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Lacuna
th[ey (the gods) allowed my mind to learn all of the scribal arts]. They glorified the men[tion of m]y [name] (and) made my lordship g[reater] t[han (those of all other) king]s who sit on (royal) da[ises].
(As for) the sanctua[ries of A]ssyria (and) the land Akkad whose foundation(s) Esarh[addon], king of Assyria, the father who had engendered me, had laid, but whose construction he had not finished, I myself now completed their work by the command of the great gods, my lords.
I completed Eḫursaggalkurkurra, the temple of (the god) Aššur, my lord, (and) I clad its walls with gold (and) silver. I fastened band(s) of silver on tall columns (and) I erected (them) at the Gate of the Abundance of the Lands. I made (the god) Aššur enter into Eḫursaggula and made (him) reside on (his) eternal dais.
I (re)built Esagil, the palace of the gods, (and) completed its designs. I brought the deities Bēl (Marduk), Bēltīya (Zarpanītu), [the Lady of] Babylon, Ea, (and) Mandānu out of Ešarra (and) made (them) enter into Šuanna (Babylon).
(As for) the throne-dais, the seat of his (Marduk’s) exalted divinity, I cast fifty talents of shiny zaḫalû-silver [into] bricks and (thereby) enlarged it.
I had a canopy, which rivals the heavens, made from musukkannu-wood, a durable wood. I clad its [perimeter] with thirty-fo[ur talents (and) twenty m]inas of reddish gold (and thereby) reinforced its bonds. I stretched out its covering over the god Marduk, the great lord, and (thus) secured its roof.
(As for) the exalted chariot, the vehicle of the god Marduk, the pre-eminent one among the gods, the lord of lords, I completed its feature(s) with gold, silver, (and) precious stones. I gave (it) as a gift to the god Marduk, the king of the totality of heaven and netherworld, the one who overwhelms my enemies.
I skillfully made a bed of musukkannu-wood, a durable wood, that is clad with pašallu-gold (and) studded with precious stones, a[s a] pleasure [be]d for the god Bēl (Marduk) and the goddess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu) [to carry out the wedding (and) to m]ake love. I placed (it) [in Kaḫilis]u, the bed chamber of the goddess Zarpanītu, [which] is laden with [sexual char]m.
I stationed [four] fierce [wild bulls of] silver, [prote]ctors of my royal path, in the Gate of the Rising Sun and (in) the Gate of Lamma-RA.BI, in gateway(s) of Ezida, which is inside Borsippa.
I decorated Emašmaš (and) Egašankalama with silver (and) gold, (and) filled (them) with splendor.
The goddess Šarrat-Kidmuri, who in her anger had abandoned her inner sanctum (and) had taken up residence in a place not befitting her, relented during the [favorable] reign (lit. “my [favorable] reign”) that (the god) Aššur had granted me. To complete (the emblem of) her exalted divinity (i 55´) (and) to glorify her precious cultic rites, she constantly kept sending me (instructions) [through] dream(s and) message(s) from [ecstati]cs.
[I asked the gods Šamaš (and) Adad and] they [an]swered me with a firm “yes.” I refurbished [the emblem of her grea]t [divinity (and) made her sit upon a throne-dais] as (her) eternal [abod]e. I firmly (re)-established [her precious cultic ordinances] and [properly carried out] her [cultic rit]es.
[For the preservation of] my [life, I se]t up [lion-headed eagles (and) divine embl]ems [in the gateway(s) of Egallammes, the temple of the god Nergal of the city Tarbiṣu].
[Before my father was bor]n (and) [my birth-mother was created in her mother’s womb], the god [Sîn, who created me to be king, named me] t[o (re)build Eḫulḫul], saying: [“Ashurbanipal will (re)build that temple and (i 70´) make me dwell] the[rein upon an eternal dais].” The word of the god [Sîn, which he had spoken in distant days, he] no[w revealed to the people of a later generation]. He allowed the temple of the god [Sîn — which Shalmaneser (III), son of Ashurnasirpal (II)], a king of [the past (who had come) be]fore me, [had built] — to become old and he entru[sted (its renovation) to me].
(As for) that te[mple], which had b[ecome] old, I removed its dilapidated section(s) [by the comman]d of the gods Sîn (and) Nusku. I made its structure larger [th]an the one in the days of the past. I built (and) completed (it) [fr]om its foundation(s) to its crenellations. (i 80´) Inside it, [I bu]ilt [Em]elamana, the temple of the god Nusku, the exalted vizier, [which] a king of the past (who had come) before me had built. I roofed them with long [bea]ms of cedar. I fastened band(s) of silver on [d]oors of white cedar (and) I fixed (them) in their gateways.
In the inner sanctum of the god Sîn, my lord, I stationed two wild bulls of silver, which gore my foes (to death). In a gateway of Eḫulḫul, I (also) sta[tioned] two long-haired heroes of ešmarû-metal, which grasp divine emblems, keep safe my royal path, (and) bring in the yield of mountain and sea.
I took the gods Sîn (and) Nusku by the hand, made (them) enter into (their respective temples), (and) made (them) sit on (their) eternal dais(es).
I completed the sanctuaries of Assyria and the land Akkad in their entirety. I made [every type of] temple [app]urtenance there is from silver (and) gold, (and) I added (them) [to] those of the kings, my ancestors. [I made the great gods] who support me [reside in their exalted inner sanctums].
Lacuna
Successful harvest(s and) [an abundance of grain enabled pasture land to] continual[ly flourish], fruit orchards to be v[ery lush with fruit, (and) cattle to successfully give birth to (their) young]. During my reign, there was plenitu[de (and) abundance; during my years, bountiful produce was accumulated].
