The Book of Enoch

This book is a must read to not only connect the bible with the Mesopotamian texts, but to also clarify the difference between the good (Annunaki) and the evil (Fallen Angels/Demons):

http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/index.htm

ADAPA & The Food of Life

[Summary: Adapa, or perhaps Adamu, son of Ea, had recieved from his father, the god Ea, wisdom, but not eternal life. He was a semi-divine being and was the wise man and priest of the temple of Ea at Eridu, which he provided with the ritual bread and water. In the exercise of this duty he carried on fishing upon the Persian Gulf. When Adapa was fishing one day on a smooth sea, the south wind rose suddenly and overturned his boat, so that the was thrown into the sea. Angered by the mishap, he broke the wings of the south wind so that for seven days it could not blow the sea's coolness over the hot land. Anu calls Adapa to account for this misdeed, and his father Ea warns him as to what should befall him. He tells him how to fool Tammuz and Gishzida, who will meet him at the gate of heaven. Ea cautions him not to eat or drink anything in heaven, as Ea fears that the food and drink of death will be set before Adapa. However, the food and drink of eternal life are set before him instead, and Adapa's over-caution deprives him of immortality. He has to return to Earth instead.]

TABLET NO.1

He possessed intelligence . . . ,
His command like the command of Anu ...
He (Ea) granted him a wide ear to reveal the destiny of the land,
He granted him wisdom, but he did not grant him eternal life.
In those davs, in those years the wise man of Eridu,
Ea had created him as chief among men,
A wise man whose command none should oppose,
The prudent, the most wise among the Anunnaki was he,
Blameless, of clean hands, anointed, observer of the divine statutes,
With the bakers he made bread
With the bakers of Eridu, he made bread,
The food and the water for Eridu he made daily,
With his clean hands he prepared the table,
And without him the table was not cleared.
The ship he steered, fishing and hunting for Eridu he did.
Then Adapa of Eridu
While Ea, ... in the chamber, upon the bed.
Daily the closing of Eridu he attended to.
Upon the pure dam, the new moon dam) he embarked upon the ship,
The wind blew and his ship departed, With the oar, be steered his ship Upon the broad sea . . .

TABLET NO. 2
.................
The south wind .... when
He had driven me to the house of my lord, I said,
O South wind, on the way I shall to thee ... everything that,
Thy wing, will I break." As be spoke with his mouth,
The wing of the South wind was broken, seven davs
The South wind blew not upon the land. Anu
Called to his messenger Ilabrat:
Why has the South wind not blown upon the land for seven davs?
His messenger Ilabrat answered him: "My lord,
Adapa, the son of Ea, the wing of the South wind
Has broken."
When Anu heard these words
He cried, Help!" He ascended his throne,
"Let some one bring him,"
Likewise Ea, who knows the heaven. He roused him
... he caused him to wear. With a mourning garment
He garbed him, and gave him counsel
Saying: " Adapa, before the face of Anu the King thou art to go
... to heaven
When thou comest up, and when thou approachest the door of Anu,
At the door of Anu, Tammuz and Gishzida are standing,
"they will see thee, they will ask thee; 'Sir,'
For whose sake dost thou so appear, Adapa? For whom
Art thou clad in a mourning garment?' 'In our country two gods have vanished, therefore
Am I so.' 'Who are the two gods, who in the land
Have vanished?' 'Tammuz and Gishzida.' They will look at one another and
Be astonished. Good words
They will speak to Anu. A good countenance of Anu
They will show thee. When thou standest before Anu
Food of death they will set before thee,
Eat not. Water of death they will set before thee,
Drink not. Garments they will set before thee,
Put them on. Oil they will set before thee, anoint thyself.
The counsel that I have given thee, forget not. The words
Which I have spoken, hold fast." The messenger
Of Anu came: "Adapa has broken
The wing of the South wind. Bring him before me."
The road to Heaven he made him take, and to Heaven he ascended.
When he came to Heaven, when he approached the door of Anu,
At the door of Ann, Tammuz and Gisbzida are standing.
When they saw him, Adapa, they cried: " Help,
Sir, for whom dost thou so appear? Adapa,
For whom art thou clad in a mourning garment?"
In the country two gods have vanished; therefore am I clad
In mourning garments." "Who are the two gods, who
have vanished from the land?"
"Tammuz and Gishzida." They looked at one another and
Were astonished. When Adapa before Anu, the King,
Drew near, and Anu saw him, he cried:
" Come hither, Adapa. Why hast thou broken the wings
Of the South wind? " Adapa answered Ann: " My lord,
For the house of my lord in the midst of the sea,
I was catching fish. The sea was like a mirror,
The South wind blew, and capsized me.
To the house of my lord was I driven. In the anger of my heart,
I took heed." Tammuz and Gishzida
Answered ... "art thou." To Anu
They speak. He calmed himself, his heart was . . .
"Why has Ea revealed to impure mankind
The heart of heaven and earth? A heart
... has created within him, has made him a name?
What can we do with him? Food of life
Bring him, that be man, eat."Food of life
They brought him, but he ate not. Water of life
They brought him, but he drank not. Garments
They brought him. He clothed himself. Oil
They brought him. He anointed himself.
Anu looked at him; he wondered at him.
" Come, Adapa, why hast thou not eaten, not drunken?
Now thou shalt not live." ... men ...Ea, my lord
Said: "Eat not, drink not."
Take him and bring him back to his earth.
... looked upon him.

