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Ubaid Uruk Period Early Dynastic Akkadian Empire Ur III · Neo-Sumerian Old Babylonian Old Assyrian Middle Babylonian Middle Assyrian Neo-Assyrian Neo-Babylonian Achaemenid Persian

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Page 1405 / 1593

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 014. (no title) (ABL 0837)

(1) [Your servant] Nabû-bel-šumate: [I would] gla[dly di]e fo[r the k]ing, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to greet the king, the horses [and] the soldiers. (8) My [...], whom [...] to [...] (9) [...] Bit-[PN] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·

Neo-Assyrian

SAA 17

SAA 17 015. Visit to Dur-Šarrukku (CT 54 337)

(1) [Your servant Nabû-bel-šumate: I would gladly die for the king, my lord]! Say [to the king], my [lo]rd: [I have sent m]y [messenger] to gree[t the king, the hors]es and the soldiers. (7) I was c[oming to Dur-Šar]rukku (8) [......] (9) [... the]re was not; Anu-[...], (10) [a ...] my companion, the leader [...] (11) [...] went [...] (12) [...] ... [...] (13) [...] ... [...] (14) [...] ... [...] (15) [... in the pr]esence of the king [...] (16) [...], saying: "W[hy ...] (17) [...] us [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 016. Joining the Royal Entourage (ABL 0838)

(1) [Tab]let of Nabû-bel-šumate and [NN] to the king, their lord. Good health to the king, [our] lo[rd]! (3) The king, our lord, has done us a favour; good deeds that not (even) a father has done to his son [...]: you have made us enter yo[ur] paternal house. (5) And when Keni heard about [this favour] that you did to us, he [...] all the lands (and) [...]ed the king, our lord. (8) Now then, the men [...] who are with Ana-Nabû-taklak [...]. (10) He knows their news. The land [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 017. Sending Hatallaeans to the King (ABL 0721)

(1) Your [servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: I have sent my messenger to greet the king, the horses and the soldiers. (8) Concerning the Hatalleans of whom the king wrote: "Send (word) that 10 men from their midst should come to me" — (r 1) the king's bodyguard having come to me, I sent (word) and the Hatallaeans came to me. I have given 10 men to the hands of the bodyguard of the king, my lord.

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 018. (no title) (CT 54 268)

(1) [Your servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina. [I would gladly die] for the king, [my lord! Say t]o the king, [my] lord: [I have sent] my [messenger] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 019. Defending Oneself (ABL 0803)

(1) [Your servant] Marduk-šuma-iddina, the governor. [I] would gladly die for the king, my lord! May [Nabû and] Marduk bless (the king), my lord! [Say to the king], my lord: (5) [As to what the king wrote: "Gu]ard yourself!" — (6) [...] my grave misdemeanour [...] (7) [...] the king [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 020. Inviting the King to Babylon with the Army (ABL 0844)

(1) Your servant Belšunu: I would gladly die for the vizier, my lord! May Marduk and Zarpanitu bless my lord! Say to my lord: (7) Certain Babylonians, members of the nobility, friends who are loyal to the king and the vizier, my lord, have written to me from Babylon. Send us [go]od news, whatever is appropriate! (13) Whenever Nabû-ahhe-eriba goes out to the bridges at their command, [the so]n of Nabû-[ahhe-er]iba [op]posite to ...[...] (Break) (r 1) He (= Bel) has ordained that the son of Yakin be ousted [from] Babylon, and he has also spoken about the king's entry to Babylon. (r 5) Perhaps…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 021. Inviting the King to Babylon to Establish its Privileges (ABL 1431)

(1) Yo[ur] servant (Bel-iqiša): I would gladly die for the vi[zier], my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord! Say to my lord: (5) My lord must not say, "Why have I not heard his report and seen his message for a long time?" I have been imprisoned for two years, and even now, after I have been set free, I could not make any plans. When I was set free, I prayed to Bel and Nabû for the good health of the king, my lord, and of the vizier, saying, "When will the king, my lord, come here and establish the protection of Babylon?" (r 1) All Babylonians have daily confidence in this. Now, as the…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 022. Sargon Invited to Intervene in Bab-Bitqi (ABL 0542)

