All tablets.

Esarhaddon 114

(i 1) Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, pious prince, who reveres the gods Nabû and Marduk — (i 7) Before my time, in the reign of a previous king, bad omens occurred in Sumer and Akkad. (i 10) The people living there were answering each other yes (for) no (and) were telling lies. They put the[ir] hands on the possessions of Esagil, (i 15) the palace of the gods, and they sold the gold, sil[ver], (and) precious stones at market value to the land Elam. (i 19) The Enlil of the gods, the god Marduk, became angry and plotted evilly to…

Esarhaddon 116

Esarhaddon's justification for Sennacherib's sack of Babylon: the Babylonians themselves broke divine law — selling Esagil's treasures to Elam — so the gods, not Assyria, destroyed the city.

Esarhaddon 117

Attests Esarhaddon's claim to have restored neglected shrines and forgotten rites — part of his systematic effort to legitimate rule after his father Sennacherib's sack of Babylon.

Esarhaddon 118 / CDLI Seals 006507

(Inscription_A 1) Property of the god Marduk, <<...>> seal of the god Adad of Esagil. (Inscription_B 1) To the god Marduk, great lord, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, presented (this object) for the sake of his life.

Esarhaddon 119

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (and) king of Babylon, made the processional way of Esagil and Babylon shine with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln.

Esarhaddon 120

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Esagil and Babylon.

Esarhaddon 121

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Esagil and Etemenanki.

Esarhaddon 122

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Esagil (and) Etemenanki.

Esarhaddon 123

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (5) (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Esagil and Etemenanki.

Esarhaddon 124

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had Etemenanki built anew.

Esarhaddon 125

(1) For the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, had baked bricks made anew for Eteme[nanki].

Esarhaddon 126

Attests Esarhaddon's restoration of Etemenanki, the great ziggurat of Babylon, framing reconstruction as personal piety toward Marduk — evidence of an Assyrian king actively courting Babylonian religious legitimacy.

Esarhaddon 127

(1') [...] ... [...] ... [...] (2') [... w]ho to his ... not ... [...] (3') [...] ... paid attention to the mention of his name, his command [...] (4') [...] brings quickly before [...] (5') [... unsub]missive to the comma[nd] (6') [...] destroyed [that] one, making the inhabited world shake (7') [...] the god, his helper, (8') [... wi]th his help, they knelt, beseeching his lordship (9') [...] did not bear my yoke (lit. “pull my yoke-rope”) (10') [who took] away [the fields of the citizens of Babylon and Borsippa], appropriating (them) for himself (11') [...] did not fear his command or the…

Esarhaddon 128

Attests Esarhaddon's devotion to Ištar of Nippur — here styled Queen-of-Nippur enthroned in Ebaradurgara — documenting Assyrian royal investment in a Babylonian cult centre during his post-conquest reconciliation policy.

Esarhaddon 129

Dedicates a building project to Enlil 'whose command cannot be revoked,' pairing that theological formula with Esarhaddon's full titulary to show how Assyrian kings grounded imperial legitimacy in divine sanction.

Esarhaddon 130

(1) [For the god Enlil], king of the gods, valiant, who drives out the enemies in battle, [...] the sublime, who walks at the side of the king — his favorite — the one who conquers the enem[ies ..., ... Elugalg]usisa — which is in Nippur (Duranki) — great lord, [his lord]: (4) [Esarhadd]on, great king, mighty king, king of the world, king of Assyria, king of the four quarters (of the world), [governor of] Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, selected by the steadfast heart of the god En[lil]; (6) [who from] his childhood [trus]ted in the gods Aššur, Enlil, Sîn, Šamaš, Adad, Marduk,…

Esarhaddon 131

(1) For the god Enlil, lord of the lands, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) king of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, (10) descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) king of Assyria, renovated Ekur, the temple of the god Enlil, my lord, and made its processional way shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 132

(1) For the god Enlil, divine lord of the lands: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, king of Babylon, (and) king of the land of Sumer and Akkad, for the sake of his life enlarged Pukudadaga (5) in the courtyard of the god Enlil with baked bricks from a (ritually) pure kiln.

Esarhaddon 133

Dedicatory inscription to Ištar-of-Uruk in her Eanna temple: attests Esarhaddon's deliberate cultivation of the ancient Sumerian cult centre as a source of royal legitimacy seven centuries after Ur III.

