All tablets.

SAA 08 003. Eclipse of the Sun (RMA 274B) [eclipses]

(1) [Mannu-k]i-Harran [wrote me] today: "The sun was [eclips]ed on the 29th; [what day do you have] today? We have [the ...th] (5) [...] We reject this [date ......]. (Break) (r 1) The messenger who went to Marduk-[...] came (back and) reported: "We did not see the moon, there were clouds." (r 4) They did not see, we did not see; (consequently) we do not reject [the (30th) day].

~670 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 8

SAA 08 004. Eclipse of the Moon in the Morning (RMA 271) [eclipses]

(1) [If] there is an eclipse in Sivan (III) on the 14th day, and the (moon) god in his eclipse becomes dark on the east side above, and clears on the west side below, the north wind rises during the evening(!) watch and touches the middle watch: you observe his eclipse and keep the north wind in mind; thereby a decision is given for Ur and the king of Ur: the king of Ur will experience famine; deaths will become many; as for the king of Ur, his son will wrong him, but Šamaš will catch the son who wronged his father, and he will die in the mourning-place of his father; a son of the king who…

Religion & Myth·Astronomy & Mathematics

SAA 08 005. Evening Last of Venus (RMA 206) [planetary]

(1) Venus se[t] in the west. (2) If Venus in [Tebet (X)] from the 1st to the 30th day disappears in the west: the harvest of the land will prosper. (5) If Venus keeps a stable position: the days of the ruler will be long; there will be truth in the land. (8) If Venus moves in the path of Ea and sta[nds: the god]s will have peace for the Westland. (r 2) If the moon is surrounded by a halo and the Pleiades stand in it: in that year, women will give birth to male children. (r 4) If ditto, and the Old Man star s[tand]s in it: in that year, fall of peop[le]; it will not affect cattle and sheep. (r…

SAA 08 006. Jupiter and Cancer in Lunar Halo (RMA 093) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Jupiter stands in it: the king of Akkad will be shut up. (4) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Cancer stands in it: the king of Akkad will extend the life. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 007. Evening Last of Mars at Month’s End (RMA 021) [planetary]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech, the land will become happy. (3) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (5) Twice or thrice we watched for Mars today (but) we did not see (it), it has set. Maybe the king my lord will say as follows: "Is there any (ominous) sign in (the fact) that it set?" (I answer): "There is not." (r 5) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 008. Earthquakes in Adar and Nisan (RMA 264) [weather]

(1) Concerning the earthquake about which the king [my lo]rd wrote to me, this [is its interpretation]: (3) If the earth keeps [quaking]: attack of [an enemy]. (5) If the earth quakes at night: wo[rry for the land, variant: abandonment of the land]. (6) Because i[t quaked] on the 5th day (and) it happened to quake in the night o[f the 6th day], therefore I cit[ed] "the earth ke[pt quaking]" (omen). (r 1) If the earth quakes in Nisan (I): His land will [defect] from the ruler. (r 3) Had it not begun (in) Adar (XII), rai[n ...]; now [its] interpretation is this: because it quaked in Adar (XII)…

SAA 08 009. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 031) [lunar]

(1) If the moon be[comes visible] on the 1st day: reliable speech, the land will become happy. (3) If the moon is bright at its appearance: the land Akkad will live in brightness; my troops will s[ee] plenty. (6) If the moon's horns at its appearance are very point[ed]: the king of Akkad will rule the land wherever he int[ends]. (r 1) If the day reaches [its] normal [length]: reigns of [long] days. (r 3) If the days reach [their] normal [length]: the years of the king in [......], variant: [......]. (r 6) These omens are now very [appropriate] to ci[te] in that the first days [became long] aft…

SAA 08 010. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 007) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (3) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (5) If the moon at its appearance wears a crown: the king will reach the highest rank. (7) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 011. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 074) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becom[es visible] on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of the enemy. (4) If (the moon) becomes visible in Kislev (IX) on the 30th day: the king of the Westland will fall in battle. (r 1) The Westland [......; the] sign concerns th[em]. Should it be re[pea]ted (in Tebet), it would [concern] us. (r 5) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 013. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 081) [lunar]

(1) If the moon [becomes visible] on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of the enemy. (3) If the moon becomes visible in Shebat (XI) on the 30th day: an eclipse of all lands will take place. (r 1) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 014. New Moon on 28th Day (RMA 058) [lunar]