(1) Your servant Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the universe, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king! Say to the king, my lord: I pray daily to Bel and Nabû for the good health of the king, my lord. (6) The king did not listen to any of the earlier reports that we sent to the king, my lord. Now after the delegates of Bit-Dakuri of one accord had written to Merodach-Baladan, and the šandabakku together with Nabû-le'i the governor and the troops of Bit-Yakin had marched to (Bab)-bitqi and the prefect had turned the charioteers of Bit-Dakuri, the Arameans and the men…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 023. Let the King Come and Restore the Privileges of Babylon (CT 54 066)

(Beginning destroyed) (3) Baby[lon ...] (4) and [...] (5) uprooting [...] (6) the presence of the king [...] (7) the king to the house [...] (8) hor[ses ...] (9) the magnate[s ...] (10) in accordance with [...] (11) [...] ... [...] (12) my energy to [...] ... [...] (13) your [...] backed off [......] (14) there have been [si]gns, his land today (15) [...] Babylo[n ...] all [...] (16) [...] these [...] which were set(tled) (17) [...] is evil (18) [...] saying, "Let me send (it) to the king, my lord. If my report is not convenient for the king, let me send what is agreeable to the king." (21)…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 024. Bad Omens for the Dynasty of the Sealand (CT 54 204)

(1) [Your servant Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly [die for the king], my [lord! May] Nab[û and Marduk] bless [the king], my [lord]! Say [to the king], my [lord]: (4) I daily bless [the king], my lord, saying: "May [the king], my [lord], stay alive and [may] Ea [grant him ... and] a wide [understanding]." (8) [...] your chosen name [...] (9) [...] ... Esaggil [...] (10) [...] the land to your hands [...] (11) [...] may he examine [...] (12) [...] may he get Babylon m[oving ...] (13) [...] words of the Lord-of-Lords, [Marduk, ...] (14) When [NN] seized Babylo[n, ...] (15) [... of] the Sealand,…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 025. Invading Babylon and Borsippa (CT 54 079)

(1) [Your servant Bel-i]qiša. [I would gladly] die for Nabû-[šarru-uṣur, my lord! May Na]bû and Marduk ble[ss] my lord! [Say to] my [lord]: (3) Why [have they ...ed] me as if without exit [...]? (4) After [...] to the town Labba[nat], I have strengthened my [...] and hitched up m[ules ... at] fortified [...]s. (7) [...] they keep sending [...] (8) [...] they have [n]ot spared [...] for you (9) [...] they do not bring up [...] (10) [...] and to Baby[lon ...] (Break) (r 1) [...] ... [...] will hea[r ...] (r 2) [......-u]ṣur [...] all the Arameans at [his] disposal (r 3) [...] ... and [...] in…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 026. Carrying Out a Task (ABL 1185)

(1) [Your servant] Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for Nabû-šarra-[uṣur], the brother of Bel-usatu, my lor[d]! May [Nabû and] Marduk bless my lord! Say to my lord: (4) I attend to every order [with which] my lord has [entrusted] me. I have entrusted my life and [the ... of] my palace to my lord. (7) [...], when I came, his delegate did perform [...]. He is a friend [of ...] (9) Before entering [...] (10) [I e]ntered Babylon [with] the desired job. Before that it was Bel-iqiša, now [the commandant of] the fortress of the 'house.' Also Bel-ibni [and] Kurigalzu, the Babylonians, who are with me…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 027. Assurances of Loyalty (CT 54 025)

(1) [Your servant Bel-iqiša. I would gladly die for the king of the world! May Nabû] and Mardu[k bl]es[s the king, my lord! S]ay to the k[ing, my lord]: (4) (As to) the ... of the city conquered [by the ki]ng, my lord, [...], may the king, my lord, command: "[Let] Ana-Na[bû-taklak ...] and steadfastly [... befo]re the king. Stay [...] with them like these men, and [...] with them!" (9) I shall write the king's [...] according to the comma[nd of the kin]g, my lord. (10) [...] their brother [...] (11) [...] ... [...] (12) [...] the king [...] (13) [...] ... and to [...] of Sargon (14) k[ing of…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 028. Affairs of Babylon and Bit-Yakin (CT 54 076)

