All tablets.

SAA 08 100. Occultation of Jupiter (RMA 192) [planetary]

(1) If Jupiter stands inside the moon: in this year the king will die; variant: there will be an eclipse of the moon and sun; a great king will die. (4) If Jupiter enters the moon: there will be famine in the Westland; the king of Elam will fall in battle; in Subartu a noble will revolt against his lord. (r 1) If Jupiter enters the moon: business of the land will diminish. (r 3) If Jupiter comes out to the back of the moon: there will be hostility in the land.

~670 BCE·Neo-AssyrianSAA 8

SAA 08 101. Mars in Cancer, not Stationary (RMA 235) [planetary]

(1) Mars has reac[hed] Cancer and entered it. I kept wat[ch]: it did not become stationary, it did not stop; it tou[ched] the lower part (of Cancer) and goes on. (4) (Its) going out (of Cancer) remains to be s[een]. When it will have gone out I shall [send] its interpretation to the king my lord. (6) Maybe someone will wr[ite] to the king my lord as follows: "If a strange star (i.e. Mars) comes close to Cancer: the ruler will [die]." If it had become stationary (and) stopped, that [would have been evil-boding]; this is bad for Akkad. (10) Maybe someone will w[rite] to the king my lord as…

Religion & Myth·Astronomy & Mathematics

SAA 08 102. Mars Near Saturn, Full Moon on 16th Day (RMA 089) [planetary, lunar]

(1) Observation of the moon which [was seen] on the 16th day together [with the sun]. (2) The 16th day (refers to) Subartu ... [......]; but in truth, [it is] a bad omen for Akkad. (4) If the moon beco[mes late] at an inappropriate time [and is not seen: attack of a ruling city]. (5) If the moon [is not seen] in Adar (XII) either on the 14th or [on the 15th day ...] Ur [......]. (7) If on the 16th day the moon and sun [are seen together: the king will be shut up] in his palace for the length [of a month; the step of the enemy will be set towards his land; the ene]my will [march around]…

SAA 08 103. Eclipse of the Moon (RMA 272A) [eclipses]

(1) If an eclipse outlasts the morning watch until it clears: the k[ing ...]. (2) [If] (the moon) makes an eclipse during the morning watch and completes the watch, and the north wi[nd blows: there will be] recovery from illness in Akkad. (4) If an eclipse begins in the east and the north wind blows: three years [...]. (5) [If] an eclipse begins in the east and goes to the west: eclipse of [...]. (6) If the moon makes an eclipse, and the north wind blows: the gods [will have mercy] on the land. (7) If the moon makes an eclipse and sets with unwashed feet: at[tack of ...]. (8) If the moon is…

SAA 08 104. Eclipse of the Sun in the Morning (RMA 277R) [eclipses]

(1) On the 28th day, at 2 1/2 'double-hou[rs' of the day ......] (2) in the west [......] (3) it also cover[ed ......] (4) 2 fingers towards [.....] (5) it made [an eclipse], the east wind [......] (6) the north wind ble[w. This is its interpretation]: (7) If the day [becomes covered] with clouds on the north side: [famine for the king of Elam]. (8) If the day be[comes covered] with clouds on the south side: [famine for the king of Akkad]. (9) If the day is dark and r[ides] the north wind: [devouring by Nergal; herds will diminish]. (10) If [there is an eclip]se in Nisan (I) on the 28th day:…

SAA 08 105. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 034) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon at its appearance] wears a crown: the harvest of the land will pro[sper; the land] will live [as if in pastures near the city]; the king [will reach] the highest rank. (3) [If the moon's] horns are pointed [at its appearance]: business will ...[...]; there will b[e ......] in the land. (5) [If the moon's] horns at its [appearance] are very pointed: the king of Akkad will weaken [the land wherever he turns]; wherever he turns [he will rule the land]. (7) — It is seen [on the 1st day]: good for Akkad, bad for Elam. (8) [...... "to be p]ointed" (means) to be adorned, said of…

SAA 08 106. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 036) [lunar]

(1) If the day [reaches its normal length]: a reign of long [days]. (3) Normal length of a month (means) it comple[tes] the 30th day. (4) [If the moon's] horns at its appearance are very pointed: [the king of Akkad w]ill weaken [the land] wherever he turns; wherever he turns he will rule [the lan]d. (r 1) "To be pointed" means to be adorned, said of horns. (r 2) Tammuz (IV) means Subartu. (r 3) From Akkullanu.