TABLET NO. 3
"When heard that
In the anger of his heart
His messenger he sent.
He who knows the heart of the great gods
............
To King Ea to come,
To him, he caused words to be borne.
... to him, to King Ea.
He sent a messenger
With a wide ear, knowing the heart of the great gods,
... of the heavens be fixed.
A soiled garment he made him wear,
With a mourning garment he clad him,
A word he spoke to him.
"Adapa, before the King Anu thou shalt go
Fail not the order, keep my word
When thou comest up to heaven, and approachest the door of Anu,
Tammuz and Gishzida at the door of Anu are standing.

The Letters III

Letter from Ur-saga to a king fearing the loss of his father's household

1-2. Speak to my lord, the {bull} {(1 ms. has instead:) wild bull} {(1 other ms. has instead:) bison (?)} with sparkling eyes, who wears a lapis-lazuli beard: 3-5. Repeat to my golden statue born on a favourable day, to my water buffalo reared in a holy fold, chosen in the heart {of holy Inana} {(1 ms. has instead:) of holy Inana, ...... of Suen}, to my lord, the trusted one of Inana: 6-9. You are fashioned like the son of An. As with the words of a god, {what you say is irrevocable} {(1 ms. has instead:) all the foreign lands cannot answer (?) your words}. Your words, like rain pouring from the skies, {are uncountable} {(1 ms. has instead:) are uncheckable} {(1 other ms. has instead:) are uncontrollable (?)}: this is what Ur-saga, your servant, says: 10-14. My lord {has taken care of me} {(2 mss. have instead:) has not taken care of me}; I am a citizen of Urim. {If my lord agrees} {(1 ms. has instead:) If it pleases my lord}, let no one waste my father's household, let no one take away {the home of my father's estate} {(1 ms. has instead:) my old man's home}! May my lord know this! Letter from Lugal-nesaje to a king radiant as the moon Version A (from Nibru) 1-5. Say this to the king who has made his radiance resplendent over all the lands like the moonlight. Repeat it to the king who renders just verdicts like Utu and regulates decisions likeIctaran, to my king who heeds prayers. This is what {Lugal-nesaje} {(3 mss. have instead:)Lugal-cu} , a citizen of Nibru and your servant, says: 6-11. Like a sheep I use my mouth for eating grass and I am unfamiliar with washing with soap. Like an ox bearing a yoke which it cannot support, I have been driven out into the high plains. Like a cow whose calf is not close by, I utter pitiful cries. As happens to a ewe whose lamb is restrained in the milking pen, hands seize me. As happens to a bird, men take my nest away. As happens to a boat which is not anchored to a firm quay, I drift in the wind. (1 ms. omits lines 10-12) 12-15. In the streets of Nibru grief consumes me. A hostile city has taken over my city and I have no protector. A hostile house has taken over my house and ...... against me. In my city, like a slave, no ...... and I wear a filthy ...... fleece. 16-21. My friends, companions, acquaintances and esteemed colleagues look on with scorn as at a man who eats alone. My mother who begot me and whose breasts are crescent-shaped (?) has snatched from my mouth my contented consumption of milk. My father who raised me in his lap has cast me aside. My merciful lady whose house is treasured no longer notices me. 22-23. As happens to a sickly tree that has borne no fruit, no one rejoices over me. I am fresh fruit but I have no buds and I do not ....... 24. May my king care for me and may I return to my former status. Version B (from Urim) unknown no. of lines missing 4 lines fragmentary 5-7. ...... to my king who heeds prayers. 1 line fragmentary ...... Nibru ....... 8-18. Like a sheep I set my mouth to eating grass and I am unfamiliar with washing with soap. Like an ox under a yoke which it cannot support, I have been driven out into the high plains. Like a cow whose calf is not close by, I utter pitiful cries. As happens to a ......, hands seize me. As happens to a boat which is not anchored to a firm quay, I drift in the wind. 