Chapter 05 · 2000 – 1600 BCE
Old Babylonian
Hammurabi, the Epic of Gilgamesh, mathematics.

~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Proverbs: from Unug
“4 lines fragmentary 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.167, 6.1.04.4, 6.1.22: l. 189) He holds up the sky, letting the earth dangle from his hands. (cf. 6.1.03.93) Enlil's greatest punishment is hunger. (cf. 6.1.04.5) He bears the responsibility for it. (cf. 6.1.04.8) When he ...... the man's assassin, he became his opponent. (cf. 6.1.04.6) As a provisioner, ...... upon those who speak proudly (?). (cf. 6.1.04.9) The ...... wind ...... harmful (?). The east wind is a rain-bearing wind; the west wind is greater than those who live there. The east wind is a wind of prosperity, the friend of Naram-Suen.”
Source: ETCSL c.6.2.4: Proverbs: from Unug. Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.6.2.4
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Proverbs: from Urim
“(cf. 6.1.01.1, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 ll. 1-2) Who can compare with justice? It creates life. (cf. 6.1.01.2, 6.2.5: YBC 8713 l. 3) Whenever wickedness may cause trouble, Utu will not be idle! Let the standard that raises itself protect it like the heavens. (cf. 6.1.01.6) That which bows down its neck in submission puts its breast forward in defiance. (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.5: IM 62823 Seg. A ll. 7-8) He who has silver is happy, he who has grain feels comfortable, but he who has livestock cannot sleep. He who has nothing cannot let go of anything. When he enters ...... no one gives him .......”
Source: ETCSL c.6.2.3: Proverbs: from Urim. Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.6.2.3
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Proverbs: of unknown provenance
“1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 265 l. 2) He who has silver is happy, and he who has grain feels comfortable. (cf. 6.1.03.23, 6.1.22: ll. 284-286, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 265 l. 3) He who has livestock cannot sleep. (cf. 5.6.1: l. 69) The warrior is unique; he alone is the equal of many. 1 line fragmentary ...... rogue ...... unknown no. of lines missing 2 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.19.d5) The um bird's song is unpleasant! (cf. 6.1.19.d8) 1 line unclear (cf. 6.1.21.c8) Dusk means joy for the palace.”
Source: ETCSL c.6.2.5: Proverbs: of unknown provenance. Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.6.2.5
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Rulers of Lagash
“After the flood had swept over and brought about the destruction of the countries; when mankind was made to endure, and the seed of mankind was preserved and the black-headed people all rose; when An and Enlil called the name of mankind and established rulership, but kingship and the crown of the city had not yet come out from heaven, and Nin-jirsu had not yet established for the multitude of well-guarded (?) people the pickaxe, the spade, the earth basket and the plough, which mean life for the Land -- in those days, the carefree youth of man lasted for 100 years and, following his upbringing, he lasted for another 100 years.”
Source: ETCSL c.2.1.2: Rulers of Lagash. Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.2.1.2
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Sîn-iddinam and Ishkur (Sîn-iddinam E)
“When Ickur -- the lord, the storm, the ...... lion, the great storm of heaven and earth, confident in his majesty, the foremost, the advocate, the son of An, whose head is clothed in power, the fearsome chief lord, the great storm that has no rival ......, who masses the clouds -- rushes within the storm, the earth trembles before him. A majestic wind bellowing in the broad heavens, whose thunder signifies abundance -- when he utters his cries, the Land and the great mountains are fearful. Great hero, holding the shepherd's crook in his hand and clasping authority at his side -- when he roars over the sea and covers the Land with radiance, huge hailstones ...... and slanting (?) rain, ...... they set up ...... for him.”
Source: ETCSL c.2.6.6.5: Sîn-iddinam and Ishkur (Sîn-iddinam E). Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.2.6.6.5
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Samsu-iluna and Inana (Samsu-iluna A)
“The ornament of fearsome divine powers, the great knife of masculinity, looked at him with joyful eye and shining brow. She conferred attractiveness on his beauty. She made charm approach the colourful statue. She erected the statue for him against (?) the opposing side. She took its precious form to her heart (?). With overflowing heart, she ....... Inana blessed the king in words: "Lord, your destiny is a good one, and will delight the beloved. Samsu-iluna, to choose the colourful ......, I will establish, benevolently according to my sight, and lasting for ever, and will fix (?) for you a joyous celebration of incantation rituals (?). I will fight off (?) the people of the other side for you. Samsu-iluna, it is your power to possess strength, lord of all people! You are ...... your handsome hero, you keep watch."”
Source: ETCSL c.2.8.3.1: Samsu-iluna and Inana (Samsu-iluna A). Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.2.8.3.1
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Self-praise of Ishme-Dagan (Ishme-Dagan A)
“Enlil, by far ...... 2 lines missing He to whom the great gods pay attention; foundation deposit of the Anuna, living ...... of the Enki deities; he whose great divine powers know no opponents, whose ...... excel all others, whose ...... is achieved by no one; whose ...... return of their own accord, whose ...... is very sweet in heaven and on earth, whose ...... founds cities, whose ...... establishes the Land; ...... wisdom is perfect as time passes; ...... wise in command, re-establishing justice ......, adviser who never tires of discussion; ......, giving verdicts, ......, judge of heaven and earth 1 line damaged guiding the living ......, father Enlil, shepherd of the black-headed, by his ...... making the foreign countries bow low.”
Source: ETCSL c.2.5.4.01: Self-praise of Ishme-Dagan (Ishme-Dagan A). Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.2.5.4.01
Read the full tablet entry~1800 BCE · Multiple manuscripts across collections; see ETCSL bibliography for witnesses
Self-praise of Shulgi (Shulgi D)
“O my king, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Shepherd Culgi, great bull with splendid limbs, dragon with a lion's eyes! Bull-calf born in the cattle-pen of abundance, thriving there! Mighty one fit for heroism, the ornament of his Land! Righteous man, invested with justice by Utu! Fierce leopard who feeds on rich milk, rampant bull who was born to be a great beast! A lapis-lazuli beard, a holy breast -- marvellous to behold! O king, joy of the royal tiara! Culgi, ornament of the legitimate crown, wearing the pectoral of godhead, named by An with a good name! Good shepherd, endowed with strength by Enlil, Culgi, the beloved of Ninlil's heart!”
Source: ETCSL c.2.4.2.04: Self-praise of Shulgi (Shulgi D). Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Robson, E. & Zólyomi, G. (eds.), The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford. https://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=c.2.4.2.04
Read the full tablet entry