[Throughout] my entire land, (on account of) [abundant] tra[de, for one shekel of silver one could purchase twe]lve donkey-loads of grain, three [homers of wine, two seahs of oil, (and one) talent of wool. Year aft]er year, [I sheph]erded the subj[ects of the god Enlil in prosperity and with justice].
[The gre]at [gods, whose divinity I constantly revered]
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k[iss my feet (and) great] ruler[s from (both) east and west are anxious for me] to be [their] ally.
ruling
On my fir[st campaign, I marched] to Makan (Egypt) [and Meluḫḫa (Ethiopia)]. Taharqa, the king of Eg[ypt and Kush], whose defeat Esarhaddon — king of As[syria, the father who had engendered me] — had brought about (and) [whose land] he [ruled over, forgot] the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess [Ištar, the great gods], my lords, [and] (ii 10´) trusted in [his] o[wn] strength. He marched against the kings (and) off[icials], whom the father who had en[gendered me] had appointed inside Egypt, to kill (and) rob (them) and to take away Eg[ypt (from them)]. (ii 15´) He entered and resided in the city Mem[phis], a city that the father who had engendered me had conquer[ed] (and) made part of the territory of his land. A fast messenger came to Nineveh and reported (this) to me. (ii 20´) My [h]eart became enraged about these deeds and my temper turned hot. I mustered my elite forces that (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar had placed in my hands and I made (them) take the direct road to Egypt and Kush.
In the course of my campaign, Baʾalu, king of the land Tyre, Manasseh, king of the land Judah, Qaʾuš-gabri, king of the land Edom, Muṣurī, king of the land Moab, (ii 30´) Ṣil-Bēl, king of the land Gaza, Mitinti, king of the land Ashkelon, Ikausu, king of the land Ekron, Milki-ašapa, king of the land Byblos, Yakīn-Lû, king of the land Arwad, (ii 35´) Abī-Baʾal, king of the land Samsimurruna, Ammi-nadbi, king of the land Bīt-Ammon, Aḫī-Milki, king of the land Ashdod, Ekištūra, king of the land Idalion, Pilagurâ, king of the land Kitrusi, (ii 40´) Kīsu, king of the land Salamis, Itūandar, king of the land Paphos, Erēsu, king of the land Soloi, Damāsu, king of the land Curium, Admēsu, king of the land Tamassos, (ii 45´) Damysos, king of the land Qartiḫadasti, Unasagusu, king of the land Lidir, Buṣusu, king of the land Nūria — in total, twenty-two kings of the seacoast, the midst of the sea, and dry land, (ii 50´) [serva]nts who belonged to me, carried their substantial [audience] gift(s) [before me] and kissed my feet.
I [made th]ose [kings], together with their forces (and) their [boat]s, [take] the road (and) path [with] my [tro]ops by se[a and dry land].
I [quickl]y adv[anc]ed [to sup]port (and) aid the kings (and) officials [who were in] Egypt, servants who belonged to me, and I marched as far as the city Kār-Bānīti. (ii 60´) [Ta]harqa, the king of Egypt and Kush, heard about the advance of my expeditionary force (while he was) [in]side the city Memphis, and m[ustere]d his battle troops before me to wage armed battle and war. [With the su]pport of the gods Aššur, Bēl (Marduk), and Na[bû, the] great [god]s, my lords [who ma]rch at my [si]de, [I brought about] the defeat of his troops [in a] widespr[ead pitch]ed [battle].
[Taharqa heard about the defeat of] his [tro]ops [while (he was) inside] the city Memphis. [The awe-inspiring radiance of (the god) Aššur and] the goddess Ištar (ii 70´) [overwhelmed him and he wen]t into a frenzy. [The brilliance of my royal majesty, with which the gods o]f heaven (and) netherworld [had endowed me, cove]red him; he [abandoned the city Memphis] and, in order to save his (own) life, he fled inside the city Thebes. I seized th[a]t city (Memphis) (and then) made my troops enter (and) reside there.
(As for) Necho, king of the cities Memphis and Sais, Šar[r]u-lū-dāri, king of the city Pelusium, Pi-[š]an-Ḫuru, king of the city Natho, P[a]-qruru, king of the city (Pi)šaptu, (ii 80´) I[na]ros (N[iḫe]rau), king of the city Athribis, (and) N[aḫk]ê, king of the city Heracleopolis, [thos]e ki[ngs], governors, (and) officials wh[om] the father who had engendered me had appointed [in Egypt], w[ho had abando]ned [their post(s) in the face of] Taharqa’s [tactical adv]ance, (and) had go[ne to (lit. “fil[led]”) the countrys]ide,
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[I turned] ar[ound (lit. “[I turned] the f[ront of my yoke]”) and returned] s[afely to Assyria].
After[wards, Necho, Šarru-lū-dāri, (and) Pa-qruru sinned against my] tr[eaty (and) did not honor the oath(s sworn) by the great gods. (ii 5´´) They forgot my kindness and their heart(s) plotted evil (deeds). They spoke word(s) of treachery and decided (among) themselves on a] pro[fitless deci]sion, [saying: “If they remove Tahar]qa from Eg[ypt, how then] can [w]e (ourselves) stay?” (ii 10´´) [T]o establish [treaties a]nd peace, they dispatched their mounted messenger(s) [t]o Taharqa, the king of Kush, [sayi]ng: “Let peace be established between us so that [we] can come to a mutual agreement. (ii 15´´) (Let) us divide [the land] am[ong ourselves] so that no other lord co[mes betw]een [us].” With regard to troops of Assyria, [the mig]ht of my lordly majesty, they [consta]ntly [so]ught out [evil plan(s) to cut (their) throat(s)].