(1) Your servant [Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly die for [the king of the universe, my lord! May] Nabû [and Marduk bless] the king of the universe, my lord! (5) I p[ray] daily to Bel and Nabû [for the good health of the king, my lord]. (7) [...] and [...] his (8) [...] Bit-Yakin (9) [...] not agreeable [to] Nabû (10) [...] for Babylon [...] (11) [...] and wit[h ...] (12) [...] he receive[s ...] (13) [...] and the son [...] (14) [...] ... [...] (15) [the Ba]bylonians [...] (16) he has [...ed] Babylon (17) [ap]pointees of his hand [...] (18) [...] Bit-Yaki[n ...] (19) [...] he does not pla[ce ...] (…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 029. Please Return my Sons and People from Calah (ABL 0698)

(1) Your servant Bel-iqiša: I would gladly die for the king of the universe, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (6) For the past five months I have been waiting for news from the king, my lord. And now, thanks to Bel and Nabû, he has co[me] to Calah safely, as usu[al]. (11) All my manservants who give me water to drink have run away, and my people in Calah have become afraid. (15) May the king command before winter sets in that they can be sent back! (Break) (r 1) Why ... [...] (r 2) of the king, my lord, [...], (r 3) and the king will hear [...]. (…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 030. Fragment Mentioning Zera-ibni and Merodach-Baladan (ABL 1030+)

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [...]... of [NN ...] (2) [... h]e practiced, and Chalde[a ...] (3) [Šum]aya son of Nenê [...] (4) [Zer]a-ibni, the Babyloni[an, ...] (5) Merodach-Baladan, th[e son of Yakin, ...]. (6) After I had said: "Let them appoint [......], and besides [...]," Marduk-šarru-uṣur was appoi[nted ...]. Having [...ed] 10 shekels of gold [...], he is going back and forth [...] (11) they incite, until to [...] (12) brought them back. [...] (13) of Aqarâ son of Hab[a... ...] (14) They took Bit-Parasi-ili [...], saying, "He who insults the king's command shall [...]. Wait for me, until…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 031. The Prelate in Disgrace with the King (CT 54 308)

(1) [Your servant Bel-iqiša]: I would gladly die for [the king of the universe], m[y lord! May] Nabû and Marduk bless [the king of the universe], my [lo]rd! In the morning and in the evening I pray to [Bel and] Nabû for the good [health of the k]ing, my lord. (8) [As soon as I] heard that ... (Break) (r 5) [Perhaps the king, my lord], will say: "I did not agree [...]." (r 7) [...] an inauspicious time (r 8) [...] Let me send/write [to the king], my [lord] (r 9) [...] and Bel-iqiša (r 10) [...]: the king will kill me. (r.e. 11) [...] ...

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 032. Babylonians Rejoicing and Praying for the King (CT 54 156)

(1) Yo[ur ser]vant In[a-tešî-eṭir: I would gladly die for] the king of the lands, my lord! May [Nabû and Marduk bless] the king of the lands, my lord! (4) The report on Babylon [is excellent]. The Babylonians are hap[py. They go] daily to the tem[ple] of their lords, Bel and Nabû [...], to Esaggil. [They pr]ay daily to [Mardu]k and Zarpa[nitu] for the good health [of the king of the la]nds, my lord. (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 033. Kissing the King’s Feet in Babylon (ABL 1047)

(1) Your servant Ina-tešî-eṭir [...: I would gladly die] for the king of the lands, [my lord]! May Nabû and [Mar]duk bless the king of the lands, my lord! Esaggil and Babylon, the temples of the king of the lands, my lord, are well. (4) The news of Babylon is excellent. [I pray] daily for the health, joy, and life of the king, my lord, and for the attainme[nt of his] trium[ph]. (Break) (r 1) The 1st day [... is the ... of] Nergal, the mighty lord [...], the able, perfect one, who [...]. I [utter] prayers of benediction [to him] daily, bless the king of the lands, my lord, and shall kiss [the f…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 034. The Door of Esaggil is Finished -- Please Give Me my Prebend! (ABL 1340)

(1) [Your servant Nabû-šumu-liš]ir: I would [gladly die for the king of the universe, my lord]! May [Nab]û and Marduk [bless] the king of the universe, [my] l[ord]! Say to the king of the universe, m[y lord]: (5) Every [day], from the unlocking of the door socket until the closing of the gate, I bless the king, my lord, with raised hands before Bel and Beltiya. (9) The bread is excellent, the best quality beer is good. The door of the god of the dead one has been put up. The plating is ready, and all the Babylonians who on the 4th day went up to Esaggil and saw the door, blessed the king, my…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 035. Report on Esaggil and Bel-ibni (CT 54 183)

