Electronic manuscript
I, Ashurbanipal, great king, [strong] ki[ng], king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the [four] quarters (of the world), offspring of Esarhaddon, kin[g of Assyria], governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sum[er and Akkad], descendant of Sennacherib, ki[ng of the world, king of Assyria] —
[The gr]e[at gods] in [their assembly determined a favorable destiny as my lot]
Lacuna
[I stretch]ed out [its covering over the god Marduk, the great lord], and (thus) [secured its roof].
[(As for) the] exalted [chariot, the veh]icle 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 mad[e] a bed of musukkannu-wood, a [dur]able wood, that is clad with pašallu-gold (and) [studded with] precio[us] stones, as a pleasure bed for the god Bēl (Marduk) and the god[dess Bēltīya (Zarpanītu)] to carry out the wedding (and) to make lo[ve]. I pla[ced (it)] in Kaḫilisu, the bed chamber of the goddess Zarpanī[tu], which is laden with sexual charm.
I stationed four fier[ce] wild bulls of silver, protectors 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 abandone[d] her inner sanctum (and) had [ta]ken up residence in a place not befitting her, [rele]nted during the favorable reign (lit. “my favorable reign”) that (the god) Aššur had granted m[e]. (i 25´) To complete (the emblem of) [her] exalted divinity (and) to glorify [her] precious cultic rites, she constantly kept sending me (instructions) through dream(s and) message(s) from ecstatics.
I asked the gods Šamaš (and) Adad and they answered me with a [fir]m “yes.” I [refurbish]e[d] the emblem of her great divinity (and) made her sit upon a throne-dais as (her) [ete]rnal abo[de]. I firmly (re)-established her precious cultic ordinances and properly carried out her cultic rites.
For the pre[servation of] my [li]fe, I set up lion-headed eagles (and) [div]ine emblems in the gateway(s) of E[gallammes, the t]emple of the god Nergal of the city Tarbiṣu.
Before [my] fa[ther] was born (and) my [bir]th-mother was [created] in her mother’s w[omb], the god Sîn, who created [me] to be ki[ng], named m[e] to (re)bu[ild] Eḫul[ḫul], saying: “Ashurbanip[al] will (re)bu[ild] that [temple and make m]e [dwell] therein upon an et[ernal] dais.” (i 45´) The word of the god Sîn, which [he had spoken] in [di]stant [days], he now reve[aled to the peopl]e of a lat[er generation]. He allow[ed] the temple of the god Sîn — which Shal[maneser (III), son of Ashur]nasirp[al (II)], a king of the past (who had come) befo[re me, had built] — to become old [and he entrusted (its renovation) to me].
(As for) that temple, which [had become] ol[d, I removed its] dil[apidated section(s)] by the command of the gods Sîn (and) Nusku. [I made its] st[ructure larger] than the one in the days of the past. I bu[ilt (and) completed (it)] from its foundation(s) to its crenellations. (i 55´) [Inside it], I built Emelamana, the temple of the god Nusku, [the exalted vizier], which a king of the past (who had come) before me had built. I roof[ed them] with long beams of cedar. I fastened band(s) of [silver] on doors 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) stationed 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 appurtenance there is from silver (and) gold, (and) I added (them) to those of the kings, my ancestors. (i 70´) I made the great gods who support me reside in their exalted inner sanctums. I offered sumptuous offerings before them (and) presented (them) with my gifts. I made regular offerings (and) contributions more plentiful than those of distant days.
I had statues of my royal majesty skillfully made from silver, gold, (and) shiny copper through the craft of the deities Ninagal, Kusibanda, (and) Ninkurra, (and), as constant petitioners for my life, I installed (them) in their positions before the gods who support me. From my childhood until I became an adult, I was assiduous towards the sanctuaries of the great gods. They required my priestly services (and) they (now) enjoy my giving (them) food offerings.
The god Adad released his rains (and) the god Ea opened up his springs. Grain was five cubits high in its furrow (and) ear(s) of corn were five-sixths of a cubits long. Successful harvest(s and) an abundance of grain enabled pasture land to continually flourish, (i 85´) fruit orchards to be very lush with fruit, (and) cattle to successfully give birth to (their) young. During my reign, there was plenitude (and) abundance; during my years, bountiful produce was accumulated.
Throughout my entire land, (on account of) abundant trade, for one shekel of silver one could purchase twelve donkey-loads of grain, three homers of wine, two seahs of oil, (and one) talent of wool. Year after year, I shepherded the subjects of the god Enlil in prosperity and with justice.
The great gods, whose divinity I constantly revered, generously granted me power, virility, (and) outstanding strength. They placed lands that had not bowed down to me into my hands (and) allowed me to achieve my heart’s desire. (i 95´) I marched from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea, where the kings, my ancestors, had regularly traveled. At a distance of one month (and) twenty days (journey) into the midst of the sea and on dry land, I added [terr]itory to that of the kings, my ancestors, and ruled (it). I made [the people] living in those lands bow down to my yoke (and) imposed annual [tribute pay]ment upon them. (i 100´) [By the command of (the god) A]ššur (and) the goddess Ištar, the kings who sit upon (royal) daises kiss my feet (and) [great rulers from (both)] east and west are anxious for me to be their ally.
Lacuna
[Ṣil-Bēl, king of the land Gaza], M[itinti, king of the land Ashkelon], I[kausu, king of the land Ekron], Mi[lki-ašapa, king of the land Byblos], (ii 5´) Y[akīn-Lû, king of the land Arwad], A[bī-Baʾal, king of the land Samsimurruna], A[mmi-nadbi, king of the land Bīt-Ammon, Aḫī-Milki, king of the land Ashdod, Ekištūra, king of the land Idalion, (ii 10´) Pilagurâ, king of the land Kitrusi, Kīsu, king of the land Salamis, Itūandar, king of the land Paphos, Erēsu, king of the land Soloi, Damāsu, king of the land Curium], (ii 15´) Ad[mēsu, king of the land Tamassos], Da[mysos, king of the land Qartiḫadasti], U[nasagusu, king of the land Lidir], Bu[ṣusu, king of the land Nūria] — in total, twenty-[two kings of the seacoast], (ii 20´) the midst of the sea, [and dry land, servants who belonged to me], carr[ied their substantial] audience gi[ft(s)] before me [and kissed my feet].
I made tho[se] kings, [together with their forces] (and) the[ir] boats, t[ake the road (and) path] with [my] troops [by sea and dry land].
