All tablets.

SAA 08 368. (no title) (RMA 277O) [unclassifiable]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [......] city [......] hit [......] will dwell [......] will get. (5) From Ap[la]ya.

~670 BCE

·Neo-Assyrian

SAA 8

SAA 08 369. Morning First of Jupiter in Sagittarius (RMA 190) [planetary]

(1) If Jupiter becomes visible in Marchesvan (VIII): one king will send hostile messages to another. (3) If Jupiter stands in the mišhu of Sagittarius: there will be killings in the land. (5) If the same star comes close to Indubanna: business will diminish. (r 1) Indubanna is the mišhu of Sagittarius. (r 3) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

Astronomy & Mathematics

SAA 08 370. Jupiter and Scorpius in Lunar Halo (RMA 095) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Jupiter stands in it: the king will be shut up. (But) its halo was not closed; (so) it does not portend evil. (5) If the Frond star stands with [...]: for [...] a sign, an equivalent of a sign portending good will be there in the sky. (r 3) If Šarur and Šargaz of the sting of Scorpius keep gaining radiance: the weapons of Akkad are raised. (r 8) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 371. Mercury Sighted in Scorpius (RMA 151) [planetary]

(1) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. — On the 14th day each month one god will be seen with the other. (4) In Tishri (VII), Marchesvan (VIII), and Kislev (IX), three months in a row, (the moon and sun) were seen for good fortune and length of days of the king my lord. (7) If the moon's horns at its appearance are very dark: disbanding of the fortified outposts, retiring of the guards; there will be reconciliation and peace in the land. — On the 14th day one god is seen with the other. (11) If the moon is seen on the 14th day: good for…

SAA 08 372. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 017) [lunar]

(1) If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the king will reach the highest rank. — It becomes visible on the 1st day. (4) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. — The 30th day will complete the measure of the month. (r 1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: good for Akkad, bad for Elam and the Westland. (r 4) Ab (V) means Akkad. It is good for the king my lord. (r 6) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 373. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 041) [lunar]

(1) If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: constantly the harvest of the land will prosper; the land will dwell as if in pastures near the city; the king will reach the highest rank. (5) If at the moon's appearance its right horn becomes long, and its left horn short: the king will conquer a land not his own. — The moon will complete the 30th day. (r 3) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (r 5) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: good for Akkad, bad for Elam and the Westland. (r 8) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 374. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 136N) [lunar]

(1) If on the 14th day the moon and sun are seen [tog]ether: reliable speech; the land will become happy; the gods will remember A[kkad] favorably; there will be joy among the people; the king will become [happy]. (5) If the moon rea[ches] the sun [and follows it closely], and one horn m[eets] the other: [the son will speak truth with his] father [......]. (r 1) If the moon and sun [are in balance]: re[liable] speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king [of the land will make the throne] last [long]. (r 4) If the moon and [sun are in opposition]: the king of the land [will widen his…

SAA 08 375. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 081C) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon in Sivan (III)] becomes visible on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour [the wealth] of the Westland. (4) [From Nabû]-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 376. Mars in Lunar Halo (RMA 223A) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars [stands] in it: fall of cattle and of animals of [the steppe]; the cultivated field will not prosper; ... will diminish. (4) If a star stands in the halo of the moon: the king and [his] troops will be shut up. Mars is the star [...]. (6) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and the Pleiades stand in it: in Iyyar (II) pregnant women will give birth to male children; the king of the world's land will defect from him and ... [...]. (9) The Pleiades (are equivalent to) Mars [...] of Mars [......] the Pleiades [......]. (r 2) If the moon is…

SAA 08 377. Antares in Lunar Halo (RMA 215) [planetary]

(1) Mercury did not [...]; the moon did not [rea]ch the sun, it set before the sun. Antares, which stood at the right horn of the moon, did not come close to the [mo]on; it will not affect (it) at all. (7) If Scorpius stands in the halo of the moon, it is (a sign) for rain and flood. The king has seen its sign; Adad will devastate. (r 3) In Iyyar (II) on the 15th day let him pray to Ea in supplication; let him release a prisoner; his possessions will become (an object) of praise. (r 6) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 378. Virgo in Lunar Halo (RMA 230) [planetary]