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Letter from Lugal-nesaje to a king radiant as the sun Version A 1-7. Say this to the king who like the sun has made the heart of the Land radiant. Repeat it to the one who removed oppressive toil from the furrow, who {defeated} {(1 ms. has instead:) confronted} Tidnum and holds its sceptre, who is counted as its honoured king. This is what {Lugal-nesaje} {(2 mss. have instead:) Lugal-cu} , a citizen of Nibru and your servant, says: 8-15. A punishment which I do not understand has ravaged me and I have wailed my lamenting. In a strange city I moan like a dove and receive no mercy. I am constantly restless like a dog which does not know where to settle down. I am watchful like a bird which has flown from the claws of a falcon. My exuberance has perished in blight like a garden that has not been {watered} {(1 ms. has instead:) tended} . Envy within my king's palace overwhelms me and a bad reputation besets me. 16-31. Grief ....... Woe ....... Like an ox I am overwhelmed, ...... my fodder. My descendants and offspring are on good terms ...... their nest, ...... the mouth for eating food. {As happens on} {(1 ms. has instead:) Like a distant ...... from} the ...... high plains where the winds blow, ...... the mill. I will not be buried on dying but ...... ground like grain. My brother, although not an enemy, ...... contemptuously. approx. 6 lines missing 3 lines fragmentary 32-33. The king ......, ...... like Utu. Version B (from Kic) unknown no. of lines missing 1-9. ...... a bird ...... the claws of a falcon. ...... like a garden which has been watered. Envy within my king's palace overwhelms me and ....... Grief ....... Woe ....... Like an ox I am overwhelmed, like ...... my fodder. My descendants and offspring are worried in their nests. Like a distant ...... from the ...... high plains where the winds blow, ...... the mill. I will not experience being buried as befits the dead but ...... ground like grain. unknown no. of lines missing Letter from Ur-Enlila to a governor and temple administrator 1-2. Say to the governor and temple administrator what Ur-Enlila says: 3-5. The irrigation ditch which has been cleared was bringing water but {Enlil-dijirju} {(1 ms. has instead:) Enlil-aju} {(another ms. has instead:) Enlilaju} and Hanzamu have drawn off the water and taken it from the ditch. 6. And what Lugal-Ane says: 7-12. I proposed, " {Water should be brought} {(1 ms. has instead:) The irrigation should be done} on the basis of one ditch for me, one ditch for you and one ditch for the governor," but they did not agree. Your canal has no workers but its ditch brings water. It brings water for me unchecked. My workforce is inadequate so send me five or {10} {(1 ms. has instead:) 60} able-bodied men. It is urgent. Letter from a governor and temple administrator to a king Version A (from Nibru) 1-2. Say to our king what the governor and temple administrator say: 3-10. The three car (i.e. 3,240 iku) of the field Dabta are assigned for the benefit of Enlil {(2 mss. add:) , Ninlil} and Ninurta. Of this, {three bur (i.e. 54 iku)} {(1 ms. has instead:) threeBURgunu (i.e. 540 iku)} are the portion of the men in charge of the requisitions. Iqbisum andAbi-qati have made a claim over one bur (i.e. 18 iku) at the bottom of the field. If our king consents, he should send a courier and should ...... the instructions for doing the work and for the boundary stakes of the field. 11-15. Two iku at its ...... and the ...... area facing the field have been hoed and worked upon. Workers, extra labourers, farmers, ox-drivers and ploughmen being unavailable, the field has been harrowed with single oxen and we do the work with hoes. Our king should know this. Version B (from Urim) 1-14. The three car (i.e. 3,240 iku) of the field Meam (Where-is-it?) are assigned for the benefit of Enlil and Ninurta. Of this, three BURgunu (i.e. 540 iku) are the portion of the men in charge of the requisitions. Two iku which are at its ...... have been hoed and ....... Ploughmen are not available for work on a plot in the field. Iqbisum and Abi-qati have made a claim against you. If my king consents, he should send a courier. They ...... the instructions for doing the work and for the boundary stakes of the field. Letter from Aba-tah-lugalja