(1) If the moon at its appearance becomes visible on the 28th day as if on the 1st day: bad for the Westland. (3) If the moon becomes visible on the 28th day: good for Akkad, bad for the Westland. (r 1) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 015. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 128) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in balance: the land will become stable; reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king of the land will make his throne last long. (4) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (6) 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 become happy; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. (r 5) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 016. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 129) [lunar]

(1) [If] on the 14th day the moon and sun are seen together: reliable speech, the land will become happy; [the god]s will remember Akkad favorably; joy among the troops; the king will become happy; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. (7) If the moon and sun are in balance: the land will bec[ome stable]; reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king of the land will make his throne last long. (r 1) [From Is]sar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 017. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 136O) [lunar]

(1) If on the 14th day the mo[on and sun are seen] together: speech will become reliable; [the land will become] happy; the gods [will remember] the land favorably; joy among the troops; the ki[ng will become] happy; the cattle of the land will l[ie] in the steppe undisturbed. (7) If the moon and sun are in balance: the land will become stable; reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; the king will make his throne last long. (r 1) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (r 3) From Issar-šu[mu-ereš].

SAA 08 018. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 136P) [lunar]

(1) [If on the 14th day the moon and sun] are seen together: [reliable speech]; the land will become hap[py; the gods will remem]ber [the land favorably; joy among the tr]oops. (Break) (r 1) [If the moon and sun are] in opposition: the king of the land [will wi]den his understanding. (r 3) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 019. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 152) [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; happiness of the army; the king will become happy; the cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. (6) If the moon and sun are in balance: the land will become stable; reliable speech will be placed in the mouth of people; [the king of the land] will make his throne last long. (r 1) Let them bring in that polyptych of Enuma Anu Enlil which we wrote, (and) let the king, my lord, have a look. (r 4) Also, let them give us the Akkadian tablet of th…

SAA 08 020. Cancer in Lunar Halo [planetary]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [If the moon is surrounded by a halo] and [two stars] stand in it: [a reign] of long [days]. (4) [If the moon] is surrounded by a halo, and [Ca]ncer stands in it: [the king] of Akkad will extend the life. (7) [Fr]om Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 021. Full Moon on 14th Day (LAS 350) [lunar]

(1) (As to) what the king, my lord wrote to me: 'The clouds were dense, how did you observe that the gods saw each other (in opposition)?' — (6) (the clouds) dispersed before daybreak; when he whom the king, my lord, knows revealed himself, we saw where the moon was standing. It amounts to an actual observation. (r 5) Now, does not the king, my lord, (indeed) hear that they saw each other on the 14th?

SAA 08 023. Full Moon on 15th Day (RMA 159) [lunar]

(1) If on the 15th day the moon and sun are s[een] together: a strong enemy will raise his weapons against the land; the enemy will tear down the city gates. (5) If the moon does not wait for the sun but se[ts]: raging of lion and w[olf]. (7) If at the appearance of the moon one horn passes the other: the kings of all lands will bec[ome] enemies. (r 1) In Sivan (III) on the 16th day let him take upstream the rope of a b[oat]: his saving protective deity will guide [him] again and again. (r 6) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 024. Full Moon on 15th Day (RMA 157D) [lunar]

(1) If on the 15th day the mo[on and sun] are seen together: a strong enemy will raise his weapons against the land; the enemy will tear down the city gates. (6) If the moon does not wait for the sun but sets: raging of lion and wolf. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 025. Full Moon on 16th Day (RMA 168) [lunar]

(1) If the moon in Nisan (I) is seen with the sun neither on the 14th nor on the [15th day]: campaigning troops of the enemy will make a razzia into [the land] and [...] the land; there wil[l be] an uprising in the land. (6) If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen] together: one king [will send hostile messages] to another; the king [will be shut up] in his palace; [the step of] the enemy [will be set towards his land]; the enemy [will march around] victorious[ly in his land]. (r 1) If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen together]: the king of Subartu [will become strong and have…

SAA 08 026. A Sign from Sunrise Concerning Elam (RMA 277L) [solar]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [......] will be placed. (2) A sign from sunrise concerning Elam. (4) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 027. Rising of Venus (RMA 247) [planetary]

