ||
| x 38'38' | ||
| x 39'39' | ||
| x 40'40' | ||
| x 41'41' | ||
| x 42'42' | ||
| x 43'43' | ||
| x 44'44' | ||
| x 45'45' | an-né-e-šú | |
| x 46'46' | ||
| x 47'47' | ||
| x 48'48' | ||
| x 49'49' | ||
| x 50'50' | ||
| x 51'51' | ||
| Column xi | ||
| xixi | Lacuna | |
| xi 1'1' | [x] ⸢GÌR⸣ KA ⸢DIŠ⸣ x [x x] | (xi 1') [... f]oot ... [... If] the ‘Finger’ (ubānu) is intact, (then) the lord of the sacrifice will prosper (and) his days will be long. |
| xi 2'2' | ||
| xi 3'3' | ||
| xi 4'4' | ||
| xi 5'5' | (xi 5') If the ‘Well-Being’ (šulmu) of the ‘Increment’ (ṣibtu) ... the left side of the ‘Increment’ (ṣibtu), (then) I will take something from the body of (my) enemy. If the ‘Increment’ (ṣibtu) is wide, (then) there will be happiness. | |
| xi 6'6' | ||
| xi 7'7' | ||
| xi 8'8' | (xi 8') If the ‘Weapon’-Mark (kakku) of the ‘Increment’ (ṣibtu) is raised on the left side, (then) my army will enjoy (a share) of the plundered goods of the army of the enemy. If there are two intertwined ‘Weapon’-Marks (kakku) in front of the right ‘Thickening’ (gipšu), (then) their name is ‘Perniqqu’ (and) those (who) hate each other will come to love each other, there will be peace in hostile territory, the gods Sîn and Šamaš will march at the side of my army, I will conquer (my) enemy, (and) the angry gods will become reconciled with the man (with whom they are angry). | |
| xi 9'9' | ||
| xi 10'10' | ||
| xi 11'11' | ||
| xi 12'12' | ||
| xi 13'13' | ||
| xi 14'14' | ||
| xi 15'15' | ||
| xi 16'16' | ||
| xi 17'17' | ||
| xi 18'18' | ||
| xi 19'19' | ||
| xi 20'20' | ||
| xi 21'21' | ||
| xi 22'22' | (xi 22') If the ‘eyes’ of the Gall Bladder (martu) are on the right side, (then ...). | |
| xi 23'23' | (xi 23') Check: If the ‘Weapon’-Mark (kakku) is placed in front of the ‘Station’ (mazzāzu) (and) abuts the ‘Station’ (mazzāzu), (then ...). | |
| xi 24'24' | ||
| xi 25'25' | (xi 25') If the ‘Thickening’ (gipšu) straddles the right side of the Gall Bladder (martu), (then ...). | |
| xi 26'26' | (xi 26') If ... is between the ‘Cap’ (kubšu) of the lung and the ‘Head Lifter’ (mukīl rēši) of the lung, (then ...). | |
| xi 27'27' | ||
| xi 28'28' | (xi 28') If the ‘Upper Part’ (elītu) moves (and) a ‘Foot’-Mark (šēpu) (indicating) abandonment, (then) my military forces will be intact. If (the same result), (then) a man will prevail against his adversary in a legal decision. If the ‘Upper Part’ (elītu) cr[osses over] the back of the right lung and the breast-bone is pierced in [its] mid[dle], (then) there is a deceiver (in) the army of the enemy (and) its main body will fall. If the ‘Upper Part’ (elītu) moves and the ‘Cap’ (kubšu) straddles the ‘Outside’ (kīdītu), (then ...) | |
| xi 29'29' | šu-uš-ti ERIM-ni ⸢SILIM-lim⸣ | |
| xi 30'30' | ||
| xi 31'31' | ||
| xi 32'32' | ||
| xi 33'33' | ||
| xi 34'34' | ||
| xi 35'35' | ||
| xi 36'36' | ||
| xi 37'37' | ||
| xi 38'38' | (xi 38') If the ‘Head Lifter’ (mukīl rēši) of the right side of the lung is swollen, (then) rejoicing for the heart of the army. | |
| xi 39'39' | ||
| xi 40'40' | (xi 40') If the ‘Well-Being’ (šulmu) of the main part of the lung at the right side is present, (then) there is well-being for a (whole) year. | |
| xi 41'41' | ||
| xi 42'42' | (xi 42') If the ‘Finger’ (ubānu) is exten[ded], (then ...). | |
| 11 uninscribed lines |
1UNUG*.KI “Uruk”: The stele has visually similar ÈŠ×BAR.KI.
