Read Chronology Themes Tablets Engine About

Read
Chronology
Themes
Tablets
Engine
About

Sumerian · Book

Reading the tablets…

A curated narrative reconstruction of humanity's first great civilization, sourced from the tablets themselves. Open scholarship, beautifully accessible.

The site

About the project The engine Dossiers FAQ Methodology Sources & licensing Provenance & ethics Contact & support

Legal

Independent scholarship · No academic affiliation · No institutional funding · Tablet imagery attributed per item via CDLI, ETCSL, ORACC, Wikimedia, and public museum collections.

Home
All tablets

The corpus

All tablets.

Every tablet in the corpus — sortable by date, title or period; filterable by theme and period. Use the controls below or change the URL parameters directly.

Sort

Oldest first Newest first Title (A–Z)By period

Theme

Religion & Myth Law Economy Astronomy & Mathematics Daily Life Writing & Literature

Period

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

Source

Editorial Sumerian literature Sumerian royal Assyrian royal Assyrian archives

12,965 of 102,257 tablets · 4 filters activeClear filters

1751–1800 of 12965

Page 36 / 260

~1800 BCE·Old Babylonian

ETCSL

Proverbs: collection 2 + 6

(cf. 6.1.07.1, 6.2.1: Ni 9824 Seg. A ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 356 ll. 3-8) "In those places which have been destroyed, let more places be destroyed. And in those places which have not been destroyed, let a breach be made there. Let his place become like chopped-up turnips!" -- Their rituals were alienated. Where there were bonds, that place was destroyed. Their place in the universe was eradicated. -- You should not alienate their rituals! Where there are bonds, you should not destroy the place! You should not eradicate their place in the universe. You should not move the oxen from their places…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 21

3 lines fragmentary 2 lines missing 2 lines fragmentary 1 line fragmentary 2 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 1) 1 line fragmentary (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 2) 1 line missing 2 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 3) The king ...... not having questioned ....... (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 4; cf. 6.1.09.a12, 6.1.19.b1, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 1-2) When a fattened pig is about to be slaughtered ......, one says "Let me replace what I am about to eat." (= Alster 1997 21 Sec. B 5; cf. 6.1.09.a13, 6.1.19.b2, 6.1.24.2, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 3-4) As the…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 22

(cf. 6.1.03.112, 6.1.28.28, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 311 ll. 4-5) 1 line fragmentaryI pick the bones from the fish ....... (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 311 l. 6) 5 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.153, 6.1.03.9, 6.1.16.b5, 6.1.23.7) 2 lines fragmentary 4 lines missing 1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.125, 6.1.14.41, 6.1.23.2) My husband picks the bones from the fish for me. (cf. 6.1.01.126, 6.1.14.42, 6.1.19.c6, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 284) A plant as sweet as a husband does not grow in the desert. (cf. 6.1.14.45, 6.2.5: UM 29-15-748 ll. 6-7) A pig ....... "Where is my husband?" it said. When it realised (?) its fate .......…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 23

4 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.125, 6.1.14.41, 6.1.22: l. 33) 3 lines unclear My husband picks the bones from the fish for me. ...... is not in the desert. 4 lines fragmentary 2 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing 2 lines fragmentary (cf. 6.1.01.153, 6.1.01.159, 6.1.02.62, 6.1.02.142, 6.1.03.9, 6.1.16.b4-5, 6.1.22: ll. 26-27, 6.1.25.7) A ...... shepherd's sex appeal is his testicles (?); a gardener's is his hair. ...... a waterskin. He who does not support a wife, and who does not support a son. Although the dishonest man was unable to build his own house, he came to serve as a con…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 24

1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.09.a12-13, 6.1.19.b1-2, 6.1.21.b4-5, 6.2.5: YBC 4677 ll. 1-4) When a fattened pig is about to be slaughtered, one says "I must replace what I eat." As the piglet snuffles around, it says I can no longer take pleasure in eating. (cf. 6.1.02.135, 6.1.19.b4) He who annihilates a house destroys silver. He who destroys a house destroys gold. (cf. 6.1.09.a14, 6.1.19.b5) The lord's wife kneels, the slave girl dies. The lord kneels, the slave dies. (cf. 6.1.03.71, 6.1.11.19, 6.1.19.b6) ...... its hands ...... to the edge of the desert. There will be losses ....... It will b…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 25