[I] qui[ckly advanced to support (and) aid the kings (and) officials] who [were in Egypt, servants who belonged to me, and] (ii 30´) I marched [as far as the city Kār-Bānīti]. Taharq[a, the king of Egypt and Kush, heard about the advance of my expeditionary force] (while he was) inside the city Me[mphis, and] m[ustered his battle troops] before me to wage [armed battle (and) war]. (ii 35´) With the support of the gods A[ššur, Bēl (Marduk), and Nabû], the great gods, [my] lo[rds who march at my side, I brought about the defeat of his troops in a] widesp[read] pitched [battle].
Lacuna
[(As for) Ne]cho, [king of the cities Memphis and Sais, Šarru-l]ū-dāri, [king of the city Pelusium, Pi-ša]n-Ḫuru, [king of the city Natho, Pa]-qruru, king of [the city (Pi)šaptu, (ii 5´´) In]aros ([Ni]ḫerau), king of the city [Athribis, (and) N]aḫkê, king of the city He[racleopolis], those [kings], governors, (and) [officials whom the father who had engendered me] had appointed [in] Egypt, (ii 10´´) [who] had abandoned [their post(s) in the face of Taharqa’s] tactical adva[nce, (and) had gone to (lit. “filled”) the countryside], where [their post(s) were, I permitted them to serve in their (former) positions again. I reorganized Egypt and Kush, which the father who had engendered me] had c[onquered. (ii 15´´) I strengthened its] guard [more than previously (and)] conclu[ded (new) agreements with it].
With mu[ch] plunder (and) [substantial booty, I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and] returned safely to [Assyria].
Afterwards, Necho, Šarru-lū-dāri, (and) Pa-[qruru] sinned against my treaty (and) did not honor the oath(s sworn) by [the great gods]. They forgot my kindness and their heart(s) plotted e[vil (deeds)]. They spoke word(s) of treachery and decided (among) themselves on a profitless decision, saying: (ii 25´´) “If they remove Taharqa from Egypt, how then can we (ourselves) stay?” To establish treaties and peace, they dispatched their mounted messenger(s) to Taharqa, the king of Kush, saying: “Let peace be established between us so that (ii 30´´) we can come to a mutual agreement. (Let) us divide the land among ourselves so that no other lord comes between us.” With regard to troops of Assyria, the might of my lordly majesty, they constantly sought out evil plan(s) to cut (their) throat(s).
Eunuchs of mine heard these words; they seized their mounted messenger(s) along with their messages and (then) they saw their deceitful acts. They seized Necho (and) Šarru-lū-dāri and clamped (their) hands and feet in iron fetters and iron handcuffs. (ii 40´´) The oath (sworn) by (the god) Aššur, the king of the gods, defeated them and my kindness, which I had done for them as a favor, called to account those who had sinned against the treaty (sworn) by the great gods.
Moreover, (as for) the people of the cities Sais, Mendes, (and) Pelusium, as many as had sided with them and plotted evil (deeds), young and old, they (my troops) cut (them) do[wn] with the sword. They did not spare a single person amo[ng (them)]. They hung their corpses on po[les], flayed them, (and) draped the [city] w[all(s with their skins)].
They bro[ught] Necho (and) Šarru-lū-dāri ali[ve] to Nineveh, before me. (As for) Šarru-lū-dāri, who had not honored my kindness (and) sinn[ed against ...], he was thro[wn] into confinement, a place of eternal detainment, [...].
I had mercy on Necho and I l[et him live]. I made (his) treaty more stringent than the previous one and [I established (it)] with him. I cloth[ed him] in garment(s) with multi-colored trim, plac[ed on him] a golden hoe, an insignia of his kingship, (and) fastened gold bracelets around [his] wri[sts]. On a belt-dagger with g[old] mountings, I wrote out my name and [I gave (it) to him].
Lacuna
[With the support of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar], I [conquered that city (Thebes) in its entirety].
[Silver, gold, precious st]ones, [as much property of his palace as th]ere was, [garment(s) with multi-colored trim, linen garments], large [horse]s, (iii 5´) [people — male] and female — [two tall obelisks cast with] shiny [zaḫal]û-[metal, who]se [weight was 2,500 talents (and which) stood at a temple gate], I rip[ped (them) from where the]y [were erected and took (them) t]o Assy[ria]. (iii 10´) I carr[ied off substantial booty, (which was) with]out number, [fro]m inside the city Thebes. [I made my weapons preva]il [over Egypt] and Kush and (thus) achieved victory. [With fu]ll [hand(s)], I returned safely [to Nineveh], my capital city.
ruling
[On] my [third ca]mpaign, I marched against Baʾalu, the king of the land Tyre [who resides in the mid]dle of the sea. [Because] he did not honor my ro[y]al [com]mand(s and) [did not o]bey [the pron]ouncement(s) from my lip(s), (iii 20´) I set up [outpos]ts [again]st him. [To prevent his] people [from leav]ing, [I rei]nforced (its) garrison. [By sea and] dry la[nd, I] took control of (all of) his [rout]es (and thus) cut off (all) access to him. (iii 25´) I made [water and foo]d for the preservation of their lives scarce [for the]ir [mouths]. I confined them [in a harsh imprisonment from which] there was no escape. I constricted (and) cut short [thei]r [lives]. I made them (the people of Tyre) bow down [to] my [yoke].
[He brought] before me [(his) daughter], his [own off]spring, and the daughter(s) of [his] brother[s to serv]e as housekeep[ers. He brought his son, who had never] cross[ed the s]ea, to do obeisance to me. (iii 35´) I received from him [his daughter and] the daughter(s) of his brothers, [together with a lar]ge [marriage gift. I ha]d [mercy] on him an[d] (then) I gave [(his) son, his offspring, back to him].
[I dismantled the outposts that I had constructed against Baʾalu, the king of the land Tyre. By sea and dry land, I] opened (all of) his [ro]utes, [as many as I had seized. I] received from him [his substantial payment. I turned around (lit. “I turned the front of my yoke”) and returned safely to Nineveh], my [capit]al [city].
[Rulers (who reside in) the middle of the s]ea [and kings who reside in the] high [mountains saw the might of the]se [deeds of mine and]
Lacuna
[They brought (their) daughters, the]ir [own offspring, to Nineveh to serve as housekeep]ers, [together with a substantial dowry and a lar]ge [marriage gift, and they kisse]d my feet. [I imposed] upon [Mugallu] an [annual] payment of large [horse]s.