(1) What is this love by which Ištar loves the king my lord and has [sent] the very best to the king my lord! (6) [Venus] made her [posit]ion perfect [.....] she became visible quickly — [a good sign for the king] and his reign. (r 1) [If Ven]us stays in her position for long: [the da]ys of the king will become long. (r 3) If the rising of [Venus] is seen early: the king of the land will extend the life. (r 5) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 028. (no title) (RMA 021A) [unclassifiable]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [If the day] reaches its normal length: [a reign] of long days. (3) This night, [Mar]s came out [of] Cancer. (5) [From] Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 030. Occultation of Old Man Star (RMA 244) [planetary]

(1) If the Old Man star comes to stand close to the top of the moon and enters the moon: the king will stand in triumph, he will become old and [extend] his land; he will be happy about his land; there will be truth and justice in the land. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 031. Thunder in Ab [weather]

(1) This rain and thunder concerns the appointed time of the sighting of Venus. (4) If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: the floodings will become scarce at the source. (r 1) If it rains on a day without clouds: the land will be reduced by famine. (r 3) If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there [will] be darkness and famine in the land. (r 5) If a storm [blows] from the west: fall of Elam. (r.e. 7) From Issar-šumu-er[eš].

SAA 08 032. Thunder at Month’s End (RMA 255) [weather]

(1) If Adad shouts on the day of disappearance of the moon: the harvest will pros[per]; business will be steady. (3) If it rains on the day of disappearance of the moon: ple[nty] for the people. (5) If Adad thunders on the day [of disappearance of the moon]: there will be darkness in the land. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

SAA 08 033. Thunder in Tišri (RMA 259) [weather]

(1) If in Tishri (VII) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: the gods will have mercy on the land. (r 1) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 034. Fog in Intercalary Adar (RMA 252E) [weather]

(1) If there is conti[nually] fog in the land: the dynasty of the king of the land [will rule] the world. (3) If [a fog rolls in] on a cloudy day: fall of [Elam]. (5) [If in] intercalary Adar (XII/2) [fog ...]: the land [will go] to ruin. (r 1) From Issar-šumu-[ereš].

SAA 08 035. Red Glow (RMA 275) [occasional]

(1) If in Sivan (III) a red gl[ow blazes: there will be] hostility in [the land]. (3) If a red glow [rides the east wind]: the day [will become cloudy]. (5) If a red glow [keeps blazing in the height of the sky]: the land will [be confused, variant: made smaller]. (r 1) From the [Chief Scribe].

SAA 08 036. Earthquake in Šebat (RMA 267) [weather]

(1) If the sky shouts and the earth [quakes]: the gods [...] the land [...] in all four directions of [Enlil ...] cities [...] hostility [...] sick people of the land will fall, variant: [......] (6) If the sky shouts and the earth [quakes]: Enlil [will bring about] the defeat of the land. (8) If the sky shouts and the earth qu[akes]: the cultivated fields will diminish ... [...] (10) If Ereškigal [utter]s her roar like a li[on]: the earth will turn the land into ruins. (12) If there is an earthquake in Shebat (XI): the furrow will reduce its yield; there will be campaigns of the enemy. (14)…

SAA 08 037. Earthquake in Tebet (RMA 266) [weather]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (3) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (5) Tonight there was an earthquake. (7) If there is an earthquake in Tebet (X): the king will dwell in his enemy's city. (r 1) If the earth quakes in Tebet (X): the palace of the ruler will fall and go to ruin. (r 3) If the earth quakes at night: worry for the land, variant: abandonment of the land. (r 5) From the Chief Scribe.

SAA 08 038. Hemerology for the 1st of Nisan [calendrical]

(1) [In Nisan, the first day, he should cleanse and] purify himself. (2) You soak [zagindurû stone in] filtered oil, [you put maštakal plant in]to [beer and oil]. He rubs himself repeatedly. (4) [(...) he should put on linen] sandals and dress [in a new garment]. (5) You [bin]d zagindurû stone [in yo]ur [hem], [you go] to the house of a [fowler and (buy) two] doves, [male and fem]ale. (7) [You convict th]em before Šamaš. [He will obtain his desire] li[ke a god]. (8) (You say) "Šamaš, you are the ju[dge of heaven and ea]rth, un[clench for me the s]tro[ng fists of god or goddess, k]ing, magnate…