(cf. 6.1.03.149, 6.1.14.6, 6.1.15.b5, 6.1.16.c5, 6.1.22: ll. 172-175) It became cloudy, but it did not rain. It rained, but no one undid their belt. Although the Tigris was on its high tide, no water reached the arable lands. It rained on the riverbank, but the dry land did not get any of it. (cf. 6.1.15.b7) The en priest eats fish and eats leeks; but cress makes him ill. (cf. 6.1.03.59) The lord (i.e. An (?)) cursed Unug, but he himself was cursed by the lady of E-ana (i.e. Inana) . (cf. 6.1.03.31, 6.1.09.b1, 6.1.11.18, 6.1.15.b8, 6.2.1: Ni 4469 Seg. A ll. 9-12) Nanni cherished his old age.…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 26

1 line fragmentary (cf. 6.1.11.56, 6.1.25.9, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B l. 2) The palace bows down, but only of its own accord. (cf. 6.1.25.12, 6.2.5: YBC 9908, 5.6.1: ll. 95-96) Income ....... Expenditures never cease. (cf. 6.1.22: ll. 49-50, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 259, 6.2.5: UM 29-16-519 Seg. B ll. 4-5, 6.2.5: YBC 7351, 5.6.1: l. 50) Violent cursing and chasing away a son from his father's house are abominations to Ninurta. (cf. 6.1.03.8, 6.2.1: Ni 4122 ll. 2-5) To spit without covering it up with dust and to use the tongue at midday without protection are abominations to Utu. (cf. 6.1.11.66, 6.2.5…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 27

(= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 1') 3 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 2') 2 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 3') 4 lines fragmentary (= Alster 1997 p. 284 C ii' 4') 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing (= Alster 1997 27.1) The rich man's heart is sick, it is very sick indeed (?) -- the man with a troubled heart is sick, he is very sick indeed (?). (= Alster 1997 27.2) "Why are the interest payments so small?" (= Alster 1997 27.3) He who carries a light burden can dance. (= Alster 1997 27.4) The conmen (?) are having their say. (= Alster 1997 27.5) People whose…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 28

(cf. 6.1.03.84) The battle-club does not find out his name, it just finds his flesh. The city may change its name, but let my name stand! The mongoose does not know fear of god. (cf. 6.1.01.145, 6.1.19.c3, 6.1.22: ll. 87-88) Accept your lot and make your mother happy! Run fast and make your god happy! An eagle (?) enters a man's mouth. When a fly enters, your mouth will buzz (lit. fly) . (cf. 6.1.15.c2, 6.1.26.b3) Let the ox be struck with a stick and let the sheep be given the whip. Where there is no toughness, no one can go about their business, not even a plenipotentiary. (cf. 6.1.01.104, 6…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 3

(cf. 6.2.5: TIM 10/1 2, 1.8.1.1: ll. 25-28) To stand and to sit, to spur on the donkeys, to support (?) the prince: who has the breath for that? You are peering out from the parapet like the prince's nurse. {Because you draw water, the swamp may drink.} {(1 ms. has instead:) You draw water for pouring out, so that the swamp may drink water.} Unpleasant ...... plants {grow towards} {(1 ms. has instead:) rise up to} a good field. I will feed you even though you are an outcast (?). I will give you drink even though you are an outcast (?). You are still my son, even if your god has turned against…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 4

Unique: a tall pot and a shouting statue. What is placed in the fire has a valuable role to play but leaves nothing behind when it's gone. Half a shekel is half a shekel wherever you go (?); discarded, it is a shekel belonging to the place of wild cattle and serpents. (cf. 6.1.03.167, 6.1.22: l. 189, 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 2) He holds up the sky, letting the earth dangle from his hands. (cf. 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 4) He bears the responsibility for it. (cf. 6.2.4: VAT 21604 (+) 21605 Seg. B l. 7) As a provisioner, I will come down upon those who speak proudly (?). A…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 5

{The elephant spoke to himself: "There is nothing like me among all the creatures of Cakkan!" The wren (?) answered him: But I, in my own small way, was created just as you were!} {(1 ms. has instead:) The elephant spoke to himself: Among all the creatures of Cakkan, the one that can defecate like me has yet to be created! The wren (?) answered him: But I, in my own small way, can defecate just as much as you!} {You go like an elephant to raise a sunken boat.} {(1 ms. has instead:) An elephant is led to a sunken boat to raise it.} (cf. 6.1.03.14) The wild bull is taboo for the plough. "Like th…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 7

(cf. 6.1.02.1, 6.2.1: Ni 9824 Seg. A ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 356 ll. 3-8) "In those places which have been destroyed, let more places be destroyed. In those places which have not been destroyed, let a breach be made there. Let his place become like chopped-up turnips." Their place in the universe was destroyed. -- Where there are bonds, you should not destroy the place! You should not destroy their place in the universe. approx. 14 lines missing 1 line fragmentary ...... their father does not return. (cf. 6.1.03.154, 1.8.2.1: l. 246) The clod on the one hand, the furrow on the other hand -- an…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 8