After Yakī[n-Lû, the king of the land] Arwad, had gone [to] (his) fate, Azi-Baʾal, Abī-Baʾa[l], (and) Adūnī-Baʾal, (iii 10´´) the sons of Yakīn-Lû [who res]id[e in] the middle of the sea, [ca]me up from the middle of the sea, [came] with their su[bstantial] audience gift(s), [and kisse]d my feet. [I l]ooked upon Azi-Baʾal with pl[easure] and [installed him] as king of the land Arw[ad]. (iii 15´´) I clothed Abī-Baʾal (and) Adūnī-[Baʾal in gar]ment(s) with multi-colored trim [and] place[d] gold bracelets (around their wrists). I made [them] stan[d be]fore me.
(As for) Gyges, the king of (the land) L[ydia] — a region on the opposite sho[re of the sea], a remote place, the mention of [whose name] none of the kings, my ancestors, had (ever) heard — (iii 20´´) (the god) Aššur, the god [who created me], made [him] see in a dream my royal name. On the (very) day [he saw] thi[s] dream, he sent his mounted messenger to inquire about [my well-being].
(As for) the Cimmerians, a [dangerous] enemy who had never feared [my ancestors], and, with regard to me, had not grasped the fee[t of my royal majesty], with the support of (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Ištar, [my] lo[rds], he (Gyges) clamped (them) in manacles, handcuffs, (and) ne[ck-stocks] and sent (them) be[fore me], together with [his substantial] audience gift(s).
ruling
[On] my fourth campaign, [I marched] to the city [Qirbit, which is insi]de (Mount) Ḫarēḫast[a (lit. “the city Ḫarēḫast[a]”), since Ta]ndāya, [their city] ru[ler, had] never [bowed down to the yoke of the king]s, my ancestors, [and the people] livin[g in the city Qirbit]
Lacuna
Lacuna
[...] ... [...] I did not go [... I to]ok the road [... A]ḫšēri, the king of the land Mannea. [... who] had not bowed down [to the kings], my [ancestor]s, (and) (iv 5´) [who always answered with] disrespect. [...] the city Arbela [...] he commanded me [... I] said [...] and (iv 10´) [...] of [the land] Mannea [...] ... [...] together. [I] was attentive [... and I mustered] my battle [troops. I] made (them) take the direct road [to conquer the land Mannea].
[I went and (then) set up camp i]n the city Dūr-Aššur [and pitc]hed my camp (there). [Aḫšēri] heard about [the advance of] my [expeditionary] force and [dispatched] his army. (iv 20´) [During the night, in a] crafty [maneuv]er, they [approach]ed [to do battle, to fight with] my [tro]ops. [My battle troops] fought [with them (and) brought about] their [def]eat. [(Over) an area (the distance of) three leagues march, they filled the] wide [steppe with] their [cor]pses.
Lacuna
He (Aḫšēri) f[led] to [the city Atrāna, a city upon which he relied, (and) took refuge (there). I] surrounded the cities Izir[tu, Urmēte, (and) Uz]bia, [his] for[tified] cities. (iv 5´´) I confined the people livi[ng in tho]se [cities] and (thus) [constrict]ed (and) cut short the[ir] 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 territo[ry of] Assyria.
I leve[l]ed (and) burned with fire the district of the city Arsiyaniš, which is between the city Azaqanani [an]d (lit. “[o]f”) 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 Eris[te]yana, flattened its villages, [bur]ned (them) with fire, (and) plundered (them). With the assault of my battle array, I laid waste to his [district] (and) made his [ent]ire land smaller. I returned safely with muc[h] plunder (and) substantial [boo]ty (and) set foo[t in] Assyrian [terr]itory.
(As for) the cities Birrūa, Šarru-iq[bi, (and) Gusin]ê, cities that were formerly within [the territory of Assyria] which [the Manneans had taken away] in the time of the kings, [my] ancestors, (iv 30´´) [I conquered] those settlements. [I tore] the land Mannea [apart] from wit[hin]. I carried off t[o Assyria] (their) horses, (their) equipment, (and) [their] impl[ements of war. I reorganized] those cities (and) returned (them) t[o the territory of Assyria].
(As for) Aḫšēri, [who did] n[ot fear my lordly majesty], (the god) Aššur (and) the goddess Ištar [placed him in the hands of his servants]. The people of hi[s] land [incited a rebellion against him] (and) th[ey cast his corpse] into a str[eet of his city].
[Afterwards, Uallî, his son, sat on his throne]. He saw [the mig]ht of the deities Aš[šur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk) and Nabû, I]štar of Ninev[eh, Ištar of Arbela], Ninurta, Nus[ku, (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) made an appeal to [my lordly majesty]. (iv 50´´) He sent Erisinni, [his] h[eir designate, to Nineveh] and [he kissed my feet]. I had mercy on him. I dispatched [my messenger with (a message of) goodwill to him. He sent me] his daughter, [his] own offspri[ng], to serve as [a housekeeper]. (iv 55´´) (As for) his form[er] payment, [which] they had discontinu[ed in the time of the kings], my ancestors, [they carried (it) before me]. I add[ed] thirty horses [to his for]mer [payment and imposed (it) upon him].
[At] that [ti]me, (as for) Birisḫatri, a city ruler of the Med[es, (and) Sarati] (and) Pariḫi, [two sons of Gagî], a city ruler of the land Saḫi, [who had cast off] the yoke of my lordship, [I conqu]ered (and) plundered [seventy-five of their fortified cities]. I captured [them alive (and) brought (them) to Nineveh], my [capita]l [city].
[(As for) Andaria, the field marshal of the land U]rarṭu, [who had advanced (and) marched] during the night [to conquer the land (of the city) Upp]umu [and the city Kull]immeri, [the people livi]ng in the city Kullimmeri, (iv 70´´) [servants who b]elonged to me, [inflicted a] heavy [d]efeat on him [during the night]. They did [not s]pare anyone. They cut off [the head of And]aria and they brought (it) [to Nineveh], before me.
ruling
[On my sixth campaign, I marched against Urtaku, the king of the land Elam who 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) [hun]g[er] had set in, (iv 80´´) I sent to him grain, (which) sustains the live(s) of pe[ople], and (thus) held [him] by the han[d]. (As for) his people, who had fled on account of the fam[ine] (and) settled in Assy[ria] until it rain[ed] (again) in his land (and) harve[sts] grew — (iv 85´´) I sent those people who had stayed alive in m[y] land (back) to him. But (as for) [the Elamite wh]ose aggression I had [n]ot tho[ught] possible (lit. “I did [n]ot speak [with my heart]”) (and) a fight with whom I had [not contemplated — (iv 90´´) Bēl-iqīša, the Gambul]ian, Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šandabakku (governor of Nippur), servant[s] who belonged to me, (and) Marduk-[šuma-ibni, a e]unuch of Urtaku who had sided with them, [incit]ed Urtaku, the king of the land Elam, with lies to fight with the land of Sumer and Akkad.