Esarhaddon 134

(1) For the goddess Ištar-of-Uruk, sovereign of heaven and netherworld, most valiant of the gods, august, supreme lady, who has gathered to herself (all) divine offices of highest rank, the one into whose hand all purification rites are appointed, empress of the goddesses, whose words are pre-eminent in heaven and netherworld, goddess of war and battle, who goes at the side of the king, her favorite, (and) slays his foes, who dwells in Enirgalana (“House, Prince of Heaven) — which is inside Eanna — lady of Uruk, great lady, his lady: (6) Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria,…

Esarhaddon 135

(1) For the goddess Nanāya, veiled one of the goddesses, who is adorned with attractiveness and joy and full of glamour, splendid daughter of the god Anu, whose lordship is supreme among all ladies, eminent spouse of the god Muzibsâ, praised sekretu, beloved of his majesty, compassionate goddess, who goes to the help of the king who reveres her, who prolongs his reign, who dwells in Eḫiliana (“House, Luxuriance of Heaven”) — which is inside Eanna — queen of Uruk, great lady, his lady: (6) Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad;…

Esarhaddon 136

(1) For the goddess Nanāya, queen of Uruk, great lady, his lady: (2) Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, governor of Babylon, king of the land of Sumer and Akkad; who is assiduous toward the sanctuaries of the great gods; the one who (re)constructed the temple of the god Aššur, (re)built Esagil and Babylon, (5) renovated Eanna, completed the sanctuaries of all of the cult centers, (and) constantly established appropriate procedures in them; the one who conquered from the Upper Sea to the Lower Sea (and) the one who made all rulers submissive to him; son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria; descendant of…

Esarhaddon 137

(1) For the goddess Ištar of Uruk, lady of the lands: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria, (5) governor of Babylon, (and) king of the four quarters, son of Sennacherib, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, descendant of Sargon (II), king of the world (and) (10) king of Ass[yria], renovated Eanna (“House of Heaven”), the temple of highest rank, for the sake of his life, and made (it) shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 138

(1) For the goddess [Ištar (of Uruk)], lady of the lands: Esarha[ddon], king of Assyria (and) king of Babylon, renovated E[ann]a (“House of Heaven”), the temple of highest rank, for the sake of [his] life, and made (it) shine like daylight.

Esarhaddon 139

(1) For the goddess [Ištar] of Uruk, lady of Eanna, lady of the lands, [his] lady: Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyr[ia], governor of Babylon, (5) king of the land of Sumer and Ak[kad], son of Sennacher[ib, king of the world, king of] Assyr[ia, descendant of Sargon (II)], king of the world, king of Assyria, [renovated Ean]na, (10) [the temple of high]est rank, [and] made (it) [shine] like [daylig]ht.

Esarhaddon 140

(1) For the god Adad, who resides in the city Guzāna, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, son of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, made (this bucket) for his (long) life.

Esarhaddon 141

(1) The palace of Esarhaddon, king of the world, king of Assyria: (this is) booty from Egypt (and) Kush.

Esarhaddon 142

(1) To the god Marduk, his lord: Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, gave (this eyestone) for his (long) life.

Esarhaddon 143

(1) [For the goddess Tašmē]tu, [his lady]: (2b) [Esar]haddon, [king of Assyria, made an]d dedicated (this object) [for] his (long) life [and for the (long) life of] his [children].

Esarhaddon 2001

(1) (Property) of Ešarra-ḫammat, wife of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria.

Esarhaddon 2002

(1') [...] ... [...] that house [...] ..., the tomb of Ešar<ra>-ḫammat, his wife, ... [...].

Esarhaddon 2003

Issued in the voice of Naqīʾa-Zakūtu, Esarhaddon's mother, this inscription is a rare case of an Assyrian queen mother publicly claiming a share of war spoils and directing conquered peoples to corvée labour in her own name.