[Eunuchs of] mine [heard these] words;
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I plac[ed on him (Necho) a golden hoe, an in]signia of his kingship, (and) fastened [gol]d [bracelets] around his wrists. [O]n [a belt-dagger] with gold mountings, I wrote out [my name] and I gave (it) to him. (iii 5´) I presented him [with chariots, hors]es, (and) mules [to be] his [lord]ly [transport]. I sent [wit]h him [eunuchs of mine] (and) governors [to help him. Where] the fat[her who had engendered me had app]ointed him [as king, i]n the city Sais, I returned him to his position.
[Moreover], I appointed Nabû-šēzibanni, his son, in the city [Athribi]s. I performed more [k]ind (and) good deed(s) for him th[an the father] who had engendered me.
(As for) Tahar[q]a, in the place where he had fled, the awesome terror of the weapon of (the god) Aššur, my lord, overwhelmed him and [he passed a]way.
Afterwar[ds, Tanutamon, the so]n of his sister, sat [upon] his [roya]l [throne. He mad]e the cities Thebes (and) [Heliopolis his fortresses] (and) assemb[led his forces]. To fight against [the Assyrian troops] who were inside the city Me[mphis, he mobilized his battle array, confined] tho[se] people, [and] (iii 25´) cut off [their escape route]. A fas[t] messenger came [to Nineveh] and told (this) [to me].
For a second time, I took the direct [road] to Egypt [and Kush]. Tanutamon [he]ard about the advance of [my expeditionary force] and that I had set foot on [Egyptian] territory, he abandoned the city Memphis and, in order to save [his (own)] li[fe], he fled inside [the city Thebes]. The kings, governors, (and) [officials] whom [I had stationed] in Egypt came to meet me and kiss[ed my feet].
[I took the road] in pursuit of Tanutamon (and) I marched as far as the city Thebes, [his] for[tified] city. He saw the assault of my battle array [and] abandoned the city Thebes; (iii 40´) he fled to the city K[ip]kipi. With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, I conquered that city (Thebes) i[n] its [entir]ety.
Silver, gold, precious stones, as much [property of] his palace as there was, garment(s) with multi-[colored trim], linen garments, large horses, people — male and female — two tall obelisks [c]ast with shiny zaḫalû-metal, whose weight was 2,500 talents [(and which) stood at] a temple gate, (iii 50´) I ripped (them) from where they were ere[ct]ed and [took (them) t]o Assyria. I carried off sub[stanti]al booty, (which was) without number, [from inside the c]ity Thebes. (iii 55´) [I made] m[y] weapons [prevail] over [Egypt and K]ush [and (thus) achieved vi]ctory. Wit[h full hand(s), I returne]d [safely] t[o Nineveh, my capital city].
ruling
[On my third campaign], I m[arched against Baʾal]u, the k[ing of the land Tyre who resides in the middle of the sea. Because] he did [n]ot hon[or my royal command(s and) did not obey the pronoun]cement(s) from my lip(s), I set up [outposts against] him. [To prevent] his [people from leaving], I reinforced (its) garrison. (iii 65´) By s[ea and dry land], I took control of (all of) his [r]outes (and thus) cut off (all) acc[ess to him]. I made water and [food for the preservation of] their lives scarce for their mouths. (iii 70´) I confined them in a [harsh] imprisonment from which there was no escape. I constricted (and) cut short [the]ir lives. I made them (the people of Tyre) bow down t[o] my yoke.
[He brou]ght before me [(his) daughter], his own offspring, and the daughter(s) of his brothers [to s]erve as housekeepers. [He brough]t [his son, who] had never crossed the sea, to do obeisance to me. I received from him [h]is dau[ghter] and the daughter(s) of his brothers, together with [a] large [marria]ge gift. (iii 80´) I had mer[cy] on him and (then) I gave (his) son, [his] offs[pring, b]ack to him.
[I disman]tled the outposts that I had constructed ag[ainst Ba]ʾalu, [the king of the land Tyre]. By sea and dr[y land, I open]ed (all of) his [route]s, as many as I had seiz[ed. I received from him] his su[bstantial] payment. [I turned] around (lit. “[I turned] the front of m[y] yoke”) [and] returned safely to Nineveh, my capital city.
Rulers (who reside in) the mid[dle of] the sea and kings [who reside in] the high mountains [saw the might of] these [de]eds of mine [an]d became frightened of my lordly majesty. [(As for) Yakīn]-Lû, the king of the land Arwad, [Mugallu], the king of the land Tabal, (iii 95´) [(and) Sanda-šarme of] the land Ḫilakku (Cilicia), [who had not bowed d]own [to the kings, my ancestors, they bowed down to] my [yok]e. [They brought (their) daughters, th]eir [own offspring, to Nineveh to serve as housekeepers, together with a substanti]al [dowry and a large marriage gift, and they kissed my feet]. I imposed upon [Mugallu an annua]l [payment of large ho]rses.
[After Yakīn-Lû], the king of the land Arwad, [had gone to (his) fate], Azi-Baʾa[l, Abī-Baʾal, (and) Ad]ūnī-Baʾ[al, the sons of Yakīn-Lû] who reside in the middle of the s[ea], (iii 110´) came up [from the middle of the sea, came with their] substantial [audience gift(s), and kiss]ed my feet. [I] looked upon [Azi-Baʾal with pleasure] and installed (him) [as king of the land Arwa]d. (iii 115´) [I clothed Abī-Baʾal (and) Adū]nī-Baʾal ...
Lacuna
[(As for) the Cimmerians, a dangero]us [enemy] who had never fe[ared] my [ancestors], and, with regard to me, [had] n[ot grasped the feet of] my [royal maj]esty, with the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess [Ištar], my [lord]s, he (Gyges) clamped (them) in manacles, [hand]cuffs, (and) [neck-sto]cks and sen[t (them) be]fore me, tog[ether with hi]s substantial [audience gift(s)].
ruling
On my fourth campaign, I marched to the city Qirbit, which is inside (Mount) Ḫarēḫa[s]ta (lit. “the city Ḫarēḫa[s]ta”), (iv 10´) since Tandāya, their city ruler, had never bow[ed do]wn to the yoke of the kings, my ancestors, and the people living in the city Qirbit were constantly plundering the land Yamutbal. (iv 15´) With the support of the deities A[š]šur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, I conquered (and) plun[de]red that city. (As for) Ta[ndāya], their city [ruler, I took (him)] to Assyria [together with captives from his city].