(Beginning destroyed) (1) I pra[y daily] to [Bel and Na]bû [for the joy] of he[art and the health of the king], my [lord. The king, my lord], can be very [glad indeed. Es]aggil and Babylon are [truly] well and in good shape. (7) [...] lament [...] (8) [...] his [...]s (and) an ox for [...] (9) [...] my lord [...] (10) [... the messen]ger of Bel-ib[ni ...] (11) [...] he brings to a standstill [...] (12) [...] their fields [...] (13) [...] he tak[es ...] (14) [...] whatever Bel-[ibni] (15) [...] said to you [...] (Break) (r 2) [...] within one [...] (r 3) [...] word [...] (r 4) [...] my…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 036. Report on Esaggil and Bel-ibni (CT 54 234)

(1) [To the ki]ng, [our lord]: your [servant]s Nabû-[šuma-lišir and] Eṭeru. [Say to the king, our lord]: (4) The bread [in] the temple is excellent. The guard of Esaggil [and Babylon is strong]. The sacrifices [...] greatly. The king, our lord, can be [happy]. (8) May all the royal [...] that [the king], our lord, g[ave] to [..., ...] a strong heart may [...]! (11) [N]N (and) Bel-i[bni have sa]id: "[...]" (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 037. Report on a Temple (CT 54 364)

(Beginning destroyed) (2) [...] The bread of the te[mple is excellent], the best-quality beer of the temple [is good]. The guard of the school [is well. The king, my lord], ca[n be] very [happy]. (6) [...] before the go[ds for the good health] of the ki[ng, my lord]. (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 038. Report on Esaggil and Babylon (CT 54 132)

(1) [Your servant Nabû-šumu-lišir. I would gladly die] for the ki[ng of the lands, my l]ord! [May Nabû and Marduk bless] the ki[ng, my] l[ord! Say to the ki]ng of the lands, [my] lord: (5) [...] Ina-tešî-eṭir [...] (6) [...] 5 boxes with hem[s ...] (7) [...] ... of the palace [...] (8) [Es]aggil and Ba[bylon] (and) [...] the land [are well; ...... is] well. (Break) (r 1) [...] the king [...] (r 2) [...] of the heart [...] (r 3) [...] the loins [...] (r 4) [... Baby]lon [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 039. Defence of Prelacy (ABL 1016+)

(1) Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of Babylon, the king of the lands, the mighty king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of Babylon, the king of the lands, the mighty king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (5) The sealed clay tablet which Sîn-duri, Nabû-šuma-iškun and their scribe wrote in Babylon and [sent] to the king, [my lord, ...] and the insolence ther[ein ...] — how can I hear anything through [...] and stay al[ive]! (11) [...] who have not retained gold in the holy cities [...] (12) After they wrote [...] (Break) (r 1) from [...]…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 040. Nabu-šuma-iškun and Sin-duri are Libelling me (CT 54 070)

(1) [Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die for Sargon, king of Babylon, king of the lands, the strong king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk] bless [Sargon, king of Babylon, king of the lands, the strong king, my lord]! Say [to the king, my lord]: (5) The guar[d of Esaggil and Babylon] and the gods of the king, my lord, are well. The king can be glad! [...] (8) The [hearts of] the whole of the land of Akkad [are happy]. (9) I am one who fears the king of the universe. [...] (10) [Perhaps the king] will say: "[...]." (11) The king [...] a fat-tailed sheep! (12) The gods of the king surely…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 041. (no title) (CT 54 388)

(1) [Your servant Qišti-Marduk: I would gladly die] for the king, [my lo]rd! May [Na]bû and Marduk bless [Sargon, the king of Babylon, the ki]ng of the lands, the mighty king, [my lord! Say to] the king, my lord: (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 042. (no title) (CT 54 351)

(Beginning destroyed) (2) [...] Sîn-d[uri] (3) [...] with (4) [...in]stead (5) [...] the king, my lord, (6) [...Sa]rgon (7) [...] you (Break) (r 3) [...] Sîn-ib[ni] (r 4) [...] in the sha[dow] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 043. Inspection of Work on Temples all over Babylonia (ABL 0516)