Urtaku, whom I had not antagonized, set his attack in mo[tion] (and) has[tily brought war] to Karduniaš (Babylonia). On account of the assault of the E[lamite, a messenger] c[ame t]o Nineveh [and told me (the news). I was not concerned about this news of Urtaku’s assault. (v 1) (Because) he had regularly sent his envoys (with messages) of peac]e before me, [I dispatch]ed [my messenger to see the king of] the land Elam. (v 5) [He went] quickly, [returned, and reported] to me [an ac]curate report, [saying: “The Elamites cover the land Akka]d, all of it, [like a sw]arm of locusts. [Against Babylon, (his) cam]p is pitched and (his) military camp is laid.”
[To aid the gods Bē]l (Marduk) and Nabû, lords of mine [who]se divinity [I constantly revered, I mustered my battle troops and] set out on the road. He heard about [the advance of my expeditionary force] and (then) [fear overwhelmed him and he returned] to his (own) land. (v 15) [I went after him] (and) brought about his [defea]t. [I drove him away as far as the b]order of his land.
[(As for) Urtaku, the king of the land Elam who had not respe]cted my friendship, [whom de]ath called [on a day (that was) not his fate, who came to an end] (and) withered away [while wailing] — he [n]o (longer) set [foot upon the land of the living. In that year, his life came to an end (and) he passed a]way.
[(As for) Bēl-iqīša, a Gambu]lian [who had cast off the yoke of] my [lord]ship, [he laid down (his) l]ife [through the bite of] a mouse.
[(As for) N]abû-šuma-ēreš, the ša[ndabakku (governor of Nippur) who did not hono]r (my) treaty, he suffered from dro[ps]y, (that is) “[fu]ll water.”
(As for) Marduk-šuma-ibni, his (Urtaku’s) [eunu]ch, the instigator who [had incited] Urtaku to [pl]ot evil (deeds), the god [Marduk, the king of] the gods, imposed his [grievo]us punishment upon him.
Within one yea[r], they (all) laid down (their) live(s) [at the same] time. The [angry] heart of (the god) Aš[šur] had not relented against the[m], nor [had the moo]d of the goddess Ištar, who had encouraged me, [become tranquil towards them]. They overthrew [hi]s [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 ou[t evil (ways)] to kil[l the children of Urtaku] and the childre[n of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II)], the brother of Urtaku. (v 40) Ummanigaš, Ummanappa, (and) Tammarī[tu] — 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 Urtaku — together with sixty members of the royal (family), countless archers, (and) nobles of the land Elam fled to me before Teumman’s slaughtering and grasped the feet of my royal majesty.
ruling
On my seventh campaign, I marched against Teumman, the king of the land Elam who had regularly sent his envoys to me concerning Ummanigaš, Ummanappa, (and) Tammarītu — the sons of Urtaku, the king of the land Elam — (and) Kudurru (and) Parrû — the sons of Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš II), the brother of Urtaku, (former) king of the land Elam — (asking me) to send (back) (v 55) those people who had fled to me and grasped my feet. I did not grant him their extradition. Concerning the aforementioned, he sent insults monthly by the hands of Umbadarâ and Nabû-damiq. (v 60) Inside the land Elam, he was bragging in the midst of his troops, saying: “I will not stop until I go (and) do battle [w]ith him.” [As fo]r these insolent words [that T]eumman had spoken, (v 65) they [repo]rted (this) news to me. [I trusted in the deities Aššu]r, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk) and Nabû, [Ištar of Ninev]eh, (and) Ištar of Arbela, who had encouraged me. I did not comply with [the utterance(s) of] his provocative [spee]ch (lit. “[mou]th”). [I did not give him] those [fug]itives.
[Teumman] constantly sought out [evi]l (deeds), (but) [the god Sîn (also) sought out] inauspicious omens [for hi]m. [In the month Duʾūzu (IV), an eclipse (of the moon)] lasted longer than [the third watch of the nig]ht, until daylight, [the god Šamaš saw it, and] it lasted [like] this the entire day, (thus signifying) [the en]d of the reign of Teumman, the king of the land Elam, (and) [the destruction of] his land.
[“The Fruit” (the god Sîn)] revealed to me his decision, which cannot be changed. A[t] that time, a mishap befell him: His l[i]p became paralyzed, his eyes turned back, and a seizure had taken place inside him. He was not ashamed by these measures that the god Sîn and the goddess Ištar had taken against him, (and) he mustered his troops.
During the month Abu (V) — the month of the heliacal rising of the Bow Star, the festival of the honored queen, the daughter of the god Enlil (the goddess Ištar) — (v 85) to revere her great divinity, I resided in the city Arbela, the city that her heart loves, (when) they reported to me news concerning an Elamite attack, which he (Teumman) had started against me without divine approval, saying: (v 90) “Teumman, who[se] ju[dgement] the goddess Ištar had clouded (lit. “altered”), [spok]e as follo[ws, (the words) th]at he had said, saying: ‘I [will] not [stop until I go] (and) do [battle] with him.’”
On account of [these] insolent words that Teumman h[ad spoken], I made an appeal to the sublime heroic [goddess Ištar]. I stood before her, knelt do[wn at her feet], (and) made an appeal to her divinity, while [my tears] were flo[wing], saying:
“O Divine Lady of [the city Arbela!] I, Ashurbanipal, ki[ng of Assyria], the creation of your hands whom (the god) Aš[šur] — the father [who had engendered you] — requires, whose [na]me [he has called] to restore san[ctuaries], to successfully complete their rituals, [to protect] their [secret(s)], (and) to please [their] hearts: I am assiduous towards your places (of worship). (v 105) I have come to revere [your] divinit[y] and successfully complete your rituals. However, he, [Teumman], the king of the land Elam who does not respect the go[ds], is fully prepared to fight with my troops.”
“You, the divine lady of ladies, the goddess of war, [the lady of battle, the ad]visor of the gods — her ancestors — [the one who speaks good thing(s) about me before (the god) Aššur] — the father who had engendered you — [(so that) at the glan]ce of his pure eyes [he desired me to b]e king — [with regard to Teumman], the king of the land Elam (v 115) [who plac]ed a burden [on (the god) Aššur] — the king of the gods, [the father who had engendered you — he mustered his troops, prep]ared for battle, (and) is sharpening [his weapons in ord]er to march to Assyria.”