(1) If the Bow star stands in the halo of the moon: men will rage, and there will be robbery in the land. (4) It does not portend evil; a halo (in the area) of Virgo portends rain and flood in winter. (r 2) On the 13th of Nisan (I) let him place his food offerings before Sin and Šamaš; Sin and Šamaš will speak to him. (r 5) From Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 379. Hemerology (RMA 277AD) [calendrical]

(1) [... in] Sivan (III) on the 15th day let him libate [... at] sunrise, let him pray [...]. (4) [The king] must not go out [...] (5) [...] and staying overnight [......] (r 1) [......] Šamaš (r 2) Šamaš [will ...] the king the area [......]. (r 4) [From] Nabû-šuma-iškun.

SAA 08 380. Mars Reaches Cancer, not Retrograde (RMA 244A) [planetary]

(1) [If] the kurkurru of the Old Man star shines: [a servant] will make a rebellion [against] the house of his lord. — [Venu]s stands with the foot of the Old Man star. (4) Mars reached Cancer; [the king sh]ould know and be circumspect until it goes out. (r 4) [From] Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 381. Mercury in Sagittarius (RMA 227) [planetary]

(1) [If] the stars of [Ant]asurra [...] ...: [...] will come to the land. Antasurra is the mišhu of Sagittarius. — M[erc]ury stands inside Sagittarius. (8) [...] a reign of long days and well-being of the king of the world. (r 1) Mercury [became visible] in the east; its period will not pass; its [...] is made manifest. (r 4) Let [the king] my lord be happy. (It means) [well-being] for the king, the son of the king, [and] his wives. (r 7) [From Raš]il the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 382. Eclipse of the Moon in Kislev (RMA 085) [eclipses]

(1) If the moon disappears: evil will be established for the land. (2) If the moon is carried off at an inappropriate time: there will be an eclipse. — The moon disappeared on the 24th day. (5) If the sun on the day of the moon's disappearance is surrounded by a halo: there will be an eclipse of Elam. (7) In Kislev (IX) there will be a watch for an eclipse. The halo which surrounded the sun, and the moon which disappeared, appeared for the sake of the eclipse watch of Kislev. The king should know it; let the king my lord be happy. (8) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 384. Eclipse of the Sun (RMA 269) [eclipses]

(1) [If the day] on the west [side] becomes covered with clouds: it shows famine for the king of the West. (3) [If an eclipse] is red [on the west side] and rides the south wind: locusts will attack. (4) [If] the sun is eclipsed in Iyyar (II) on the 28th day: the days of the king will be long; the land will enjoy abundant business. (6) If the sun becomes eclipsed in Iyyar (II): the land will eat plentiful food; the days of the king will be long. (7) If the sun at its rising is like a crescent and wears a crown like the moon: the king will capture his enemy's land; evil will leave the land,…

SAA 08 385. Fog in Shebat (RMA 250A) [weather]

(1) [If] a fog rolls [in Sh]ebat (XI): eclipse of the Kassites. (3) A rolling fog ... portends the peak flood which brings abundance. (r 1) A black fog portends rain. (r 3) [From] Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 386. Saturn Retrograding from Scorpius to Libra (RMA 247A) [planetary]

(1) [Saturn] stands in Libra [in front of Scorp]ius; it will move [from] Libra [into] Scorpius; that is bad [...], (and hence) I am wrinting [to the king] my lord. (7) [The xth day is] an evil day, [...] and catastrophe. (9) [The king my lord] must not go out [of the do]or; let him guard himself [against uprising] and rebellion, [until it] comes out from Sc[orpius]. (r 1) [If] it suits [the king], I will [... send its] interpretation to the king, I will write [...] and [......]. (r 5) May [Bel and Nabû] bless the king my lord. [May the king my lord keep] me alive! (r 7) [...] on my table…

SAA 08 387. Mars Stationary in Scorpius (RMA 033) [weather]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (3) Mars, which stan[ds] inside Scorpius, is about to move out; until the 25th of [Tammuz (IV)] it will move out of Scorpius; and its radiance is fallen. Let the king my lord be happy; the king should be very glad, (but) until (Mars) goes out, let the king guard himself. (r 7) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 388. Predicting an Eclipse of the Moon (RMA 273) [eclipses]

(1) On the 14th day the moon will make an eclipse. It (predicts) evil for Elam and the Westland, good for the king my lord. Let the king my lord be happy. (7) (Already) when Venus became visible, I said to the king my lord: "An eclipse will take place." (r 4) From Rašil the older, servant of [the king].