(1) To the king, my lord: your servant Bel-iddina: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (6) Concerning the writing-board of the temples, of which the king wrote to me: "Send the rest of the work and the [remain]ing writing-boards here through Šarru-amuranni!" — (12) I have now examined (all the temples) from Nemed-Laguda to Šasanaku and have written the writing-boards. As the king commanded, I shall send them to the king, my lord, via Šarru-amuranni. (17) After I had examined the (temples) from Zabban to Sippar in the…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 044. Fragment Mentioning the Sealand and Bit-Yakin (CT 54 517)

(Beginning destroyed) (3) against [...] ... [...] (4) like the Sea[land ...] they say (5) Let him come and [......] between (6) Bit-Yakin [...] Sîn-iddina (7) the iron sword ... [... the god]s (8) the words of [......] (9) And the king, [my lord, can be glad]! Perhaps the king, my lord, will say: "What is your land?" The border lies in the Canal of the Delegates (r 1) be[tween ... Bit-Y]akin [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 045. We Shall Grasp the Feet of the King of the Lands (CT 54 302)

(1) Yo[ur servant] Il[u-i]puš: I would gladly die for [Sargon, the ki]ng of the lands, my lord. May Nabû [and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of the lands, my lord! Say] to the king, my lo[rd]: (4) [Be]l has sent me. We will gr[ab the feet of the king of the la]nds, our lord. (6) [...] him, and the king, my lord (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 046. Upuqu has Harmed me Greatly (CT 54 109)

(1) [To Sar]gon, the king [of the lands, my lord]: your servant Nabû-[šuma-iškun]. May [Nabû] and Ma[rduk] ble[ss the king], my lord! Say to the ki[ng], my lord: (7) I now pray to Bel and Nabû for the life and the (regnal) years of the king, my lord, and [I look forward to] the arrival of the king, my lord, in the month Nisan (I). (13) [......] (14) [...] the king, my lo[rd ...] (Break) (r 2) Ever since the king girded the loins of Uqupu, he has done much wrong against me. He has tak[en] my garden by bringing it under flood. He has tak[en] 100 (kor) of my barley from me. 30 kor of the arable…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 047. The King is Doing Wonderful Work in Esaggil (CT 54 133)

(1) Your servant Rimutu: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the lands, the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (7) The previous kings wanted excellent work from ancient times for Esaggil. Now [...] is making [...] doorjambs [for the king], his lord. (11) [... B]abylon (12) [...] concerning (13) [...] their work (Break) (r 4) field ... [...] (r 5) river [...] ... [...] ... (r 6) of Ku[..., Bel]šunu and Ninurta-naṣir, of which the king said: "I shall make the damage good" — the eyes of the men are darkened, (as) no damages have been made…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 048. Complaints About Landed Property (ABL 0925)

(1) Your servant Amel-Nabû: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and Marduk bless the king, my lord! Say to the king, my lord: (5) Didn't the king say to me as follows: "Go, plant, fill the cellars with harvest, and eat under my protection!" Let the king's messenger come here and see how the land of my father, which the king gave back to me, has been made barren by Mannu-ki-U[rbail]. He has indeed burned my grain, my straw and [my] garlic on [...] and (said to me): "Go en[treat] the king! If the king (indeed) ga[ve you] your land, come and tak[e] your property!" (17) Now, the…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 049. News of Elam and Dur-Yakin (ABL 0899)

(1) Your [servant] Amel-Nabû: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! [May Nabû and Mar]duk [bless] the king, [my] l[ord]! Say t[o the king, my lord]: (6) The king, [my] lo[rd, can] be glad. The palace, the magna[tes] (and) the guard [of ...] are [well]. There are no reports on Elam. (r 2) Whatever portents there have been, have all come for the city Qibi-Bel. I have heard it being said: "Now Qibi-Bel is to be destroyed and he is to go to the fortress of Yakin." All existing towns (r 13) [...] Qibi-Bel (r 14) [...] the lower [f]ortress (r 15) their [...] (r 16) [have b]een deported.