“You, [the heroic] one of the gods, [dri]ve him away like a ... in the thick of batt[le] and (then) raise a storm, an evil wind, against him.”
[The goddess] Ištar heard my sorrowf[ul] 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 mercy (on you).”
During the course of the night that I had appealed to her, a dream interpreter lay down and saw a dream. He woke 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 Arbe[l]a entered and she had quivers hanging on the right and left. She was holding a bow [a]t her side (and) she was unsheathing a sha[rp] sword that (was ready) to do battle. You (Ashurbanipal) stood before her (and) (v 135) she was speaking to you like (your own) birth-mother. The goddess Ištar, the sublime one of the gods, called out to you, instructing you, saying: ‘You are looking forward to waging war (and) I myself am about to set out towards my destination (the battlefield).’ You (then) said to her, say[in]g: (v 140) ‘Let me go with you, wherever you go, O Lady of Ladies!’ She replied to you, say[ing: ‘Y]ou will stay in the place where you are (currently) residing. Eat food, drink wine, make music, (and) revere my divinity. In the meantime, I will go (and) accomplish this task, (thus) I will let (you) achieve your heart’s desire. (vi 1) Your face will not become pale, your feet will not tremble, you will not wipe off your sweat in the thick of battle.’ She took you into her sweet embrace and protected your entire body. (vi 5) Fire flared up in front of her. She came out furiously (and) splendidly and went to conquer her enemy. She directed her attention [towar]ds Teumman, the king of the land Elam [with whom] she was [a]ngry.”
[In the month Ul]ūlu (VI), “the work of the goddesses,” the festival of the exalted (god) Aššur, [the month of the god Sîn, the l]ight of heaven and netherworld, [I trusted i]n the decision of the bright divine light (Sîn) [and the message of] the goddess Ištar, my lady, which cannot be changed. [I mustered] my [bat]tle [troops], warriors (vi 15) [who dart abo]ut in the thick of battle [by the command of the deities Aššur], Sîn, and Ištar. [I set out on the path against Teumman, the k]ing of the land Elam, [and took the direct ro]ad.
[Before me, Teumman, the king of the land Ela]m, [set up cam]p [in the city Bīt-Imbî. He heard about the entry of my royal majesty into (the city) Dēr and]
Lacuna
[I brought about their defeat] inside [(the city) Tīl-Tūba. I blocked up the Ulāya River] with [their] corpse[s] (and) fille[d the plain of the city Susa] with the[ir] bodies [like baltu-plant(s) and ašāgu-plant(s)]. (vi 5´) By the command of the gods Ašš[ur and Marduk, the great gods], my lords, [in the midst of his troops], I cut of[f] the head of T[eumman, the king of the land Elam]. The brilliance of (the god) Aš[šur and the goddess Ištar] overwhelmed [the land Elam] and th[ey (the Elamites) bowed down to my yoke].
[I placed] Ummanigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II), [who had fled to me (and) had grasped my feet], on his (Teumman’s) throne. [I installed] Tammarītu, [his third] br[other, as king] in the city Ḫidalu. (With) the chariots, wa[gons, horses, mules], (vi 15´) harness-brok[en (steeds), (and) equipment suited for war] that [I] captured between the city Sus[a and the Ulāya River] with the support of (the god) A[ššur (and) the goddess Ištar, the great gods], by the command of (the god) Aššu[r and the god Marduk], (vi 20´) the great gods, m[y] lords, [I] joyfully [came] out [of the land Elam and salvation was established for my] entire army.
ruling
On m[y] eighth campaign, I m[arched] against Dunānu, son of Bēl-iqīša, to the land Gambulu, which had put its trust in the king of the land Elam (and) had not bowed down to [my] y[oke]. With my mighty battle array, [I covered] the land Gambulu in its entirety like a fog. I conquered the city Ša-pî-Bēl, hi[s] fortified city, whose location is situated between rivers.
I brought Dunānu (and) his brothers out 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. I brought out silver, gold, property, (and) the treasures of his palace and I counted (them) as booty. (vi 40´) I brought out eunuchs, his attendants, engineers, (and) his food preparers and I counted (them) as booty. I brought out all of (his) artisans, as many as there were, the bond of city and steppe, and I counted (them) as booty. I brought out oxen, sheep and goats, horses, (and) mules, which were without number, and I counted (them) as booty. (vi 45´) I did not leave a single person of his land — male and female, young and old — (and) I brought (them) out and counted (them) as booty.
Lacuna
[I laid waste that] distri[ct (and) cut off] the clamor of h[umans from it. W]ith the support of [the great gods, I killed my enemies] (and) returned [s]afely [to Nineveh].
[I hung] the head of Teumman, the k[ing of the land Elam], around the neck of Dunānu. [I hung] the head of Ištar-nandi (Šutur-Naḫūndi) around the neck of Sa[mgunu], the second brother of Dunānu. With the spoils of the land Ela[m (and) the bo]oty of the land Gambu[lu], (vi 10´´) which [I] captured by the command of (the god) Aššur, with singers performing mus[ic], I entered Nineveh in (the midst of) celebration.
(As for) Umbadarâ (and) Nabû-damiq, the envoys of Teumman — the king of the land Elam — by whose hands Teumman sent insolent message(s), whom I had detained before me by making (them) wait for the issuing of my decision, they saw the decapitated head of Teumman, their lord, in Nineveh and madness took hold of them. Umbadarâ pulled out his (own) beard (and) Nabû-damiq [stabbed himself in the stomach] with [his] i[ron belt]-dagger.
(As for) the decapitated head of Teumman, I displayed (it) o[pposite the Citadel Gate of Nineveh as a spectacle] in order [to show the people] the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Iš[tar, my lords] — the decapitated head of Teumman, the king of the land Elam.
(As for) Aplāya, son of Nabû-salim, [gran]dson of Marduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), 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, (vii 1) he (Ummanigaš) se[ized] Aplāya, son of Nabû-salim, [(and) sent (him) befo]re me.
(As for) Dunānu (and) Samgunu, sons of [Bēl-iqīša — Gambul]ians whose ancestors had [harass]ed the kings, m[y] ancestors, and, moreover, (who) themselves disturbed my [exercising the kingsh]ip — I br[ou]ght them inside Baltil (Aššur) and the city Arbela to praise (me) in the future.