to his brothers 1-2. Say to my brothers what Aba-tah-lugalja says: 3-12. We are to go on journeys that are long and now the just king, our king, draws near (?). Journey is to be added to journey after journey. I shall not be able to look after our mother. Take great care that the sun does not set over our neighbourhood before you have ...... one litre of salt, one litre of mustard (?) {(1 ms. adds on the lower edge:) , ...... from the hand,} and one ...... garment for travellers. Our journeys will be long. It is urgent. Letter from Ugubi to his mother 1-3. Traveller, traveller, say to my mother what Ugubi says: 4-11. Urim is the joyful city of Nanna. But I sit behind the door of the chief musician's house inEridug, the abundant city of Enki. Longing consumes me. I don't want to die because the bread is never fresh and the beer is never fresh. Send a messenger to me at once. It is urgent. Letter from Camac-tab to Ilak-ni'id 1-2. Say to Ilak-ni'id what Camac-tab says: 3-12. It is a journey of one month and fifteen days, and ....... Why on the third day of the month have you not brought your news to me {at} {(1 ms. has instead:) from} Niqqum? I have looked out for you and your route was arranged. In question are: 4 shekels of silver for 2 yoked donkeys, 1/2 shekel of silver for 1 linen ...... garment, 1 shekel for your rental of the boat, and 1 and 1/3 shekels for your ...... rental of the boat. 1 line unclear Your additional expenditure is not included in this total. 13-18. I have calculated the cost of two loads of purple wool for you. The price is {1 and 2/3} {(2 mss. have instead:) 2/3} mana of silver -- bring me the equivalent in tin. And look out for quartz (?), ...... stone and ...... stone. Your extra silver and the capital have been held for you and recorded on a clay tablet. From now on news should be brought about you. It is urgent. Letter from Lugal-nesaje to Enlil-massu 1-9. Say this to Enlil-massu who {enhances} {(1 ms. has instead:) pronounces} advice and counsel, the mellifluous mouth which makes speech persuasive. Repeat it to the son who serves his god and respects his father and mother. {Say it a third time} {(1 ms. has instead:) Repeat it} to my protective guardian and propitious spirit -- the precious powers -- whose form and stature are pleasing, honour to the scribal craft, {hero among the administrators and ornament of the palace} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:) hero among the administrators} {(2 mss. have instead:) ornament of the palace and hero among the administrators} who reinstates decrees and greatly pleases the heart of his king. This is what Lugal-nesaje, the nuec priest ofEnlil and person who brings laughter to the king, son of {Enlil-alsag} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:)Zuzu} , the scholar of Nibru and your father, says: 10-16. When {your mighty ......} {(the 2 Urim mss. have instead:) my ......} completely crushed me, my heart sank and {thirst and hunger} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:) hunger and thirst} wasted me away. Your status consumes me, your complaints crush me, your majesty oppresses me, your {slander} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:) your storminess} puts an end to me. {After being attentive I have been abandoned} {(the 2 Urim mss. have instead:) Despite being attentive I have been cut off from my position} . {Deceit has emerged from my wisdom and sympathy} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:) Deceit has replaced wisdom and sympathy} . (2 mss. omit line 16) 17-20. {After my becoming sorely afraid, my heart is full of blood and gore. As a result of deep concern, I am in distress.} {(1 Urim ms. has instead:) On my becoming sorely afraid, my heart ...... blood and much gore. As a result of deep concern, I am in distress.} {(the other Urim ms. has instead:) As a result of deep concern, I am in distress. As a result of becoming sorely afraid, my heart is full of blood and gore.