SAA 08 039. Saturn Stationery in Cancer (RMA 244C) [planetary]

(1) If the Scales [stand in a stable position: there will be] reconciliation and pea[ce in the land]. (3) The Scales [are (equivalent) to Saturn]. (4) Their position is stable [means that Saturn stands] in Cancer. (6) If a planet [stands] in the north: attack of Akkad [against the enemy land]. (8) — Saturn stands in [Cancer]. (r 2) [If] the moon [does not wait] for the sun [but sets]: raging of lion[s and wolves]. (r 4) — On the 15th day they wi[ll be seen]. (r 5) The sighting of Sat[urn is a good sign] for the king my lord. (r 7) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 040. Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo (RMA 180) [planetary]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) on the 13th [day] the king [......]. (2) If the sun stands in the halo of the moon: in all lands (people) will speak the truth; the son will speak the truth with his father; universal peace. (5) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon; the sign is equivalent to the sign of the 13th day. Because the moon was seen on the 13th day, because of that Saturn stood in the halo of the moon. (r 1) If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. (r 3) If Regulus is dark: the king will become furious and will lead his notables ou…

SAA 08 041. Mars, Saturn and Regulus in Lunar Halo (RMA 098) [planetary]

(1) If the moon is surrounded by a black halo: the month holds rain, variant: clouds will be gathered. (4) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon. (5) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars stands in it: loss of cattle; the Westland will become smaller. (8) That is bad for the Westland. (r 1) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Regulus stands in it: in that year pregnant women [wil]l give birth to male children. (r 4) — Re[gulus] stands in the halo of the moon. (r 5) [From Nabû]-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 042. The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse in Elul (RMA 271A) [eclipses]

(1) The moon will be seen [together with] the sun in Elul (VI) on the 15th day, it will let [the eclip]se pass by. (Break) (r 1) [The moon will] be seen together with the sun, it will let [the eclipse] pass by, it will not make (it). (r 3) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba. (r 4) [Elu]l (VI), 13th day.

SAA 08 043. Thunder in Ab (RMA 258) [weather]

(1) If in Ab (V) Adad thunders, the day becomes cloudy, it rains, a rainbow stretches, lightning flashes: floods will become scarce at the source. (4) If Adad shouts on a day without clouds: there will be darkness in the land. (6) "Day without clouds" means Ab (V). (7) If it rains in Ab (V): fall of people. (r 1) If a west storm rises: fall of the Westland. (r 3) If Adad thunders twice: the land which has sent you hostile messages will send you messages of peace. (r 6) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 044. Solar Halo (RMA 179) [solar]

(1) If the sun is surrounded by a halo and its gate ope[ns] to the south: the south wind will blow [...] (4) If on the day of disappearance of the moon the south wind [blows]: rain [......]. (6) The day of disappearance of the moon [......]. (r 1) The moon [will complete] the day in [month x]. (r 3) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 045. Mars Stationary in Leo (RMA 237) [planetary]

(1) If the Wolf star [reaches] the Lion star: far-off days [......] for the land. (4) The Wolf star is [Mars]; the Lion star is [Leo]; — Mars [stands in Leo]. (7) If a star flares up and enters [...]: there wil[l be] a revolt. (r 1) From Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 046. The Moon Will not Make an Eclipse (RMA 274E) [eclipses]

(1) The moon will compl[ete] the day in Tammuz (IV); on the 14th day, it will b[e seen] with the sun. It will let the eclipse pass by; it will not mak[e it]. (r 1) [From Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 047. The Sun Did not Make an Eclipse (RMA 274G) [eclipses]

(1) On the 29th [of Marchesvan (VIII) we observed] the sun: [the s]un set; it let [the eclipse] pass by. (6) [The moon] will reject [the day] in Kislev (IX). (r 1) [From] Nabû-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 048. Conjunction of Mars and Saturn (RMA 236H) [planetary]

(1) [If the Wolf star] reaches [the sun]: riches [......]. (3) Mars passed below Saturn. (5) The Wolf star is Mars; [the star of the sun is] Saturn (Break) (r 2) [......] passed. (r 3) [......] Saturn. (r 4) [From Nabû-ahhe]-eriba.