(As for) Rusâ, the k[ing of the land] Urarṭu, [he heard about] the might of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, [my] lords, and fear of my royal majesty [overwhelmed hi]m; (vii 15) [he (then) sent] his envoys [to me in the city Arbela] to inquire about m[y] well-being. [He ...] horses, mules, [...], horn-shaped (drinking vessels), scepters, [...], (and) purṭû-weapons as h[is] audience gift(s). [I made] Nabû-damiq (and) Umbadar[â, envoys of the land Elam, stand] with writing boards (inscribed with) insol[ent] messages [before them].
As for Mannu-kī-aḫḫē, [the deputy of Dunānu], and Nabû-uṣalli, a city overseer of the land Gambulu, who had uttered grievous blasphem(ies) against my gods, I rip[ped ou]t their tongue(s and) flayed them inside the city Arbela.
(As for) Dunānu, they laid him on a slaughtering block inside Nineveh and slaughtered him like a lamb.
(As for) the rest of the brothers [of] Dunānu and Aplāya, I kill[ed (them)], chopped up [t]heir [flesh], (and) sent (them) out to be a spect[acle] in all of [the l]ands.
(As for) Nabû-naʾid (and) Bēl-ēṭir, s[ons of Nabû-šuma-ēreš, the šan]dabakku (governor of Nippur), whose father, the one who had engendered them, [had stirr]ed up Urta[ku to fight with the land Akka]d — the bones of Nabû-šuma-[ēreš, which] they had taken [out of the land Gamb]ulu to Assy[ria, I made them (lit. “his sons”) crush thos]e [bones] opposite the Citadel Gate of [Nineveh].
ruling
(As for) Šamaš-šuma-ukī[n, ...], whom I had installed a[s king ...], he severed the p[eac]e (that was between us) [...] the city gates of Babylo[n]. Ummaniga[š (Ḫumban-nikaš II), (...) a servant] who belon[ged to me], whom [I] had installed as kin[g] in the land Ela[m], incited him to become hostile towards me a[nd] to cast [off] the yoke of [my] lordship. He took a[way] the property of Esa[gil and Ezid]a [and] sen[t (it) ...]
Lacuna
[My battle troops (who were stationed) in the land Mangisu — which is inside (the territory of) the city Sumandi]r — [came up against them an]d [brought about the]ir [defeat. They cut of]f [the heads of Undasu, a son of Teumman — a (former) king of the land Ela]m — [Zazaz, Parrû, (and) Att]a-metu and [they brought (them) before] me.
[I dispatched my messenger to Umma]nigaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II) [regarding the]se [matters. He detain]ed [the eunuch of mine whom I had sent (Marduk-šarru-uṣur)] and [did not give a reply to] my [word(s)].
[The gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Na]bû, [Ninurta, Nusku] (and) Nergal, [the gods who suppo]rt me, [render]ed [a just verdict] for me [concerning Ummani]gaš (Ḫumban-nikaš II). [Tammarītu rebel]led [against him] and [struck] him, [together with his family, down] with the sword. Tamma[rītu, who was (even) more] insolent [than Umman]igaš, sat [on the thron]e of the land Elam.
Just like him (Ummanigaš), he (Tammarītu) accepted bribes [from the hand of Šamaš-šuma-uk]īn, did not inquire about [the well-being of] my [ro]yal majesty, (and) (vii 25´) went to the aid of [Šama]š-šuma-ukīn, (my) unfait[hful] brother, to fig[ht 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). (vii 30´) His servants rebelled against him and together struck down my adversary. Indabibi, a servant of his who [had incited] rebellion [against him], sat on his throne.
[(As for) Tammarītu, the king of the land Ela]m [who had spoken insolent word(s)] on ac[count of the cutting off of the head of Teumman — wh]ich [a low-ranking soldier of my army] had cu[t off] — and [his] brothers, [his family, (and) the seed of his father’s house], together with eighty-[five nobles of the land Elam] (vii 40´) who march at [his side], who [had flown away] from the weapons of [(the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar] — to praise t[heir great] divinity, they [craw]led [nak]ed [on their bellies, to]gether with Marduk-šarru-uṣu[r, a eunuch of mine w]hom they had taken away (with them) [by force, and they grasped the feet of my royal majesty].
[Tam]marī[tu handed] himself [over to do obeisance to me and made an appeal to my lordly majesty] to be [his] ally. (vii 50´) For just one [eunuch of mine], the gods Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, [Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal], the gods who sup[port me, comp]ensated [me] a thousand fold. I allowed Tammarītu (and) as many people as (there were) with him to stay in my palace.
(As for) the arch[ers among whom Tammaritu, the king of the land Elam, had bragged] wi[thin the land Elam about] fig[hting with the troops of Assyria], no[w, inside Assyria, (viii 5) those] arch[ers] were rep[eatedly coming close to my ...]. The deities Aššur, [Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû], Ištar [of Nineveh, Šarrat-Kidmuri], Iš[tar of Arbela], (viii 10) Nin[urta, Nusku, (and) Nergal], who [... my foes ...]. Moreover, [(as for) the rest, ...]
Lacuna
he came out and [...] clothing [...] to/for his form [...] famine [...] death ... [...] he tied [...].
Thei[r] possessions [were ...] (and) their ... property f[or (something to) eat. They could] n[ot satisfy] (their) starvation (and) hunger (viii 10´) (so) they ate dogs (and) [mongooses]. Their sin [was great]. They [ate] grass. (As for) the snake(s and) scorpion(s), [as many] creatures [that there are] on ea[rth], (and) rodents, they bro[ught them to an end]. (viii 15´) They gnawed on anim[al hides, (leather) straps], shoes [and sandals. T]o (fight) thei[r] hunger, [they slaughtered (their) sons], daughter[s, brothers, sisters, ..., all of] them. (viii 20´) Instead of [bread, they ate] the flesh of [their sons. Instead of] be[er], th[ey] dr[ank the blood of] their daughters.
[From lack of fo]od, their [lim]bs stopped working (lit. “came to an end”) (and) [withered away]; they became [like corpse(s). The f]aces of the people darkened as (if by) s[moke] with depression and mo[urning]. In the square(s) of the city, the young man saw the concealed par[t(s)] of the you[ng woman], (and) the young woman the concealed par[t(s)] of [the young man]. (viii 30´) Those without clothing don[ned] garment(s) of criminal(s), sackcloth and [...]. The people desired [...] of the dead. Like [...] the mercy on people [...].