} So long as I have not gone to the place where destiny is decided, may your countenance favour me in accordance with the instructions ofEnlil. Letter from Inanaka to the goddess Nintinuga 1-11. Say to Nintinuga, the reliable stewardess of the E-kur, the physician of the Land; repeat to the lady, whose incantation heals the multitude of people, whose spells make the people recover, to {my}{(1 ms. has instead:) the} relenting lady, who loves to revive the people and loves supplications, the merciful and compassionate one who listens to prayers. You are the caretaker of the living and the dead; you are the great healer of all the crippled ones. This is what Inanaka, the daughter of Enlil-a-mah, your maidservant says: 12-18. I have fallen ill {for a second time}{(1 ms. has instead:) twice (?)}, but I do not yet know the divine oracle concerning {my being in agonies}{(1 ms. has instead:) these agonies}. {(1 ms. adds:) .......} My lady, a house has been built for me, but I have to sit there with longing eyes. My valued acquaintances {keep}{(1 ms. has instead:) stay} away from me. I have no one who would take care of me. Since this is full, too full for me, I am distressed. 19-25. If it pleases my lady, {and the asag demon which is in my body leaves my body, and thus}{(some mss. have instead:) may the asag demon which is in my body leave my body, so that} {it (the asag demon) allows me}{(1 ms. has instead:) I can} step again on the {path}{(1 ms. has instead:) ground} of life with my feet. {I will then be your maidservant, the courtyard sweeper of your temple, and will serve you. Furthermore after I have recovered, I will name you, my lady, as "the healer of the crippled"} {(some mss. have instead:) I will then be her maidservant, the courtyard sweeper of her temple, and will serve her. Furthermore after I have recovered, I will name her, my lady, as "the healer of the crippled"}. Letter from Inim-Inana to Enlil-massu 1-2. Say to Enlil-massu what Inim-Inana says: 3-15. They told me everything and I am pleased beyond exaggeration. May the precious protective power of a lifetime; Lugal-cu, Nabi-Enlil and Enlil-alsag, the scholars who precede you; and Ninimma, your own goddess, and Nisaba, the lady of broad wisdom, give wisdom to you. You did not know what was written on the tablet or that the city would be unforthcoming.Lu-gena is sending you two shekels of silver, one garment and two sashes. Accept them. But your mother should not touch the remaining assets. It is urgent. Letter from Inim-Inana to Lugal-ibila 1-2. Say to Lugal-ibila what Inim-Inana says: 3-12. Don't neglect the Sumerian language. For the second time, I am sending you a message in correct language. {(1 ms. adds:) ...... is .......} Don't let the children who sit before you go out from the school. However much anyone misleads you and says "I want to go" on account of his father, until you and I agree on a sign and a messenger comes to you, don't let the children out. {......} {(the ms. which adds l. 4A has instead:) A father entrusts his child's well-being to your ......} . It is urgent. Letter from Gudea to his personal deity 1-2. Speak to my god: this is what Gudea, your servant, says: 3-4. I am like a sheep who has no reliable shepherd; there is no reliable herdsman to lead me on. 5-6. An unintelligent merchant transported me (?) for trading purposes. With a vicious whip he ...... me cruelly like a donkey. 7-9. I am noble (?) but do not utter a word, being vigilantly (?) ....... Seven times ...... has not ...... my accomplishments. Seven times my god (?) has not been able to find out about their extent. 10. My god, I am not one to be hostile. May you show sympathy towards me once again. Letter from the scribe Nanna-mancum to the goddess Ninisina 1-11. Speak to Ninisina, first-born child of holy An, eminent among ladies, ...... of LordNunamnir; who perfects the divine powers of E-kur, ...... of the great mother Ninlil, with notions in her heart which are expressed (?); wife of the great hero, Lord Pabilsaj, youth who has no rival; holy Ninisina, you reapply (?) a dressing to soothe the dark place of sores which no one can understand; mother of the Land, great physician of the black-headed, incantation priestess of the widespread people -- from the namtar demon and ...... which are settled in a man's body and which no one