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 050. Signs Portending the Fall of Qibi-Bel and Dur-Yakin (ABL 0930)

(1) Your servant Amel-[Nabû: I would gladly die] for the king, my lord! May [Nabû] and Marduk bless [the king, my lord! Say] to the king, [my] lord: (6) Concerning what I w[rote] to the king, they have now finis[hed the harvest of] Bit-Y[akin ...], of Tarb[a...], (and) the harvest of [GN] (Break) (r 3) of Zeriya [...] (r 4) the people [...] (r 5) they will lead away [...] (r 6) May [the king] send word that they should stand [...] (r 8) the town ... and [...] (r 9) of Zeriya, the [...] (r 10) their side [...] (r 11) [One of] the cohort comman[ders ...] should inquire (and) re[port] to the ki[n…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 051. Exempting the Cult Centre of [...] (ABL 0030+)

(1) [Your servant Ar]ad-Ea: I would gladly die for Sargon, the king of the lands, [my lord]! May Nabû and Marduk bless Sargon, the king of the lands! Say to the king, my lord: (6) [May the] ... of Balassu grow up in the care of [...] the temple of the holy city for the well-being of the king, my lord! (8) [I he]ard from the king, my lord's mouth: "Rejoice!" (10) [...] the lord of the ...[...] (11) [......] (12) [......] (13) [... a p]auper of the city (14) [...] you may rejoice (15) [... of the king], our lord, (16) [...] your [...] (Break) (r 1) [...] as (r 2) [...] your [...] (r 3) [...]...…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 052. Rehabilitation as a Royal Servant (ABL 0793)

(1) To the king, my lord, your servant Bel-ibni: I would gladly die for the king, my lord! May Nabû and [Marduk] bl[ess] the king, my lord! (5) Initially, when I did not come to the audience of the kin[g, my lord], there were [men] who came from Elam to [see the king], your father, and who, in order to [obtain] intercession for themselves, [libe]lled [me] in the presence of the king. There [was] also a certain opponent of mine who said and wrote [to the king] bad things about me f[rom] Elam. When I heard of this, I did not come, [because I was afraid]. Now (however), I have become desirous of…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 053. Rehabilitation as Royal Servant (Addressed to the Chief Eunuch) (ABL 0283)

(1) To the chief eunuch, [my] lord, your servant Bel-ibni. May Nabû and Marduk bless my lord! (3) Initially, when I did not come to the audience of the king, there were men who came from Elam to see the king and who, in order to obtain intercession for themselves, libelled me in the palace. There was also a certain opponent of mine who said and wrote to the palace bad things about me from Elam. When I heard of this, I did not come, because I was afraid. Now (however), I have become desirous of serving the king. (14) All those who initially committed a crime have been forgiven by the king. (As…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 054. Rehabilitation as Royal Servant (Addressed to an Official) (CT 54 175+)

(Beginning destroyed) (2) [...] the kin[g ...] (3) [...] to [...] (4) their [cri]mes [have been forgiven] by the king. (As to) all [the libe]ls that [have been uttered against me in the palace, which] he has heard, [I am not guilty of] any [of them! N]ow, should there be a misde[meanour of mine], let my lord [speak] for me so that [the ki]ng will forgive m[e and] I can come and ki[ss] the feet [of the king an]d of my lord, [d]o [se]rvice to the king and to [my lord], and be one who blesses [the king] and my lord before Bel, N[abû and] Zarpanitu. (r 4) [Those men] who in the beginning [came]…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 055. Report on Merodach-Baladan (CT 54 442)

(1) [To the king, my lord: your servant Bel-i]bni. [I would gladly] die for [the king, my lord]! May [Na]bû and Marduk [bless] the king, [my lord]! Say to the king, my lord: (4) I [am hereby] sending [my tablet to greet the ki]ng, my lord. [The land, the arm]y and the servants of the king are well. [The guard of the king], my lord, is [ver]y strong. (7) [News of Merodach]-Baladan: he is in Babylon. [...] will not overthrow him but [...]. (9) [Per]haps the Babylonians [will say in the presence of the king]: "We [shall ...]" — [the king, my lord, should not] trust them. [He and the Babylo]nians…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 056. Report on Merodach-Baladan; Troops to Bab-bitqa (CT 54 446)

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [...] great [...] (2) [...] ... knowing, the army [...] (3) [... I] shall send [the ar]my [to you ...]" (4) [...] to the king, my lord, [...] (5) [... the ar]my to Bab-bit[qi ...] (6) [...] he and the chief [...] (7) [...] are afraid [...] (8) [...] many from [...] (9) [... f]rom Babylon to [me] (10) [...] are defecting. The Babylo[nians ...] (11) [...] Merodach-Baladan from [...] (12) [... are f]leeing. Now [...] (13) [...] of the defeat of the enemy [...] (14) [...] a[s ...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 057. Report on Merodach-Baladan (CT 54 103)