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[A]ḫš[ēri heard about the advance of my expeditionary force and] dispatch[ed his army]. During the night, in a [crafty] mane[uver, they approached] to d[o battle], to fig[ht with my troops]. My battle troops [fought] w[ith them] (and) brought about [their defeat]. (Over) an ar[ea] (the distance of) three leagues march, they filled [the wide steppe with their corpses].
By the command of the gods Aššur, S[în, (and) Šamaš, the great gods], my lords who [had encouraged me], I en[tered] the land Mannea [and marched about triumphantly]. In the course of m[y camp]aign, I [conquered], destroyed, demolished, (and) [burned] with fire the cities Ayus[iaš — a fortress (of his) — Aššaš — a stronghold of his] — BusuD, A[šdiyaš, Urkiyamun], Uppiš, [Siḫūa, (and) Naziniri] — eight fortif[ied] cities — [together with small(er settlements)], which [were with]out number, as fa[r] as the city Izirtu. I brought people, horses, donkeys, oxen, (and) sheep and goats out of those cities and I counted (them) as booty.
Aḫšēri heard about the advance of my expeditionary force and abandoned the city Izirtu, his royal city. He fled to the city Atrāna, a city upon which he relied, (and) took refuge (there). I surrounded the cities Izirtu, Urmēte, (and) Uzbia, his fortified cities. (iv 30´´) I confined the people living in those cities and (thus) constricted (and) cut short their lives. I conquered, destroyed, demolished, (and) burned that district with fire. I laid waste to (an area of) fifteen days march and poured out (over it) the silence (of desolation).
In the course of my campaign, I conquered, burned with fire, (and) plundered the cities in the environs of the city Paddiri, which the Manneans had taken away (and) appropriated for themselves in the time of the kings, my ancestors. I returned those cities to the territory of Assyria.
I leveled (and) burned with fire the district of the city Arsiyaniš, which is between the city Azaqanani and (lit. “of”) Mount Ḫarsi, which is before the land of the Kumurdeans, who are in the land Mannea. I killed Rayadišadî, their fortress commander, (and) I plundered it (Arsiyaniš).
I conquered the district of the city Eristeyana, flattened its villages, burned (them) with fire, (and) plundered (them). With the assault of my battle array, I laid waste to his district (and) made his entire land smaller. I returned safely with much plunder (and) substantial [bo]oty (and) [se]t foot in Assyrian territory.
(As for) the cities Birrūa, Šarru-iqbi, (and) [Gusinê], cities that were formerly [within the territory of] Assyria which the Manneans had taken aw[ay] in the tim[e of the ki]ngs, my ancestors, I conquered those settlements. I tore the land Mannea apart from within. (iv 65´´) I carried off to Assyria (their) horses, (their) equipment, (and) their implements of war. I reorganized those cities (and) retu[r]ned (them) to the territory of Assyria.
(As for) A[ḫš]ēri, who did not fear my lordly majesty, [(the god) A]š[šur (and) the goddess Iš]tar placed him in the hands of his servants. [The people of h]is [land] incited a rebellion against him (and) they cast his corpse [into a street of] his [cit]y.
[Afterwards], Uallî, his son, [sa]t on his throne. He saw [the might of] the deities [A]ššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk) and Nabû, [Ištar of Ninev]eh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal, the great gods, my lords, and bowed down to my yoke. [For the preservation of] his (own) life, he opened up his hands to me (and) (iv 80´´) made an appeal to my lordly majesty. He sen[t Eris]inni, his heir designate, [to Ninev]eh and he kissed my feet. [I had mercy on him]. I dispatched [m]y [messenger] with (a message of) goodwill to h[im. (v 1) He sen]t me [(his) daughter, his own offspring], to serve as a houseke[eper. (As for) his former payment, wh]ich [they had discontinued] in the time of the kings, [my] anc[estors, they carried (it)] befo[re me. I added thirty horses to his former] payme[nt an]d imp[osed (it) upon him].
[At that time, (as for) Birisḫatri, a] city ruler [of the Medes, (and) Sarati (and) Pariḫi, two sons of Gagî, a city ruler of the land Saḫi], w[ho had cast off the yoke of my lordship, I conquered] (and) plun[dered] seventy-five of [their fortified] ci[ties. I captured] them alive (and) brought (them) to Nineveh, [my capital] c[ity].
(As for) Andaria, the field marsh[al of the land Urarṭu], who had advanced (and) marched during the n[ight] to conquer the land (of the city) <Up>p[umu] and the city Kullimm[eri], the people living in the city Kulli[mmeri], servants who belonged to [me, (v 20) inflicted] a heavy defeat [on him] during the night. They did not spare an[yone. They cut off] the head of Andar[ia and they brought (it)] to Nineveh, b[efore me].
ruling
On [my] six[th campaign, I marched against Urtaku, the king of the land Elam] w[ho did not remember the kindness of the father who had engendered me (nor) did he respect my friendship. After famine occurred in the land Elam (and) hunger had set in, I sent to him grain, (which) sustains the live(s) of people, and (thus) held him by the hand. (v 30) (As for) his people], who [had fle]d on account of the famine and settled in Assyria [until] it [ra]ined (again) in his land (and) harvests [gre]w — I sent [tho]se [people] who had stayed alive in my land (back) to him. But [(as for) the Elam]ite whose aggression I had not thought [pos]sible (lit. “I did not speak [with] my [h]eart”) (and) a fight with whom I had [not contempla]ted — [Bēl-iqīš]a, the Gambulian, [Nabû-šuma-ēre]š, the šandabakku (governor of Nippur), (v 40) [servants who be]longed to me, (and) [Marduk-šuma-ibni], a eunuch of Urtaku [who] had sided [with them], incited [Urtaku], the king of the land Elam, [with lie]s [to fight with the land of S]umer and Akkad.