SAA 08 107. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 087A) [lunar]

(1) [Observation] of the moon which was seen: its [posi]tion is stable; it was seen inside a black cloud. (3) [If] the moon becomes visible in Sivan (III) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour the [wealt]h of the Westland; [according to] another [tabl]et: dispersal of all lands. (6) [If the moon's] horns [at its appearance] are very dark: [disbanding] of the fortified outposts, [retiring of the guards]; there will be [recon]ciliation [and peace in the land]. (r 1) [...] gi is "to be dark"; [gi] is "to be peaceful." — It [stan]ds in a stable position; variant: It was seen in a black cloud. (r…

SAA 08 108. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 144B) [lunar]

(1) If the moon reaches the sun [and follows it closely], one horn [meets] the other: [there will be truth in the land, and] the son [will speak the truth] with his father. (4) If the moon and sun are in balance: [reliable speech] will be placed in the mouth of people; [the king of the land will make his throne last long]. (6) If the sun rises, and the moon [......] prosperity for years [......]. (8) — On the 14th day the moon [was seen] together with the sun. (9) If the horns of the moon at its appearance [are equal]: for the land, pea[ceful] dwelling. (r 1) The moon will complete the day,…

SAA 08 109. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 138A) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (3) If the moon reaches the sun and follows it closely, one horn meets the other: there will be truth in the land, and the son will speak the truth with his father. (7) If at the moon's appearance one horn [meets] the other: the flood will co[me]. (r 1) — On the 14th day it was seen together with the sun. (r 2) If on the 14th day the moon and sun are s[een] together: reliable speech; the land will become happy; the gods will remember Akkad favorably; there will be joy among people: the king will becom…

SAA 08 110. Saturn in Lunar Halo, Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 144) [planetary, lunar]

(1) On the 14th day the moon and sun were seen together. This night, the moon was surrounded by a halo, and Saturn stood inside the halo with the moon. (4) 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 cattle of Akkad will lie in the steppe undisturbed. (7) If the moon is slow in its course: the harvest of the land will prosper. — It is seen on the 14th day. (8) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (9) It means that on the…

SAA 08 111. Full Moon on 16th Day (RMA 166) [lunar]

(1) If on the 16th day the moon and sun are seen together: one king will send hostile messages to another king; the king will be shut up in his palace for the length of a month; the step of the enemy (will be set) towards his land; the enemy will keep marching victoriously through his land. (6) If the moon in Tammuz (IV) is not seen together with the sun, neither on the 14th nor on the 15th day: the king will be shut up in his palace. (r 2) (The moon) was seen on the 16th day; good for Assyria, bad for Akkad and the Westland. (r 4) From Akkullanu.

SAA 08 112. Gemini and Perseus in Lunar Halo (MelGar 129) [planetary]

(1) When I was sent to the Inner City, I made my observations, came back and report[ed] to the king: "The loin is not being offered to Aššur." (4) The king, my lord, got angry and said: "They should resume offering it." (5) Last year I wrote to the king, [my] lord, and told (them): "The king, my lord, gave me the order (personally)." Afterwards they wrote to the Go[ver]nor: "Write down the words of Akkull[anu] and those (with him); they are lyi[ng]." (9) [The k]ing, my lord, did not decide (the matter). [What is it] that the king says now? (r 1) [To]night the moon was surrounded by a halo,…

Economy

SAA 08 114. Morning First of Mars Near Jupiter(?) (RMA 232) [planetary]

(1) [Ma]rs became visible in Tammuz (IV) (and) is faint. (2) [If Mars] becomes visible in Tammuz (IV): the cemetery of the warriors will enlarge. (3) [Mars] is said to (portend) death. (4) [If Ma]rs stands in the east: attack of Subartu and the Kassites against the land. (6) [If] Mars rises scintillating and its radiance is yellow: the king of Elam will die. (8) If Nergal in his appearance is very small and white, and scintillates very much like the fixed stars: he will have mercy on Akkad; the force of my troops will go and defeat the enemy troops, it will conquer the land for which it…

SAA 08 115. Morning First of Jupiter (RMA 196) [planetary]

(1) If Jupi[ter in Sivan (III)] approaches and stands where the s[un shines] forth, (if) it is brig[ht and its features] are red, its rising is as perfect as [the rising of the sun]: a[ngry] gods will be reconciled with Akkad; [there will be] copi[ous] rain and regular [floods] in Akkad; barley and sesame will increase, and the equivalent of (only) 1 litre will (have to) be paid for 1 kor; the gods in the sky will stand in their (appropriate) positions; their shrines will see wealth. (11) If Jupiter becomes steady in the morning: enemy kings will make peace. (13) If Jupiter carries radiance:…

SAA 08 116. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 001) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech; the land will become happy. (4) If the day reaches its normal length: a reign of long days. (6) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 117. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 003) [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) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 118. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 004) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 1st day: reliable speech. (2) If the day reaches its normal [length]: a reign of lo[ng] days. (4) From Bu[lluṭu].