(1) [To the king, my lord]: your servant [Bel-ibni. May] Nabû and [Marduk bless the king, my lord]! (4) After [...] had been mobilized and we had thrown (ourselves) against [..., ...] (8) [...] will come and [...] (9) and [...] every [...] (10) Merodach-Ba[ladan ...] (11) to crus[h ...] (12) in accordance with the wi[sh ...] (13) the hem [...] (14) and [NN...] (15) the stone for [...] (Break) (e. 1) [...] will hear [...; may I see] a reply [to my] letter! (e. 2) [After we] had unbound [the ...] of Merodach-Baladan, we sent him [to ...].

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 058. Gifts for the King (CT 54 450)

(Beginning destroyed) (1) May Na[bû and Mar]duk bless [th]e kin[g, my lord]! Say to the king, my lord: (4) Did I not send the king as a gift a golden necklace and a golden diadem on top of the tribute? (r 1) They are quite sound, I have made them pleasing indeed. The king may be glad.

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 059. The Letters of Nabu-taklak are Written by his Delegates (ABL 0524)

(1) To Sargon, king of the universe: thus say your servants Ha'il-il and Zabdi-il, who guard the fortress of Šabhanu for the king, their lord. The king's fortress is well. Good health to the king, our lord! (7) The letter(s) which Nabû-taklak sends to the king — it is not Nabû-taklak (himself) but his delegates who write them. And what they are (now) writing to the king, viz., "Remove the prefect from Bit-Dakuri!" — the king should write to them: "Why do you write (about) injustice? [If he] is doing injustice to you, [br]ing [...]!" (Break) (r 1) [...] they are going (r 2) [...] against them…

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 060. Hostages and Donkeys (ABL 1226)

(1) To Sargon, king of the [universe: thus say] your servants H[a'il-il] and Zabdi-il, the Šabhaneans. May Nabû and Marduk b[less Sargon], king of the universe, our lord! Say to the king, [our] l[ord]: (8) The for[tress] is well. (As to) the host[ages of whom the king], our lord, [wrote to us], the servants of the king, [our] lo[rd], point out [for us ...] (Break) (r 3) the servant[s ......] (r 4) for Aš[šur-belu-taqqin ...] (r 5) the prefect of [...] (r 6) [of] 2 male donkey[s ...]

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 061. Hostages; Keeping the King’s Watch (CT 54 257)

(Beginning destroyed) (2) When [the ... of] the king, our lord, [..., ...] sent the [host]ages along with horses [...], he cons[olidated] the country through the king. (5) [The king], our [lo]rd, knows that we are ones who keep the watch of [the king]. (6) [...] concerning this guard of [...] (7) [... the king, our lord, may as]k if [...] (Rest destroyed)

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 062. People of Marad; Distributing Rations and Guarding Fort (ABL 0898)

(1) Tablet of Nabû-taklak to the governor, his lord. (3) When I came to Marad, the Maradeans [sent a mes]senger to [NN] (Break) (r 2) [I sa]id to the [royal] eunuch: "I shall never move [ga]rrison troops to Bit-[Dakuri]!" Afterwards they have not obeyed me. (r 7) I have given out the food rations and the flour. Now Nabû-ereš and his soldiers are guarding the fortress.

Daily Life·Economy

~710 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 17

SAA 17 063. Nobody Helps me, While You Eat and Drink (ABL 0897)

(1) Tablet of Nabû-taklak to Gadiya', his brother. Good health to my brother! (3) As to what my brother wrote: "May you be in good spirits!" How could I be in good spirits! The enemy has pitched camp over against us, we [assemble] for fight [day and] night, and none of yo[u] has co[me] to my help! I am not in good [spirits] at all! (But) really, you must be in good spirits yourself! You live in [your] lords' house, you eat bread and drink [beer] comfortably in [the house of your lord]! (r 6) No[w] then I am writ[ing to you]: [Let] 200 ho[rses] (and) 1,000 soldiers [...] Yaki[n] come [...] the…

Daily Life·Economy

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