2The epithet kaškaš ilī (“most overpowering one of the gods”) is also attested in an inscription of Ashurbanipal (Frame, RIMB 2 p. 229 B.6.32.22 line 1) and in an inscription of his brother Šamaš-šuma-ukīn (Frame, RIMB 2 p. 259 B.6.33.2001 line 18). In both instances kaškaš ilī is associated with the god Nergal.
3ú-na*-áš-ši-qu “they kissed”: The text has ú-ŠÁ-áš-ši-qu.
4The literary topos of a young man appearing in a dream and reassuring the dreamer is also found in Ludlul Bēl Nēmeqi Tablet III lines 9–28; see Lambert, BWL pp. 48–49 and Beaulieu, Nabonidus p. 112.
5a-pul*-šu-ma “I answered him and”: The stele has visually similar a-LAGAB×MAN-šu-ma.
6The meaning of the signs MUL.AB×ḪAL is as unclear, as is their correct/exact reading in this context. H. Lewy (ArOr 17 [1949] pp. 51–52) read kakkaberû and identified the star as Vindemiatrix, a star in the constellation virgo. S.A.L. Butler (Dreams p. 233) read MUL dŠÀM (“the ŠÀM-star”), and H. Schaudig (Inschriften Nabonids p. 519) suggested reading MUL.ÙZ as a star called “goat,” which is also attested in the mīs pî ritual for animating a divine statue. That star appears together with the other stars mentioned in this passage in the Babylon Stele Inscription (= this text).
7be-el*-ti “the lady”: The text has visually similar be-NIN₉-ti.
8sú-uḫ-ḫu*-ru “turning”: The stele has visually similar sú-uḫ-RI-ru.
9ú-sa-al*-li-šu-ma “I prayed to her”: The stele has visually similar ú-sa-BUR-li-šu-ma.
10tu-saḫ*-ḫi-⸢ram⸣-ma “she turned”: The stele has visually similar tu-IŠ-ḫi-⸢ram⸣-ma.
11é-ḫal*-an-ki “Eḫalanki”: The stele has visually similar é-AN-an-ki.
12du₆*-ki-sikil*? “Dukisikil”: The text has visually similar SIKIL-ki-sikil*?.
13eb-ba* “shiny”: The object has eb-UD.
14kal* “all”: The stele has visually similar GUR.
15dNÈ.ERI₁₁*.GAL “the god Nergal”: The stele has visually similar dNÈ.AD.GAL.
16za-ba-lu* “carry”: The stele has visually similar za-ba-KU.
17UNUG*.KI larsa*.KI “Uruk, Larsa”: The text has visually similar ÈŠ×PA.KI UD.ÈŠ×BAR.KI.
18úri*.⸢KI⸣ “Ur”: The stele has visually similar ŠEŠ.ÈŠ×BAR.⸢KI⸣.
19ma-ḫar* “before”: The text has visually similar ma-AḪ.
20kèš*.KI “Keš”: The stele has visually similar ÉN.ŠÁR×ÁŠ.KI.
21sú-ul-lu*-mu “the reconciliation of”: The stele has visually similar sú-ul-KU-mu.
22el*-lu “pure”: The text has visually similar NIN₉×MIN-lu.
23ú-ṣu-ú* “had gone out”: The text has ú-ṣu-ÁŠ.
24mAN.ŠÁR*-DÙ-IBILA “Ashurbanipal”: The stele has visually similar mAN.ŠÁ×EŠ₅-DÙ-IBILA.
25SILIM* “‘Well-Being’ (šulmu)”: The stele has visually similar KI.
26i-di* “the side of”: The text has visually similar i-KI.
27There are no apodoses included for these omen protases.
28⸢U₅*⸣ “straddles”: The scribe wrote ⸢MÁŠ⸣.
29mu-sa-ri-ir* “a deceiver” and KÚR* “enemy”: The stele has mu-sa-ri-MU and NI respectively.
30ki-di*-tú “the ‘Outside’ (kīdītu)”: The object has ki-KI-tú.
Created by Frauke Weiershäuser and Jamie Novotny, 2015-20, for the Munich Open-access Cuneiform Corpus Initiative (MOCCI), a corpus-building initiative funded by LMU Munich, the Henkel Foundation, and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (through the establishment of the Alexander von Humboldt Chair for Ancient History of the Near and Middle East), and and based at the Historisches Seminar - Abteilung Alte Geschichte of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. The annotated edition is released under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license 3.0. Please cite this page as http://oracc.org/ribo/Q005400/.