[Urtaku], whom I had not antagonized, set [his attack] in motion (and) hastily brought war [to Karduni]aš (Babylonia). [On account of the assaul]t of the Elamite, (v 50) [a messenger] came [t]o Nineveh and [told] me (the news). I was not concerned about this ne[ws] of Urtaku’s assault. (v 55) (Because) he had regularly sent his envoys (with messages) of peace before me, I dispatc[hed] my messenger to see the king of the land Elam. He went [qu]ickly, retu[r]ned, and (v 60) reported to me an accurate report, saying: “The Elamites cover the land Akkad, all [of it], like a swarm of loc[ust]s. Against Babylon, (his) camp is pitched and (his) mil[itary camp] is laid.”
To aid the gods Bēl (Marduk) and Nabû, lords of mine whose divinity I constantly revered, I mustered my battle troops and set out on the roa[d]. He heard about the advance of my expeditionary force and (v 70) (then) fear overwhelmed him and he returned [t]o his (own) land. I went after him (and) brought about [h]is defeat. I drove him away as far as the bo[rde]r of his land.
(As for) Urtaku, the king of the lan[d Ela]m who had not respected my frie[ndshi]p, whom dea[th ca]lled on a day (that was) not his fate, who came to an end (and) [with]ered away while wailing — [he no (longer)] set foot upon the land of the living. In that year, his life came to an end (and) he [passed away].
(As for) Bēl-iqīša, a Gam[bul]ian who had cast off the yoke of my lordship, he laid down (his) life through the bite of a mouse.
(As for) Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šandabakku (governor of Nippur) who did not honor (my) treaty, he suffered from dropsy, (that is) “full water.”
(As for) Marduk-šuma-ibni, his (Urtaku’s) eunuch, the instigator who had incited Urtaku to plot evil (deeds), the god Marduk, the king of the gods, imposed his grievous punishment upon him.
Within one year, they (all) laid down (their) live(s) at the same time. The angry heart of (the god) Aššur had not relented against them, nor had the mood of the goddess Ištar, who had encouraged me, become tranquil towards them. They overthrew his royal dynasty. They made somebody else assume dominion over the land Elam.
Afterwards, Teumman, the (very) image of a gallû-demon, sat on the throne of Urtaku. He constantly sought out e[vi]l (ways) to kill the children of Urtaku and the children of Ummanaldaš[u] (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the brother of Urtaku. Ummanigaš, Ummanappa, (and) Tammarītu — (v 100) the sons of Urtaku, the king of the land Elam — Kudurru (and) Parrû — the sons of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the king who came before Urta[ku] — together with sixty members of the royal (family), countless [archers], (and) nobles of the lan[d Elam] fled to me before [Teumman’s] slaugh[tering and grasped the feet of my royal majesty].
Lacuna
[those] peopl[e who had fled to me and] ... [...]
Lacuna
Lacuna
[I made an appeal to her] divini[ty, while my tears were flowing], saying:
[“O Divine Lady of the city Arbela]! I, As[hurbanipal, king of] Assyria, the creation of your hands whom (the god) Aššur — the father who had engendered you — [requires, (vi 5´) whose name he has called] to restore [sanctuaries], to successfully complete their rituals, to protect [their secret(s)], (and) to please their hearts: I am assiduous towards your places (of worship). I have come to revere your [div]inity (vi 10´) and successfully complete your rituals. However, he, Teumman, the king of the land Elam who does not resp[ect the god]s, is fully prepared to fight with my [troops].”
“You, the divine lady of la[d]ies, the goddess of war, the lady of battle, the advisor of the gods — [her ancestors] — the one who speaks good thing(s) about me before (the god) Aššur — the father who had engen[dered you] — (so that) at the glance of his pu[re] eyes he desired me to be kin[g] — with regard to Teumman, the king of the land Elam (vi 20´) who placed [a burden] on (the god) Aššur — the king of the gods, the father who had engendered you — he mustered his troops, prepared for battle, (and) is sharpening his weapons in order to march to Assyria.”
“You, the heroic one of the gods, drive him away like a ... in the thick of battle and (then) raise a storm, an evil wind, against him.”
The goddess Ištar heard my sorrowful plight and said to me “Fear not!” She gave me confidence, (saying): “Because of your entreaties, which you directed towards me, (and because) your eyes were filled with tear(s), I had mer[cy] (on you).”
[Dur]ing the course of the night that I had appealed to her, a dream interpreter lay down and saw a dream. [He wo]ke up and (then) reported to me the night vision [that the goddess Ištar] had shown him, [saying]:
[“The goddess Ištar] who resides in the city Arbela entered and [she had q]uivers [hanging on the right and left. She was holding a bow at] her side [(and) she was unsheathing a sharp sword that (was ready) to d]o battle. [...] ...”
Lacuna
“[‘make] musi[c, (and) revere my divinity]. In the meantime, I wi[ll go (and) accomplish this task], (thus) I will let (you) achie[ve your heart’s desire]. Your face [will] n[ot become pale, your feet will not tremble], (vi 5´´) you will not wipe off [your sweat in the thick of battle.’ She took you] into her [sweet] embrace [and] protected [your entire body. Fire flared up] in front of her. [She came out] furiously (and) sple[ndidly and (vi 10´´) went] to conquer [her] en[emy. She directed her] at[tention] towards Teumman, [the king of the land Elam] with whom she was angry.”