A father did not show m[ercy] to his son, (nor) a mother to [her] dau[ghter]. The young man aband[oned] his wife. The father left (his) son whom [his heart] loved. In order not to se[e] one another in a state of dying, (viii 40´) a person (lit. “he”) made [a promise] to an enemy, [who wou]ld kill him. Plague, pestilence, [illness, (and) the chills] reduced the people of [the land Akkad, all of them]. Between the city and the steppe, the swift iron dagger fin[ished them off]. (viii 45´) The governor, their shepherd, became angry with them and cut down the remainder (of them).
The corpses of people were obstructing the street(s and) alley(s); they were blocking gateways. The silence (of desolation) lay over the city and (its) ruler; (viii 50´) a deathly hush had been poured out. Their storeroom(s) were laid waste, their field[s] wept (and) mourned, (and) their watercourses, which had (once) gushed with an abundance of water, were (now) filled with silt.
(As for) Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, (my) hostile brother who had planned murder against Assyria and uttered grievous blasphemies against (the god) Aššur, the god who created me, he (the god Aššur) determined for him a cruel death; (viii 60´) he consigned him to a conflagration and destroyed his life.
(As for) the soldiers who had perpetrated sedition (and) rebellion, as many as had made common cause with him, not a single one (of them) escaped; (anyone) who tried to get away did not escape my grasp. (viii 65´) (As for) clothing (and) precious jewelry, every roya[l] appurtenance, the necessities of his palace, as much as there was, his palace women, his nobles, hi[s] eunuchs, and (other) people associated with his palace, silver, gold, possessions, property, (viii 70´) chariot(s), a processional carriage, the vehicle of his lordly majesty, horses, hi[s] harness-broken (steeds), (and) people — male and female, young and old — who had escaped from the clash of arms, diʾu-disease, plague, pestilence, and hunger — I captured (them and) carried (them) off to Assyria.
(As for) the people who were guilty, I imposed a harsh punishment upon them. I destroyed their faces, flayed them, (and) chopped up their flesh.
Indabibi, who sat on the throne of the land Elam after Tammarīt[u], saw the might of my weapons that had previously prevailed over the land Elam and (as for) [the As]syrians whom I had sent (viii 85´) [to ai]d Nabû-bēl-šumāti, son of Marduk-apla-[iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan)], with [whom] they [used to ma]rch [about] protecting [his] land [like a fr]iend (and) ally (and) [whom Nabû-bēl]-šumāti had se[ized] by gu[ile during the night (and) confined in prison, (viii 90´) Indabibi, the king of the land Elam, released the]m [from prison. So that (they) would intercede (with me), say good thing(s) about h]im, [(and) in order to prevent (me) from doing harm to the territory of] his [land, he sent (them) before m]e [by the hands of his messenger].
[With regard to Nabû-bēl-šumāti, son of Ma]rduk-apla-iddina (II) (Merodach-baladan), [a servant who belonge]d to me [who had fled] (and) go[ne t]o [the land E]lam, and (with regard to) the rest of the Assyrians [wh]om Nabû-bēl-šumāti (viii 100´) had seized by guile (and) taken (to Elam) with him, I sent (a message) to Indabibi [b]y the hands of his messengers, (saying) [as f]ollows: “[Sin]ce you have not sent me those people, I will come and tear down your cities. (viii 105´) I will carry o[ff the people of the cities S]usa, Madaktu, (and) Ḫidalu. I will remove you [from] your royal [th]rone and make [someone else] sit [on] your [th]rone. [The (same) actions that I used to th]wart [Teumman], I will make happen to you.”
[Before his messenger] had arrived [in] his [presence (and before) he could report the issuing of] my [de]cision [to him, with the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk)], Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal, who march at my side (and) kill my foes, (ix 1) inside the land Elam, they (the Elamites) heard about [the progress of] the messenger of mine whom [I had sent] to the city Dēr. [Fear o]f my royal majesty — with [which] the great gods [had end]owed me — (ix 5) overwhelmed [the land Elam] and (then) the people of the land Elam rebelled [against In]dabibi (and) [killed him] with the sword. [They placed Ummanaldašu (Ḫumban-ḫaltaš III), son of] Atta-metu, on his (Indabibi’s) throne.
ruling
[On] my [tenth campai]gn, I marched [to the land Elam. In the course of] my [campai]gn, [I conque]red [the city Bīt-Imbî, (a city upon which the land Elam relied). ...] it [...] ...
Lacuna
[...] ... [...] ... [...] of the land Elam [...] he sent him. [...] Šamaš-šuma-ukīn, [... of] my combat [...] was struck by an arrow, [...] his life [did not com]e to an end. [... fro]m the merciless weapon of (the god) Aššur, [t]o sing the praise(s) of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar, my lords, had fled alone to the land Elam — I brought Barburu, his son, out of the city Bīt-Imbî and flayed him.
(As for) Tammarītu, king of the land Elam, a fugitive who [had set ou]t from Assyria (and) gone (back) to the land Elam, he saw [the assault of m]y mighty [battle array (and) the ... of] my weapons [that had prev]ailed [over the land Elam] and [...] ... [...]
Lacuna
[he (Ummanaldašu) abandoned] the city M[adaktu, a royal city of his, and (then)] fl[ed and took to the mountains (lit. “ascended his mountain”)].
(As for) Amba-LA[GABua (Umba-LAGABua), who] sat [on the throne of the land Elam in opposition to Ummanaldašu, (...)] (ix 5´´) ... [...] ... [... he abandoned] the city Bub[ilu, a cit]y that was a lordly residence of his, [and], li[ke fish], he to[ok to the d]epths of the waters [and] f[led] far awa[y].
O[n] my [return mar]ch, the cities Gatud[u, Gatudu agai]n, Daeba, [Nad]iʾ, Dūr-Amnani, [Dūr-Amnani agai]n, Ḫamānu, [Taraq]u, Ḫayyūsi, [...], Ḫaraʾ, (ix 15´´) [Bīt-Imb]î, Madaktu, [Sus]a, Bubê, [Kapar-Marduk]-šarrāni, Urdalika, [Algar]iga, Tūbu, [Du]n-šarri, Dūr-Undāsi, (ix 20´´) [Dūr]-Undāsi again, Bubilu, [Sa]mu[n]u, Bīt-Bunaki, [...], Qabrīna, (and) [Qabrīna again] — (as for) those [c]ities, [I destr]oyed, demolished, (and) burned (them) [with] fire. (ix 25´´) [I] carried off to Assyria, their [peopl]e, [their] oxen, their sheep and goats, their [possessions], their property, wagons, horses, mules, equipment, (and) implements of war.