SAA 08 119. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 256A) [lunar]

(1) [If the moon] becomes visible [on the 1st day: reliable] speech; [the land will become happy]. (2) [If the day] reaches its normal le[ngth]: a reign of lo[ng] days. (4) This (refers to) the visibility of the 1st day. (5) If Adad thunders at the gate of the moon: there will be a fall of the army of Elam in battle; the possessions of its land will be collected into another land. (8) This (refers to) that Adad thunders when the moon is seen. (r 1) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 120. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 076) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible in Tebet (X) on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour Subartu; a foreigner will rule the Westland. (4) Tebet (X) means Elam. (5) From Bulluṭu. (r 1) We watched on the 29th day; the clouds were den[se], we did not see the moon. We watched on the 30th day; we saw the moon, (but) it was (already) very high. The (weather) of the 29th day has to do with it. (r 6) What is it that the king my lord says?

SAA 08 121. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 077) [lunar]

(1) If in Tebet (X) the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: the Ahlamû will devour Subartu; a foreigner will rule the Westland. (4) If the moon is low at its appearance: the products of a distant land will come to the king of the world. (7) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 122. Full Moon on 14th Day [lunar]

(1) [If the moon and sun are in bal]ance: 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 l]and will [widen his under]standing. (Break) (r 1) [From Bu]lluṭu.

SAA 08 123. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 131) [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. (5) [If the moon] and sun are in opposition: the king of the land will widen his understanding. (7) 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 4) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 124. Cancer and Gemini in Lunar Halo (RMA 114) [planetary]

(1) [This night] the moon was surrounded by a halo; [Canc]er and Gemini stood in it. (4) If the moon is surrounded by a halo and Cancer [stands] in [it]: the king of Akkad will [extend] the life. (6) If the moon is surrounded by a halo and a draw[ing stands in it]: destruction [...]. (8) Drawing (means) G[emini]. (r 1) From Bulluṭu.

SAA 08 126. New Moon on 30th Day (ABL 0819) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch; on the 29th day we saw the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 2) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 127. New Moon on 30th Day [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we saw the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord!

SAA 08 128. New Moon on 30th Day (ABL 0827) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we saw the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 2) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 129. New Moon on 30th Day (ABL 0828) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we saw the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 130. New Moon on 1st Day (ABL 0817) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we did not see the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the crown prince my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 131. New Moon on 1st Day (ABL 0820) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we did not see the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 132. New Moon on 1st Day (ABL 0825) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 29th day; we did not see the moon. May Na[bû and] Marduk bless [the king] my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 134. Full Moon on 13th Day (ABL 0823) [lunar]

(1) We ke[pt] watch on the 12th day; on the 13th day the moon and [sun] saw each other. May Nabû and Marduk bless [the king] my lord! (r 1) [From Na]bû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 135. Full Moon on 14th Day (ABL 0821) [lunar]

(1) We kept [wat]ch on the 13th day; [we did not see the moon] and sun, there were [clou]ds. [...] the moon, there were clouds. (7) On the 14th [day] the moon and sun saw each other. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 4) [From] Nabû'a [of] Assur.

SAA 08 136. Full Moon on 13th Day (ABL 0822) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch; on the 13th day the moon and sun were seen together. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 137. Full Moon on 15th Day (ABL 0826) [lunar]

(1) We kept watch on the 13th and the 14th day; on the 15th day the moon and sun saw each other. May Aššur, Šamaš, Bel and Nabû bless the king my lord! (r 1) From Nabû'a of Assur.

SAA 08 138. (no title) (ABL 0824) [unclassifiable]

(1) [We kept watch on the ...th day; on the ...]th [day the moon and sun saw] each other. May Nabû and Marduk bless [the king] my lord! (r 1) [From Nab]û'a [of A]ssur.