SAA 08 389. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 026) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (3) If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the harvest of the land will prosper; [the king wi]ll reach the highest rank. (6) If the moon's horns both equal each other: quiet dwelling for the land. (r 1) If the moon's (horns) at its appearance are very pointed: the king will rule the land wherever he goes, variant: he will knock down wherever he wants to subdue. (r 5) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 390. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 066) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlam[û will devour] the wealth of the Westland. (3) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor [of an enemy] in the land. (6) If the moon at its appearance stands low and becomes visible: [the enemy] will plunder in the land. (r 2) [If the moon at its app]earance stands low and becomes visible: a present from a distant land will come [to] the king of the world, variant: a messenger will come. (r 6) [From] Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 391. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 059) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of an enemy. (3) If the moon at its appearance is high and becomes visible: the enemy will plunder in the land. (5) If the moon at its appearance is visible early: the month will bring worry. (r 1) If the moon's horns at its appearance look to the ground: the flood will come. (r 4) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 392. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 065) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of an ememy. (4) If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the wealth of the Westland. (r 1) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 393. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 060) [lunar]

(1) If the moon at its appearance is faint so that nobody can make it out: it will rain. (4) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of an enemy in the land. (r 1) If the moon at its appearance stands low and becomes visible: a present from a distant land will come to the king of the world. (r 4) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 394. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 147) [lunar]

(1) [If on the 14th day the moon and sun] are seen together: [reliable speech; the land] will become happy; the gods will remember Akkad [favorably]; the king will become happy; [joy] among the troops; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undis[turbed]. (6) [If the moon and sun] are in opposition: [the king of the land] will widen his understanding. (8) [If the moon's] horns at its [appearance] are very dark: [disbanding] of the fortified outposts, [retiring] of the guards; there will be [reconciliation] and peace in the land. (r 4) (The moon) came into opposition with the sun [on] the…

SAA 08 395. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 148) [lunar]

(1) [If] on the 14th day the moon and sun [are seen together]: reliable speech; the land will become happy; [the gods] will remember [Akkad] favorably; joy [among the troops]; the king will reach the highest rank; the cattle of [Akkad wi]ll lie in the steppe undisturbed. (6) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (8) I.e., on the 14th day each [month one god] will [be seen with the other]. (r 1) (The moon) came into opposition with [the sun] on the appropriate day, and [its] position is equal (to the sun's) portending a reign of long days, (an…

SAA 08 396. Full Moon on 15th Day, Meteor (RMA 164) [lunar, occasional]

(1) If on the 15th day the moon and sun are seen together: a strong enemy will raise his weapons against the land; the enemy will tear down the city gate. (5) If the moon becomes late and is not seen: attack of a ruling city. — On the 15th day it is seen together with the sun. (r 1) If the train of a meteor goes from east to west: rout; the enemy will defeat me and take the land. (r 5) Iyyar (II), Sivan (III), Tammuz (IV), Ab (V), Elul (VI): (for) these five months one god was not seen with the other on the 14th day. The king should know it and be informed. (r 9) From Rašil the older, servant…

SAA 08 397. Full Moon on 15th Day (RMA 165A) [lunar]

(1) If on the 15th day the moon and [sun] are seen together: a strong enemy will raise his [weapons] against the land; [the shrine]s of the [great] god[s will be torn down]. (Break) (r 1) attack of a ruling city. — On the 15th day one god is seen with the other. (r 3) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 398. Jupiter in Lunar Halo (RMA 096B) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Ju]piter stands in it: [the king of Akkad] will be shut up. (3) [If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Šulpa]e stands in it: [the king] of the Westland [will exercise world dominion], and will bring about [a defeat of his enemy's land ......] ... [...] will take [...]. (r 3) [From Raš]il the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 399. Occultation of Virgo(?) (RMA 245) [planetary]