Esarhaddon 2004

Lacuna? (1') [...] king [... Zakūtu/Naqīʾa ... wi]fe ... [... Sennach]erib, king of the world, [king of Assyria, daughter-in-law of Sargon (II), king of the world, k]ing of [Assyria, mother of Esar]haddon, king of the world (and) king of [Assyria]; (6') [the gods Aššur, Sîn], Šamaš, Nabû, and Marduk, Ištar of Nineveh, (and) [Ištar of Arbela] glad[ly placed Esarha]ddon, my offspring, upon the throne of his father, [... whose] good ... [...] they made pre-[eminent ...] who marched [... from the] Upper [Sea] to the Low[er] Sea (and) who does not [have] an equal (therein); (and) who flattened his…

Esarhaddon 2005

(1) To the goddess Bēlet-Ninūa, who resides in Emašm[aš], great queen, her lady: (2b) Naqīʾa, wife of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, daughter-in-law of Sargon (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, commissioned a pectoral of red gold, which was inlaid with precious stone(s) weighing 3 3/4 minas. (6) She presented and dedicated (this object) for the preservation of the life of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, her son, and for her own life, for the stability of her reign, (and for) the well-being of her offspring.

Esarhaddon 2006

(r 1) To the queen, the goddess Mullissu, who resides in Ešarra, great queen, her lady: (r 2) Zakūtu, wife of Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, daughter-in-law of Sargon (II), king of the world, king of Assyria, mother of Esarhaddon, king of the world (and) king of Assyria, commissioned a gold ... that was inlaid with obsidian, [...]-stone, carnelian, pappardilû-stone, papparminu-stone, [...]-stone, (and) lapis lazuli weighing 1 1/2 minas. (r 7b) She presented [and dedicated] (this object) for the preservation of (the life of) Esar[haddon, her son], and for her own life, for the lengthening of [her days], the stability of her reign, (and for) the well-being of her offspring.

Esarhaddon 2007

(1) To the god(dess) D[N]: (2) Zakūtu, wife of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, dedicated (this object) for the (long) )life of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, her son, and for her (long) life.

Esarhaddon 2008

(1) [To the goddess Bē]let-Bābili, her lady: (2) [N]aqīʾa, wife of Sennach[er]ib, king of Assyria, daughter-in-law of Sargon (II), king of Assyria, mother of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, presented (this object) for the preservation of the life of her son and for her (long) life.

Esarhaddon 2009

(1) Naqīʾa, wife of Senna[cherib (...)].

Esarhaddon 2010

(1') [They (the gods) entered the orch]ards, groves, ... [...] ... [... through the] craft of the sage [“the washing of] the mouth,” “the open[ing of the] mouth,” [“bathing,” (and) “pu]rifica[tion”] (were recited) before [the stars of] the night: the gods [Ea, Šamaš], Asallu[ḫi, Bēlet-ilī], Ku[su], and [Ni]ngirima. (11') I washed its mouth ... [...] exalted [...] ... [...] ... [...] Label on the gown of figure on the left: (1) Image of Naqīʾ[a ...]

~670 BCE·Neo-AssyrianOur engine

SAA 08 001. Thunder in Ab, King Ill (RMA 257) [weather]

1. In the month of Ab, if the Storm-god raises his voice and the sky is overcast, the sky pours down rain, lightning flashes, [and] waters are held back in the underground spring — 1. If in a day without clouds the Storm-god cries out, darkness: ditto. Famine will be in the land. Because of this unfavorable body-sign, the king, my lord, should not speak from his heart [i.e., speak out / act on impulse]. This illness belongs to that year. As many of the people as are ill — all [will be] well. Turn back [to favor], O king my lord: he who fears the gods, those [gods] day and night the gods intercede for him […]

SAA 08 002. Venus and Mercury Setting (RMA 109) [planetary]

(1) This night the moon was surrounded by a halo in Scorpius, (that is a sign) for rain [and] flood. (3) Venus (and) Mercury are about to set. (4) [......] contains (5) [......] cloud (6) [......] he will see (8) [......] Kalizi (9) [......]... (r 1) Let them [decide] about the orders and write us. (r 4) The scribe [...-nap]ištu-iddin will come [on the xth] day. [I se]nt Nabû-mušeṣi, the scribe of the temple, [as the k]ing my lord said; he is bringing the former ... (r.e. 9) From the Chief Scribe.

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].

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…

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 7) From Issar-šumu-ereš.

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] after eac[h other] regularly. (r 10) From Issar-šumu-e[reš].

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.