SAA 08 049. Conjunction of Mars and Saturn in Lunar Halo on Full Moon Day (RMA 103) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon] is seen on the [1]6th [day: the king of Subartu will become] strong and [have no rival]. (3) [If] the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Mars [stands in it]: loss of cattle of all lands; the date plantation will not prosper; variant: the Westland will be diminished. (6) [If] the moon is surrounded by a halo, and a planet stands in it: robbers will rage. (8) — Saturn stands in the halo of the moon. (9) If Jupiter comes near to the Bull of Heaven: the treasures of the land will perish; variant: the offspring of large and small cattle will not prosper. (r 2) Jupiter entered the…

SAA 08 050. Morning First of Mercury (Sivan 16) (RMA 246G) [planetary]

(1) [If the Pleiades] come close to the moon, [enter it], and come out: [the king ...] will exercise supreme power. (4) — [The Pleiades] will come close to the moon. (5) [Sin] sent a good [sign to the king my lord]. (7) [The Pleiades are (equivalent to)] Mars ...... [......]. (r 1) [On the xth day] of Sivan (III) [... be]came visible. (r 3) [Mer]cury became visible on the 16th day [of Si]van (III). (r 5) [Now let] the heart of the king our lord, [which] was [sad, be] very [happy]. (r 8) [From Nabû]-ahhe-eriba.

SAA 08 051. Venus and Mercury in Sagittarius (RMA 209) [planetary]

(1) If Šarur and Šargaz in the sting of Scorpius keep gaining radiance: the weapons of Akkad will be raised. (3) — Venus becomes visible in Sagittarius. (4) If Ištar wears the crown of the moon: there will be wailings ... (6) "Wailings" are "weepings." (7) — Mercury stands in the wes[t behin]d Venus. (r 1) [If] Venus wea[rs] a black crown: [(pregnant) women] will give birt[h to male child]ren. (r 3) — A planet [stands] with [Venus]. (r 4) It is bad for the people of the land [...]. (r 5) If Venus [becomes visible ...] in Kislev (IX): [there will be] famine of barley and str[aw in the land]. (r…

SAA 08 052. Mars Stationary in Sagittarius (RMA 236G) [planetary]

(1) [If Šarur and] Šargaz [of the sting of Scor]pius are faint: [......] are fallen. (4) — Mars stands inside Sagittarius; "the sting of Scorpius" is said of Sagittarius. (7) Mars became stationary in Sagittarius and stood there. (r 2) Afterwards, in Sivan (III), it will turn and move forw[ard ......]. (r 5) [From Nabû-ahhe-eri]ba.

SAA 08 053. Mars Stationary in Scorpius (RMA 070) [planetary]

(1) If the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the wealth of the Westland. (3) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of the enemy. (5) If the moon at its appearance is visible early: the month will bring worry. (7) 2 months after each other (the moon) rejected the day, Iyyar (II) (and) Sivan (III). (9) If a cloudbank lies to the right of the sun: Adad will devastate, variant: rains and floods will come. (r 2) Mars has turned around, started moving, and is going forward in Scorpius; that is a bad sign. (r 5) Let…

SAA 08 054. Morning First of Jupiter in Leo (RMA 191) [planetary]

(1) If Jupiter [becomes visible] in [Ab (V)]: the land will experience joy. (3) If Jupiter [rises] in the path of the [Enlil] stars: the king of Akkad will become strong and [overthrow] his enemies in all lands in battle. (6) If the stars of Leo [...]: the king [will be victorious] wher[ever he] goes. Star [......]. (r 2) If J[upiter ......] the king of Akkad [......]. (r 4) Jupiter [......]. (rest destroyed)

SAA 08 055. Venus Approaching Scorpius (RMA 112) [planetary]

(1) [If the moon] is surrounded [by a halo] and Cancer stands [in it]: the king of Akkad will extend the life. (3) This [night] (the moon) was surrounded by a halo, it did not close. (4) [If] the moon is surrounded by a drawing: there will be an eclipse. (5) Eclipse (means) trouble. (6) This night (the moon) was surrounded by a drawing, it did not close. (7) If Venus comes close to Scorpius: winds which are not good will blow towards the land; Adad will give his rains, and Ea his springs, to the Gutian land. (r 3) If (Venus) came close to the Breast of Scorpius, it would be copied like this;…