In the month Ulūlu (VI), “the work of the goddesses,” [the festival of the exalted (god) Aššur], the month of the god Sîn, the light of heaven [and netherworld], (vi 15´´) I trusted in the decision of the [bright] divine lig[ht (Sîn)] and the message of the goddess Ištar, m[y] lady, [which cannot be changed]. I mustered my battle troops, [warriors] who dart ab[out in the thick of battle] by the command of the deities Aššur, [Sîn, and Ištar]. (vi 20´´) I set out on the path against Te[umman, the king of the land Elam], an[d took the direct ro]ad.
Before me, [Teumman, the king of the land Elam, set u]p c[am]p i[n the city Bīt-Imbî. He heard about] the e[ntry of my royal majesty i]nto (the city) Dēr [and] (vi 25´´b) fear [took hold of h]im. [Teumman became frightened], turned [aro]und, (and) [entered] the city Susa. [In order to sav]e his (own) life, [he distributed silver (and) gold] to the people of his land. (vi 30´´) He redeployed [his allies, who ma]rch at his side, to his front and [amasse]d (them) before me. He established [the Ulā]ya [River] as his defensive position (and) [kept] (me from) the watering places.
[By the command of the gods Aššur (and)] Marduk, the great gods, my lords, [who had encour]aged me [through auspicious omens], dream(s), egirrû-oracle(s), (and) message(s) from ecstatics, I brought about their defeat [inside (the city) Tīl-Tūb]a. I blocked up the Ulāya [River with their corpses (and) filled the plain of the city Susa with their bodies li]ke baltu-plant(s) and ašā[gu]-plant(s).
Lacuna
[I placed Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), ..., on his (Teumman’s) throne. I installed Tammarītu, his third brother, as king in the city Ḫidalu. (With) the chariots, wagons, horse]s, mules, (vii 5) [harness-broken (steeds), (and) equipme]nt suited for war [that] I captured [between the city Susa and the Ulā]ya [River with the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Iš]tar, the great gods, [by the command of (the god) Aššur and the god Marduk, the] great [god]s, my lords, I [jo]yfully came out [of the land Elam] and [sal]vation was established [for my entire army].
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[On] my [eighth camp]aign, I marched [against Dunānu, son of] Bēl-iqīša, [to the land Gambulu, which] had put its trust [in the king of the land Ela]m (and) [had not bowed down to] my yoke. [With my] mighty [battle array], I covered [the land Gambulu in] its entirety [like a fog]. I conquered [the city Ša-pī-Bēl], his fortified [cit]y, [whose] location [is situ]ated [between rivers].
I brought [Dunānu (and) his brothers o]ut of that city [alive. I brought out his wife, his sons, his daughters, his (palace) women, male singers, (and) female singers and I counted (them) as booty]. (vii 25) I br[ought out silver, gold, property, (and) the treasures of his palace and I counted (them) as booty. I brought out] eunuch[s, his attendants, engineers], (and) hi[s] food preparers [and I counted (them) as booty. (vii 30) I brought out] all of (his) artis[ans, as many as there were], the bond of city and step[pe, and I counted (them) as booty. I brought out] oxen, sheep and goats, ho[rses, (and) mules], which were without number, [and I counted (them) as booty]. I did not l[eave] a single person of his land — male [and female, young and old — (and) I brought (them) out and counted (them) as booty].
[I captur]ed ali[ve Massirâ, the chief archer of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, who was stationed inside the city Ša-pī-Bē]l [to provide support to the land Gambulu (and) to] gu[ard Dunānu. I cut off his] head (and) [bea]t (it) [against the face of D]unānu, the ally [who could not save him].
(As for) tha[t] city, I [des]troyed, [demolished], (and) diss[olved] (it) with water; I [annihil]ated (it). I laid w[aste] th[at] district (and) cut off the clamor of humans from [it. (vii 45) With the s]upport of the great gods, I kil[led] my enemies (and) retu[rn]ed [saf]ely to Nineveh.
[I h]ung [the hea]d of [Teu]mman, the king of the land Ela[m, around the neck of Dunānu]. I hung [the head of Ištar-nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi) around the neck of S]amgunu, [the second brother of Dunānu. With the spoils of the land Elam (and) the booty of the land Gamb]ulu, [which] I [captured by the command of (the god) Aššur, with singers performing musi]c,
Lacuna
Nabû-damiq stabbed himself in the stomach with his iron belt-dagger.
(As for) the decapitated head of Teumman, I displayed (it) opposite the Citadel Gate of Nineveh as a spectacle in order to show the people the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, my lords — the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam.
(As for) Aplāya, son of Nabû-salim, grandson of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), (vii 10´) whose father had fled to the land Elam before the father of the father who had engendered me — after I had installed Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) as king in the land Elam, he (Ummanigaš) seized Aplāya, son of Nabû-salim, (and) sent (him) before me.
(As for) Dunānu (and) Samgunu, sons of Bēl-iqīša — Gambulians whose ancestors had harassed the kings, my ancestors, and, moreover, (who) themselves disturbed my exercising the kingship — I brought them [inside] Baltil (Aššur) and the city Arbela [to praise (me) in the fut]ure.
[(As for) Rusâ], the king of the land Urarṭu, he heard about [the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar], my [lo]rds, and [fear of my royal majesty overwhe]lmed him; [he (then) sent his envoys to me i]n the city Arbela [to inquire about my well-being. He ... horses, mules, ..., (vii 25´) horn-shaped (drinking vessels), scepters, ..., (and) purṭû-weapons as his audience gift(s). I made Nabû-damiq (and) Umbadarâ, envoys of the land Elam, stand with writing boards (inscribed with) insolent messages before them].
As for Mannu-[kī-aḫḫē, the deputy of Dunānu], and Nabû-uṣal[li, a city overseer of the land Gambulu], who had u[ttered grievous blasphem(ies)] against my gods, [I ripped out] the[ir] tongue(s and) flayed them inside the city Arbela.