SAA 08 139. (no title) [unclassifiable]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [we] kept watch; we saw the moon. May Nabû and Marduk bless the king my lord! (Reverse destroyed)

SAA 08 140. Equinox on Nisan 6 (ABL 1428) [calendrical]

(1) On the 6th of Nisan (I) the day and the night were in balance: 6 'double-hours' of daylight, 6 'double-hours' of night. (r 1) May Nabû (and) Marduk bless the king, our lord!

SAA 08 141. Equinox on Nisan 15 (ABL 1429) [calendrical]

(1) On the 15th of Nisan (I) the day and the night were in balance: [6] 'double-hours' of daylight, 6 ['double-hou]rs' of night. (6) May Nabû (and) [Marduk] bless the king, our lord!

SAA 08 142. Equinox on [...] (LAS 351) [calendrical]

(1) [On the ...th of Nisan (I) the day] and the night were in balance: 6 'double-hours' of daylight, 6 'double-hours' of night. (6) May Nabû (and) [Marduk] bless the king, our lord!

SAA 08 143. Morning First of Mars in Tammuz (RMA 244D) [planetary]

(1) [...] reached Aries. (2) [If ......] is faint, [......] will experience sorrow. (3) [This word] is not [in the Series], it is extraneous. [When ......] is faint [......], it will be cited. (r 1) [If] the red [planet] is bright: your [hand] will catch [...]. (r 3) [If in Tammuz (IV) Adad th]unders: the harvest of the land will prosper. (r 4) [If Mars becomes visible in Tammuz (IV)]: the cemetery of warriors will enlarge. (r 5) [From Nab]û-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 144. Morning First of Jupiter in Leo (RMA 266B) [planetary]

(Beginning destroyed) (1) [...] ... [......] ... [...] stood [in] Leo [...]. (4) If [......] quakes: [the days of the k]ing will be long. (6) If [...] becomes bright [in the path] of the Enlil stars and [......]. Akkad will thrive and what is in it will live [......] the king of Akkad will become strong and experience joy. (9) [From Nabû]-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 145. Morning Last of Venus (RMA 205) [planetary]

(1) Venus set in the east. (2) If Venus gets a flare: it is not good. This means she does not complete her days (of visibility) but sets. (5) If Venus disappears in the east in Nisan (I) from the 1st to the 30th day: there will be wailings in the land. "Wailings" are weepings. This is bad for Elam. (r 3) From [Nabû]-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 146. Mercury Near Regulus (RMA 228) [planetary]

(1) Mercury came to stand inside Leo. (3) If Leo is black: the land will not be happy. (5) If Regulus is black: the commander of the palace will die. (7) From Nabû-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 147. Jupiter and Scorpius in Lunar Halo (RMA 094) [planetary]

(1) This night, the moon was surrounded by a halo, [and] Jupiter and Scorpius [stood] in [it]. (3) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Sagmegar (Jupiter) stands in it: the king of Akkad will be shut up. (5) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Nēberu stands in it: fall of cattle and wild animals. (7) The star of Marduk at its appearance is (called) Šulpa'e; when it rises 1 'double-hour' it is (called) Sagmegar; when it stands in the middle of the sky, it is (called) Nēberu. (r 2) If the moon is surrounded by a halo, and Scorpius stands in it: entu-priestesses will be made pregnant;…

SAA 08 148. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 006) [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) From Na[bû-mušeṣi].

SAA 08 149. New Moon on 1st Day (RMA 006A) [lunar]

(1) If the moon [becomes visible] on the 1st day: reli[able] speech; the land will become happy. (4) If the day reaches its normal [length]: a reign of long days. (6) From Nabû-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 150. New Moon on 30th Day (RMA 061) [lunar]

(1) If the moon becomes visible on the 30th day: there will be frost, variant: rumor of the enemy. (4) From Nabû-mušeṣi.

SAA 08 151. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 136L) [lunar]

(1) [If on the 14th day the moon and sun are see]n [together: reliable speech]; the land will become [ha]ppy; [the gods] will remember [Akkad favorably; joy among the troops]; the king will become happy; [the cattle of Akkad] will lie [in the steppe undis]turbed. (6) [If the moon reaches the sun and follows it closely, one horn] meets the other: [there will be truth in the land, and the son] will speak the truth with his [father ......] will be made entirely. (r 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 […

SAA 08 152. Full Moon on 14th Day (RMA 136E) [lunar]

(1) If the moon and sun are in opposition: the king [of the land] will widen [his understanding]. (3) If the moon [and sun are in bal]ance: [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. (7) If [the moon and sun] are seen together [on the 14th day: reliable] sp[eech; 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 Nabû-mušeṣi.