(1) If the Destruction star stands inside the moon: there will be an eclipse of Subartu. (3) If the Bow star comes close to the top of the moon and enters the moon: the days of the ruler will end. (5) The moon will ... for one year. (6) The king should know (this) and be circumspect; let him guard himself. On an unfavorable day the king must not go out into the street, until the term of the (ominous) sign has expired. (r 6) A sign from a star (is valid) for one month of days. (r 7) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 400. Mars Approaches Venus [planetary]

(1) [If ......] attack of locusts. (2) [If ......] plenty for the people. (3) [If a planet] stands there [in E]lul (VI): rising of business, [abund]ance of grain. (5) [If M]ars comes close to the Old Man star: there w[ill be] a revolution [in the We]st[land, and brother] will kill [broth]er; [the emblems of the lands] will be overthro[wn; a secret of the land] will go to another [land; the gods will leave] it (and) will turn away from it. (r 4) [If ...] into Gemini [......] ... [......] ... [......] evil for the Westland, [good for the king] my [lord]. (r 9) [From Rašil] the older, [servant of…

SAA 08 401. Clouds (RMA 182) [weather]

(1) If cloudbanks lie in the path of the sun: the gods will make a favorable decision about the land. (3) If four cloudbanks lie there: destruction of cattle and wild animals. (5) If a cloudbank has come out in the path of the sun: rain and flood will come. (r 1) If (at) the sun's rising cloudbanks lie in its path: the emblems of the land will fall. (r 3) From Rašil the older, servant of the king.

SAA 08 402. (no title) [unclassifiable]

(1) The [......] (2) which from [......] (3) of heaven and earth [...] (4) will come [...] (5) The king need not be concerned; let him act according to the exti[spicies, and the king] my lord will become hap[py]. (9) Your days [...] (r 1) winds [......] (r 2) on [......] (Break) (e. 1) [From] Rašil the older, [servant] of the king.

SAA 08 403. Morning Last of Venus, Saturn in Lunar Halo (RMA 174A) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and [the sun] stands in it: [they will speak the truth in the land]; the son [will speak the truth] with his father. (4) Venus [......] a month and 10 days [...] ... [...]. (7) If Venus [disappears] in Nisan (I) [from the 1st] to the 30th day in [the east: there will be] wailin[g in the land]. (r 1) If Venus at her rising ... [...] the land will become hap[py]. (r 3) In the east evil [......]. (r 4) From Rašil, son of Nu[rzanu].

SAA 08 404. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 126) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in opposit[ion]: the king of the land will wi[den] his understanding. (3) I.e., on the 14th day one god is seen together with [the other]. (r 1) From Rašil, son of Nurzanu.

SAA 08 405. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 130) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding; mercy and well-being are for him. (4) I.e., on the 14th day the moon and the sun are seen together. (6) From Rašil, son of Nurzanu.

SAA 08 406. Lunar Halo (RMA 115E) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and [the Bow star stands] in it: men [will rage, and] robbery in [the land will increase]. (r 1) A favorable day [...] abundance [...]. (r 3) As [......], let him do [...]. (r 5) [From Ra]šil, son of Nu[rzanu].

SAA 08 407. Rising of Mercury (RMA 218A) [planetary]

(1) If Mercury [......] in the constellation [......]. (3) If a planet [...] to the constellation [...]: Adad [will devastate]. (5) If a planet [becomes visible] in Iyyar (II) or in Sivan (III): the flood will come and irrigate the f[ields]. (r 1) From Rašil, son [of Nurzanu]. (r 2) The king [should ...] brick-masons; one farmer whom the king [......] five months for [...] work [......] of [the king] my lord.

SAA 08 408. Occultation of Old Man Star (RMA 246) [planetary]

(1) [If the] Old Man star comes close to the top of the moon and stands there: [the king] will stand in triumph, [he] will become old and will extend his land. (4) [If the O]ld Man star comes close to the top of the moon and stands there, (and) enters the moon: the king will be pleasing to his land; there will be [tru]th and justice [in] his land. (r 1) [From] Rašil, son of Nurzanu.

SAA 08 409. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 046A) [lunar]

(1) If (the moon) [becomes visible] on the 1st day: reliable [speech]; the land will become happy. (3) On the xth day one god will be seen with the other: good for the king my lord. (5) [...] where ... stands [......] ... [... the days] of the ruler [wil]l be long. [...] an eclipse ... [...] ... passed. (r 3) A sign for [the king] my lord on that day [...] ... (r 6) [From] Rašil,......