(As for) the people of Elam whose lips Sennacherib, the father of the father who had engendered me, had cut off in the thick of battle, whose faces [he] had destroyed, (and) (ix 35´´) [who, to] save their (own) live(s), had fled from among the corpses of (those who had fallen during) [the defe]at of the land Elam — [I] captured them [with the suppo]rt of (the god) Aššur and the goddess Ištar. I brought (them) [t]o Assyria (and) [fla]yed them.
[(As for) the peopl]e of Uruk, Nippur, Larak, [Bīt]-Dakkūri, (and) Bīt-Amukāni, [who] had broken away [from the] ... of Assyria (and) [attac]hed (themselves) to the land Elam, (ix 45´´) I carr[ie]d (them) off to Assyria, toge[ther with bo]oty of the land Elam. With regard to those people, I questioned and interrogated (them). I killed t[h]em with the sword because of their crime(s).
(As for) the people and [the bo]oty of the land Elam, which I had plunde[red] by the comm[and of] the deities [Aššur], Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), Nabû, Ištar of [Nineveh], Šarrat-Kidmuri, Ištar of [Arbela], Ninurta, and Nergal — (ix 55´´b) [I] gave [the b]est (of them) [to my gods. I] conscripted [archers], shield [bearers, ...] (and) added (them) [to m]y [royal contingent. I divided up the rest like sheep and goats among] my governors, [my nobles], my [cult ce]nters, [...], (and) my [...].
ruling
[Iaut]aʾ, son of Hazael, [the king of the land Qedar] who does obeisance to me, approached me abo[ut his gods] and implore[d] my [lordly ma]jesty. I made him swear an oath by the great gods and (then) I gave the god Atar-samayi[n back] to him. (x 1) Afterwards, [he sinned against] m[y] treaty, [did] n[ot respect] my kindness, [and] cast off the yok[e of my lordship]. He ref[rained] from inquiring about [my] we[ll-being and] withheld audience gift(s) from me. He incited the people of the land of the Arabs to rebel wi[th him and] they were repeatedly plundering [the land Amurru].
I sent troops of mine who [were stationed] on the bord[er of his land against him (and) they brought about] the[ir] defeat. They struck down [with the sword] the people of the land of the Arabs, as m[any as had risen up against me], (and) (x 15) set fire to pavilion(s and) tent[s, their abodes], (and thus) cons[igned (them) to the god Gīra].
[They carried off without number] oxen, sheep and goats, [donkeys, camels, (and) people. They filled (with them) the whole extent of the land, in its entirety, to all of its border(s)]. I apportioned [ca]mels li[ke sheep and goats (and) divided (them) amo]ng the people of [Assyria (so that) with]in my country (x 25) they (the Assyrians) [could purchas]e [a camel for one shek]el (or even ) a half sh[ekel of silver at the market gate. The female tavern keep]er [for a serving, the beer brewer for a jug (of beer)],
Lacuna
[(As for) Iautaʾ, hardship be]fell him and [he fled alone to the land of the Na]bayateans.
Abī-[Yateʾ, son of] Teʾri, [ca]me to Nin[eveh] and kis[sed] my [f]eet. [I] concluded a treaty with him [to do obe]isance to me. [I insta]lled him as king in place of Iaut[aʾ]. (x 10´) I imposed [upo]n him gold, eyestones, [pappardilû-stone], kohl, camels, (and) prime quality [donkeys] as [ann]ual paymen[t].
(As for) Ammu-ladīn — the king of the land Qedar, who had turned hostile towards Assyria (and) repeatedly plundered the land Amurru — Ka[mās-ḫalt]â, the king of the land Moab, [a servant who belong]ed to me [who had brought] about his defeat [in battle] by invoking my name — which the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk), [Nabû], Ištar of Nineveh, Š[arrat-Kidmu]ri, Ištar of Arbela, Ni[nurta, Nusku], (and) Nergal had made great — (x 25´) [captured Ammu-ladī(n and) the r]est of his people [who] had escaped [the slaughter. He placed (their) ha]nds and feet [in iron fetters and se]nt (them) [t]o Nineveh, [before me].
[Natnu, the king of the land of the Nab]ayateans — [whose location is re]mote — [heard about the might of the gods Aššur and] Marduk, [who had encouraged] me. [The one who had never] sent [his messenger to the kin]g<s>, my ancestors, [and had never inquired about the well]-being of my royal majesty — (x 35´) [after Iaut]aʾ, the king of the land of the Arabs, [a servant who belon]ged to me, had fled to the land of the Nabayateans and came [b]efore Natnu, Natnu said the following to Iautaʾ, (x 40´) saying: “Can I myself be spared from the grasp of Assyria? Nevertheless, you have made me your stronghold!” Natnu became frightened and distressed. (x 45´) 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 looked with pleasure upon him and (x 50´) turned my benevolent face towards him. I imposed upon him annual tribute payment.
ruling
[At] that time, the temple of the god Nabû that is inside Kalḫu (Calah), [wh]ich Adad-nārārī (III), son of Šamšī-Adad (V), king of Assyria, a king of the past who came before me, had built, had become old. I removed its dilapidated section(s) and (then) I mixed (its) kalakku-mortar with beer and wine. Basket carriers made bricks while playing. (x 60´) While there was singing (and) joyous celebration, I built (and) completed (it) from its foundation(s) to its crenellations. I roofed it with long beams of cedar. [I] decorated all its copings [...].
I wrote out an inscribed object bearing my name (and) the praise of my heroism — with which through the support of the deities Aššur, Sîn, Šamaš, Bēl (Marduk) and Nabû, Ištar of Nineveh, Ištar of Arbela, Ninurta, Nusku, (and) Nergal, I constantly marched through the lands (and) established mighty victories — and I deposited (it) for future days.
In the future, may one of the kings, my descendants, whom (the god) Aššur and [the goddess Išt]ar nominate for ruling over the land and people, find an inscribed object bearing my name, and (then) anoint (it) with oil, make an of[fer]ing, (and) place (it) with an inscribed object bearing his name. May the great gods, as many as (x 80´) are recorded [on] this [inscribed obje]ct, g[rant him] mighty victories, just like me.
(As for) the one who destroys an inscribed object be[ari]ng my name, the name of Esarhaddon, my father, or (the name of) Sennacherib, my grandfa[ther, (or) does not pl]ace (it) [with an inscribed object of his (own)], may the great gods who reside in heave[n and] netherworld angrily cur[se him], overthrow his kingship, (and) make his name (and) seed di[sappe]ar from the land.
ruling
[...], the twenty-fifth [d]ay, eponymy of Nabû-nā[din-aḫi], governor of the city Kār-Shalmaneser (646).