(As for) Dunānu, they laid [him] on a slaughtering block [inside Nineveh and sla]ughtered him [like] a la[mb].
[(As for) the r]est of the brothers of Dun[ānu] and Aplāya, I kil[led (them)], chopped up [the]ir [flesh], (and) sent (them) out to be a spectacle in all of the la[nds].
(As for) Nabû-naʾid (and) Bēl-ēṭ[ir], sons of Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šandab[akku] (governor of Nippur), whose father, the one who had engendered them, had stirr[ed up] Urtaku to fight with the land Akkad — the bone<s> of Nabû-šuma-ēreš, which they had taken out of the land Gambul[u] to Assyria, (vii 45´) I [ma]de [them (lit. “his sons”)] crush tho[se] bones opposite the Citadel Gate of [Nineveh].
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(As for) Šamaš-[šuma]-ukīn, [...]
Lacuna
Lacuna
su[bduing Chaldea. Secretly], Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [dispatched them to] Unda[su, a son of Teumman — a (former) king of the land Elam] — (and) Zazaz, [the city ruler of the land Pillatu], Parrû, [the city ruler of the land Ḫilmu], Atta-met[u, the chief archer], (and) Nēšu, a lead[er of the troops of the land Elam], to hel[p Šamaš-šuma-ukīn] (and) to fight with the troop[s of Assyria] (and) (viii 10´) he gave the[m order(s)]. Ummanigaš [said (to Undasu)] as foll[ows], saying: “Go, exact revenge fr[om Assyria] for [the father who had engendered you].” Undasu, Zazaz, [Parrû], (viii 15´) Atta-metu, (and) [Nēšu], together with the messengers o[f Šamaš-šuma-ukīn], (my) hostile brother, s[et out en] route [and] took the direct [road].
My battle troops (who were stationed) in the land [Mangisu — which is inside (the territory of) the city Sumandir] — ... [...]
Lacuna
[the god]s [who support me, rendered a] ju[st ver]dict [for me concerning Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II)]. Tammarī[tu rebelled against him and struck] him, toge[ther with his family, down with the sword]. Tammarīt[u, who was (even) more insolent than Ummanigaš], sat [on the throne of the land Elam].
Just like him (Ummanigaš), he (Tammarītu) acc[epted b]ribes [from the hand of Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, did not inquire about the well-being of my royal majesty, (and) (viii 10´´) went t]o the aid of [Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) unfaithful brother, to fight with my troops. As a result of the supplications that I had addressed to (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, they accepted my prayers (and) listened to the utterance(s) of] my lip(s). His servants rebelled aga[inst him] and (viii 15´´) together struck down my adversary. Indabibi, a servant of his who had incited rebell[ion] against him, sat on his throne.
(As for) Tammarītu, the king of the land Elam who had spoken insolent word(s) on account of the cutting off of the head of Teumman — [which] a low-ranking soldier of my army [had cut o]ff — [and his brothers], his [fam]ily, (and) the seed of hi[s] father’s house, [together with eighty-five nobles of the land Ela]m who march at [his] side, [who] had flo[wn away from the weapons of (the god) Aššur and] the goddess Ištar —
Lacuna
[...] ... [...]
(As for) the archers [among] who[m] Tam<ma>rītu, [the king of the land Elam], had b[ragged] within the land Elam about fighting with [the troops of A]ssyria, now, inside Assyria, [tho]se arch[ers] (viii 5´´´) were repeatedly coming cl[ose to] my [...]. The deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), [Nabû], Ištar of Nineveh, Šarrat-Kidmur[i, Ištar of Arbela], Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal, who [... my] foes [...]. Moreover, (as for) the rest, ... [...] they (the gods) put (them) to shame.
(As for) Šamaš-[šuma-ukīn, ...], and the people of the land Akkad, as man[y as ...], who [had abandoned] me [...] with Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [...] th[ey] si[ded with] Indabibi [...]. He was angry and (the god) Ašš[ur ...] (viii 15´´´) commanded me to scatter [...]. On account of the might of (the god) Aššur [...]. Moreover, fear of him [...]. I imposed upon him [his] punishment [...].
(As for) the people of the land Akkad who [...] I made bread, meat, and a[ny ...] scarce (for them). [...]
Lacuna
Lacuna
did [not] sh[ow mercy. The yo]ung man aban[doned] his wife. The father left (his) son whom [his] he[art] loved. In order not to se[e] one another in a state of dying, (ix 5´) a person (lit. “he”) made a promise to an enemy, who would kill him. Plague, pestilence, illness, (and) the chills reduced the people of the land Akkad, all of them. [Betw]een the city and the steppe, (ix 10´) [the] swift [i]ron [dagger] finished them off. [The governor], their [shep]herd, became angry with them and [cut dow]n the remai[nder (of them)].
[The corpses of people] were o[bstructing the street(s and) alle]y(s); they [were blocking gateways]. The silenc[e (of desolation) lay over the city and (its) ruler; a deathly hu]sh had been poured [out]. The[ir storeroom(s)] were laid wa[ste], their [fields] wept (and) mou[rned], (and) their [watercourses], which had (once) gushed with an [abundance of] water, [were (now) fille]d with si[lt].
[(As for) Šamaš-šu]ma-ukīn, (my) hosti[le] brother [who] had planned murd[er against Assyria and uttered grievous blasphemies against (the god) Aššu]r, the god who created m[e, he (the god Aššur) det]ermined for him [a cruel death; he consigned him to a conflagration and]
Lacuna
[chariot(s), a processional carriage, the veh]icle of [his] lordly [majesty, horses], his [harness-bro]ken (steeds), [(and) people — male and female, yo]ung (and) old — [who] had escaped [from the cla]sh of arms, (ix 5´´) [diʾu-disease, plague], pestilence, [and hunger — I captured (them and) carried (them) o]ff to Assyria.