A pig digging in the house. A pig which was about to be slaughtered by the pig-butcher squealed. (The butcher said:) "Your ancestors and forebears walked this road, and now you too are walking it, so why (?) are you squealing?" Like a pig ...... your dagger ....... (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 275) He snatches things like a pig, as if for himself, but also for his owner. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 300 l. 1) Like a pig spattered with mud. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 300 l. 2) The pig picks up morsels of bread. 1 line fragmentary approx. 10 lines missing ...... his burden ...... it has not depressed you, it will cheer…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: collection 9

(cf. 6.1.10.1, 6.2.5: IM 43438 Seg. A l. 1) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not pleasant. (cf. 6.1.10.2) Whatever the man in authority said, it was not right. (cf. 6.1.10.3-4, 6.2.2: MDP 27 216, 6.2.5: IM 43438 Seg. A l. 2) When the authorities are wise, and the poor are loyal, it is the effect of the blessing of Aratta. (cf. 6.1.10.5, 6.1.22: l. 190, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 18) The mighty man is master of the earth. (cf. 6.1.10.6) It is from a man's mouth that strength comes. (cf. 6.1.10.7, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 462) Strength cannot keep pace with intelligence. (cf. 6.1.10.8) The strength of…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: from Nibru

2 lines fragmentary ...... his hand ....... 2 lines fragmentary ...... the go-between's fee ...... lion ...... 1 line fragmentary ...... not ...... wife ...... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Get on with (?) your assigned work! ...... more than a house ...... field ....... The dragon doesn't ...... its rival. In building a house ...... 1 line fragmentary ...... of the strong man. ...... its roar, the lion won't cease ....... 3 lines fragmentary ...... follow the merchant. The palace's water is coming out ....... 3 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing ...... not ......…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

Proverbs: from Susa

(cf. 6.1.02.c13, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 1-2, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 4) The voice of the irsaj bird is the glory of the garden. (cf. 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 5-6, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 5) The voice of the frog is the glory of the marsh waters. (cf. 6.1.02.c14, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 244 ll. 3-4, 6.2.3: UET 6/3 80 l. 6) The voice of the francolin is the glory of the fields. (cf. 6.1.03.177, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 322 l. 3) What is in one's mouth is not in one's hand. (cf. 6.1.05.95) The dog is restrained yet you do not clean the well. (cf. 6.1.05.106, 6.2.3: UET 6/2 224) A fettered dog is quarrelsome. (cf. 6.1.09.a3…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

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-Su…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

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 h…

Daily Life·Writing & Literature

~1800 BCE·Old BabylonianETCSL

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) D…

Proverbs: collection 2 + 6

Proverbs: collection 21

Proverbs: collection 22

Proverbs: collection 23

Proverbs: collection 24

Proverbs: collection 25

Proverbs: collection 26

Proverbs: collection 27

Proverbs: collection 28

Proverbs: collection 3

Proverbs: collection 4

Proverbs: collection 5

Proverbs: collection 7

Proverbs: collection 8

Proverbs: collection 9

Proverbs: from Nibru

Proverbs: from Susa

Proverbs: from Unug

Proverbs: from Urim

Proverbs: of unknown provenance

4R 35, 8

AAICAB 1/1, pl. 058, 1924-0519

AbB 10, 151

AbB 10, 183

AbB 10, 187

AbB 10, 194

AbB 11, 087

AbB 11, 115

AbB 14, 215

AfO 29/30, 024, CBS 04610

AfO 29/30, 024, CBS 04836

AfO 29/30, 024, CBS 04864

AfO 29/30, 024, CBS 04869

AfO 29/30, 025, CBS 06481

AfO 29/30, 025, CBS 06499

AfO 29/30, 026, CBS 07034

AfO 29/30, 027, CBS 07871

AfO 29/30, 027, CBS 07872

AfO 29/30, 027, CBS 07970

AfO 29/30, 028, CBS 10507

AfO 29/30, 028, CBS 10784

AfO 29/30, 030, CBS 14215

AfO 29/30, 033, N 5063

AfO 29/30, 033, UM 29-16-469

AfO 29/30, 033, UM 29-16-656

AfO 29/30, 034, N 5399

AfO 29/30, 034, N 5527

AfO 29/30, 034, N 5746

AfO 29/30, 034, N 5923

AfO 29/30, 035, N 5933