SAA 08 410. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 151A) [lunar]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [reliable speech]; the land will become happy; the g[ods will remember] Akkad favorably; the king will reach complete dominion; the cattle of Akkad [will lie in the steppe] undisturbed. (5) If at the moon's appearance one horn m[eets] the other: the flood will come. (7) Earlier, I wrote to the king my lord as follows: "On the 14th day one god will be seen with the other." (r 1) If the moon reaches the sun and [follows it closely]: there will be truth in the land; [the son] will speak [the truth with his father. — On the 14th day one god] is seen [with the other]. (r…

SAA 08 411. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 142) [lunar]

(1) [If on the 14th day the moon and sun] are seen together: [reliable speech]; the land will become happy: [the gods] will remember [Akkad] favorably; the king will reach [the highest rank]; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. (6) If at the moon's appearance one horn meets the other: the flood will come. — On the 14th day their lights looked at each other. (r 2) If the moon is slow in its course: the har[vest of the land will prosper]. (r 3) If the moon at its appearance stands, makes ... [..., and], its [dwe]lling place is devastated: there will be [reconciliation and] pe…

SAA 08 412. Mars and Aries in Lunar Halo (RMA 101) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars stands in it: in all lands cultivated fields and dates will not prosper; variant: the Westland will diminish. (5) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and a planet stands in it: the king's troops will be shut up. (7) [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and the Field star, behind which are the Ple[iades], stands in it: the cattle of the land will prosper. (r 2) Mars is a star of the Westland; the Field star behind which are the Pleiades is Aries; Aries is a star of the Westland. (r 5) From Rašil.

SAA 08 413. Solar Halo (RMA 173) [solar]

(1) If the sun is surrounded by a halo: it will rain; change of weather. (r 1) From Rašil.

SAA 08 414. Mercury(?) Near Regulus (RMA 277B) [planetary]

(1) If [a planet comes close to Regulus]: the son [of the king who lives at my border will make] a rebellion against [his father but will not seize the throne; some] son [of the king will come out and seize the throne; he will restore] the temples [of the great gods; he will establish] regular offerings for [the gods; he will provide equally] for the temples. (8) If a planet [......]. (9) If Sagi[ttarius ......]: cultivation [......] star [......]. (r 1) If the Raven star [......] (r 2) a planet [......]. (r 3) A sign [......] its evil for [...]. (r 5) A sign from [stars (is valid)] for a mont…

SAA 08 415. Mars Near Venus (RMA 236B) [planetary]

(1) If Mars stands in [...] to the left of Venus: [there will be] devastation in Akkad; the pen of horses [...]. (r 1) If the Panther becomes visible ... [...]: lamentation of ...[...]. (r 3) — Planets stand in the constellation [...]. (r 5) This evil is for [......] will [...] nobody. (r 7) From Rašil [...].

SAA 08 416. Mars and Saturn in Lunar Halo (RMA 101A) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and [Ma]rs stands in it: [fa]ll of domestic and wild anim[als]. (4) [If] the moon is surrounded by a halo, and the sun stands in it: there will be truth [in the land; the son] will speak the tru[th] with his father. (r 1) — [Satu]rn stands [in the halo of] the moon. (r 3) [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and [two] stars s[tand] in the halo with the moon: a [rei]gn of long days. (r 6) [From] Nabû-iqbi [of] Cutha.

SAA 08 417. Fog in Shebat (RMA 249A) [weather]

(1) If a fog rol[ls] in Shebat (XI): eclipse of the Kassites. (3) From Nabû-iqbi of Cutha.

SAA 08 418. Conquest of Kush and Egypt (RMA 022) [lunar]

(1) [If] the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: [reli]able [speech]; the land will become happy. (2) If the day reaches [its] normal [length]: a reign of long days. (3) If the moon at its appearance [wears a crown: the kin]g will reach the highest rank. (4) When Aššur, Šamaš, Nabû, and Marduk gave Kush and Egypt into the hands of the king [my lord], they plundered them [...] with the troops of the king my lord. [Gold and silver from] their treasury, as much as there was, they brought [into] your royal abode [Ni]neveh [and distributed] booty from them to his servants. (10) In the same way,…