[(As for) the people who were guilty], I imposed [a har]sh [punishment] upon them. [I destroyed their faces, fl]ayed them, (and) [chopped up] their [fl]esh.
[Indabibi, who sat on the thro]ne of the land Elam [after] Tammarītu, saw [the might of m]y [weapons that had previously preva]iled over the land Elam and (ix 15´´) [(as for) the Assyrians whom I had sent to aid Nabû-bēl-šumāti, son of] Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), with [wh]om they used to [ma]rch about [protecting his land like a friend (and) ally (and) whom Nabû-bēl-šumāti had seized by g]uile [during the night (and) confin]ed in prison, (ix 20´´) [Indabibi, the king of the land Ela]m, [rele]ased them from pr[ison]. So that (they) would int[ercede (with me), sa]y good thing(s) about him, (and) in order to prevent (me) from doing harm [to the territo]ry of his land, he sent (them) before me by the hands of his messenger.
With regard to Nabû-bēl-šum[āti], son of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), a servant who belonged to me who had fled (and) gone to the land Elam, and (with regard to) the rest of the Assyrians (ix 30´´) whom Nabû-bēl-šumāti had seized by guile (and) taken (to Elam) with him, I sent (a message) to Indabibi [by] the hands of his messenger, (saying) [as fo]llows: “[Since] you have not sent me t[h]ose people, I will c[om]e and tear down your cities. (ix 35´´) I will carry off [the people of the cities Sus]a, [Madaktu], (and) Ḫidalu. [I] will remove you [fr]om [your royal] throne and [make som]eone else [sit] on yo[ur] throne. [The (same) acti]ons that I used to thwa[rt] Teumman, I will make happen to you.”
[Befo]re his messenger had arrived in his presence (and before) he could report the issuing of my decision to him, [with the suppor]t of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, [Ištar of Ni]neveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal, [who mar]ch at my side (and) kill my foes, (ix 45´´) [insid]e the land Elam, [they (the Elamites) heard about the progress of] the messenger of mine whom I had sent to the city Dēr. Fear of my royal majesty — with [which] the great gods [had end]owed me — overwhelmed [the land Elam] and (then) [the people of the land Elam] rebelled [against] Indabibi (and) (ix 50´´) [killed him with] the sword. [They placed Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), son of Att]a-metu, [on] his (Indabibi’s) throne.
Lacuna
Lacuna
[The deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk) and Nab]û, [Ištar of Nineveh, (and) Ištar of Arb]ela, [the great gods], my [lords, decreed curses, as many as were written in their treaties, accordingly upon them].
[(As for) Iautaʾ, hardship befell him an]d he fled alone to the land of the Naba]yateans.
[Abī-Yateʾ, son of Teʾ]ri, [came to Nineveh and kissed] my [f]eet. I concluded [a treaty with] him [to do obeisance to me. I installed him] as king [in place of Iautaʾ. (x 10´) I imposed upo]n him [gold, eyestones, pappardilû-stone, ko]hl, [camels, (and) prime qua]lity [donkeys as annual payment].
[(As for) Ammu-ladīn — the king of the land Qe]dar, [who had turned hosti]le [towards Assyria (and) repeatedly plundered the land Am]urru — [Kamās-ḫaltâ, the king of] the land Mo[ab, a servant who belonged to me who had brought about his defeat in battle by invoking my name — which the deities Aššur, S]în, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, [Ištar of Nineveh, Šarr]at-Kidmuri, [Ištar of Arbela, Ninur]ta, Gīra, (and) [Nergal had] made great —
Lacuna
[he (Natnu) had never inquired about the we]ll-be[ing of my royal majesty — after Ia]utaʾ, [the king of the land of the Arabs, a servant who belonged to me, had fled t]o the land of the Nabaya[teans and came b]efore Nat[nu], (x 5´´) Nat[nu] said the followi[ng] to Iautaʾ, saying: “Can I myself be spared from the grasp of Assyria? Nevertheless, you have made me your stronghold!” Natnu became frightened and distressed. (x 10´´) He sent his messengers to me to inquire about my well-being and kissed my feet. He was constantly beseeching my lordly majesty to conclude a treaty (and) peace agreement, (and) to do obeisance to me. I myself [lo]oked with pl[easure] upon him and [turned my benevolent] face [towards him. I imposed upon him annual tribute payment].
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At [that] time, [the armory that is inside Nineveh], which [Esarhaddon — king of Assyria, the father who had engendered me — had built], be[came old ...]
Lacuna
[I built (and) comple]ted (it) [from its foundation(s) to its crenellations. I strengthened] its [foundatio]n(s) [more than previously].
I wrote out [an inscribed object bearing] my [name and the praise of] my [heroi]sm — with which [through the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of [Nineveh], Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, (and) Nergal, I constantly marched through the lands (and) established mighty victories — and I deposited (it) for future days.
In the future, may o[ne] of the kings, my descendants, wh[om] (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar nomin[ate for] ruling over the land [and people], renov[ate] i[ts] dilapidated section(s) [w]hen [this] arm[ory be]comes o[ld and dilapidated]. (x 15´´´) May he find an inscribed object bearing my name (and) the name of Esarhaddon, my [fat]her, and (then) anoint (it) with oil, make an offering, (and) place (it) with an inscribed object bearing his name. May the great gods, as many as are recorded on this inscribed object, grant him mighty victories, just like me.
(As for) the one who destroys an inscribed object bearing my name or the name of Esarhadd[on], my father, (or) does not place (it) with an inscribed object of his (own), (x 25´´´) [may the god]s who reside in heaven and netherworld [angri]ly [cur]se him, [overth]row [his kingship, (and) make his name (and) seed disappear from the land].
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