knows how to expel, divine lady of the Egal-mah, with the help of ...... you will make that person well again. ...... to keep a person alive ......, ...... who knows and listens, to my lady: 12-13. This is what Nanna-mancum, the scribe, son of Ilcu-muballit, your servant, says: 14-20. When (?) ...... took care (?), she placed on my (?) ....... The barber ......, the throne-bearer of the gods has given me ....... Nine times she (?) has placed on my head ...... and battle-axe. ...... gathered in Nibru and Isin. They approached me but did not give their ...... for my life. They have applied and created a dressing which does not hold. She (?) made a fattened (?) dove come (?), for my ....... Letter from X to the god Nanna 1-7. Say to Nanna, the firstborn son of Enlil, who loves prayers; repeat to the lord whose light spreads widely, the crown of heaven and earth, the great lord who loves to revive man; the father of the black-headed; the merciful king, who can untie and release; the merciful, compassionate god who listens to appeals: 8-16. You who are perfect in lordship and wear the legitimate headdress, the one with gleaming appearance and noble countenance, holy form endowed lavishly with beauty: your greatness covers all countries. Your fearsome radiance overwhelms the holy sky. Your great awesomeness is imbued with terror. ...... is pre-eminent in the Land. You are indeed glorious from east to west. From the interior of heaven ...... has given you ......, and entrusted you with the heavens. You are the king of heaven and earth; it is you who decide their fate. Letter from Inim-Enlila to a king Segment A 1-7. Say to the king who entreats the gods fervently and, serving the gods, prepares the food offerings; repeat to the one elevated in stature who has the ability to give advice and counsel, the merciful one who makes the Land feel content -- this is what Inim-Enlila the scribe, son ofSuen-palil, your servant, says: 8-10. I do not know my punishment: my punishment has not been considered yet. I am devoured by sorrow at the fate of the captive (?) families. Let my bones not be carried off by water to a foreign city. unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1. 1 line fragmentary may not be part of this composition unknown no. of lines missing Letter from Kug-Nanna to the god Nincubur Segment A 1-13. Say to 1 line missing to the counsellor who constantly cares for ......, the god who distributes the divine powers, who utters pleasing words, who ...... a verdant branch by his head; the linen-clad god of the abzu, the chief administrator, who makes the oracular responses (?) favourable, whose words are pre-eminent; the powerful one (?) at the bow (?) of the boat "Stag of the Abzu", the lord of wide and complete wisdom, the minister who knows An's secrets, with whom no god can compare; the lord of the protective goddesses; him whose great sweet eyes inspire confidence, who provides the Anuna gods, the great gods, with food offerings; the adviser who comes forth from the skies, who is worthy of holy Inana; without whom no lord or king could receive the lofty sceptre -- to Nincubur, the merciful god who listens to prayers and supplications, repeat: this is what Kug-Nanna the incantation priest, the son of Lugal-ka-gena, your servant, says: 14-15. I am ......, I am an ailing old man, I am ...... handcuffs. 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1-4. 1 line fragmentary 1 line unclear ...... foreign plague ...... looked at me contemptuously and insulted me for my doing ....... In the street my friend would not talk to me; he bent his head down. 5-13. If it pleases you, my god, allow me to soothe your angry heart, so that your spirit will be assuaged. May the mackim demon that perpetrates evil be ripped apart, so that he will flee my body. May the asag demon be extirpated from my limbs, so that my dark days will become bright. I cannot bear your heavy punishment any longer; declare that "It is over"! May I, the humble servant, not be destroyed; declare that "It is over"! Like milk ...... your greatness ......, ...... to my home. 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing

The Letters II

Letter from Sin-illat to Iddin-Dagan about confronting the Martu

1-3. Speak to my lord: this is what Sin-illat the general, your servant, says: 4-7. When I moved opposite Kakkulatum, the Martu rose up from their ambush with their weapons (?). When I ......, I captured 70 (?) ...... and brought them into Kakkulatum. 8-11. If my lord arranges for the troops to encamp, let him have them take their tied-up leather sacks. If my lord arranges for the troops not to encamp, {then let them stay put} {(2 mss. have instead:) then let them go}. {May my lord know} {(1 ms. has instead:) This is urgent}! Letter from Iddin-Dagan to Sin-illat about the troops 1-2. Speak to Sin-illat the general: this is what Iddin-Dagan, your lord, says: 3-9. My expeditionary force is able to cross to both banks of the river, inspiring awe and creating a blockade. When you moved opposite Kakkulatum, the protective goddess andDagan and ...... and Enlil, king of the Land, ...... the soldiers. My splendour covers the Land. And as for you, your heroism and strength ....... 1 line fragmentary Kingship (?) ....... 10-19. The troops ....... ...... heavy (?) work (?). You (?) should ...... the recruits (?) of the ...... men who are mounting guard. They should check on your behalf ...... all those entering and leaving. My lord, ....... When you ...... by your treacherous ....... {Do not cut back (?) your troops} {(1 ms. has instead:) their troops ......}. Come quickly! It is urgent! Letter from Nanna-ki-aj to Lipit-Ectar about Gungunum's troops 1-3. Speak to my lord: this is what Nanna-ki-aj the general, your servant, says: 4-6. E-danna has turned against my lord. Atta-mannum has made six hundred troops ofGungunum enter into E-danna. 7-11. I would not allow these troops to enter old Iri-saj-ana. They camped instead in Iri-gibil. {These troops} {(1 ms. has instead:) The troops of Gungunum} have come from the banks of the Id-Amar-Suena watercourse, in order to build ......, to make Dunnum ready (?) and to ....... 12-17. If my lord does not ...... crews of highlanders, bows, arrows, small boats, fishermen ......, their tied-up leather sacks, weapons, ...... and implements, the armaments of battle, then the troops will construct brick structures by the bank of the Id-Amar-Suena watercourse, ...... and dig a ...... canal. 18-19. They should not be neglectful, my lord! It is urgent! Letter from Lipit-Ectar to Nanna-ki-aj about driving away the enemy 1-3. Say to Nanna-ki-aj, the general: this is what Lipit-Ectar, your lord, says: 4-7. Because of {enemy troops} {(1 ms. has instead:) the enemy}, {I, the king, have sent you a letter} {(1 ms. has instead:) I have sent a letter}. Atta-mannum, who pleases his lord, is (?) a better {servant to his lord} {(1 ms. has instead:) man} than you! Why is it that {you have not been avenging your lord, and not keeping me informed} {(1 ms. has instead:) while I (?) have kept the soldiers loyal (?), you have not stationed them among those people}? {(1 ms. adds:) So now you are to station the troops there.} 8-10. Now, {I have sent to you in haste} {(1 ms. has instead:) they have pursued (?)} {2000} {(1 ms. has instead:) 4000} {(1 other ms. has instead:) 3000} soldiers {who are spear-throwers} {( 1 ms. has instead:) who are ...... spear-throwers}, {2000} {(1 ms. has instead:) 4000} soldiers {who are archers} {(1 ms. has instead:) who are ...... archers}, and {2000} {(1 ms. has instead:) 1000} soldiers {who are double-axe wielders} {(1 ms. has instead:) who are ...... double-axe wielders}. 11-17. The enemy has camped down in Iri-gibil. Chase them away from those settlements; do not ....... Guard (?) each city ....... Do not let these cities out of your grasp. Station your people -- it is urgent! Letter from Sin-iddinam to the god Utu 1-5. Say to Utu my lord, the exalted judge of heaven and earth, who cares for the Land, who renders verdicts; just god, who loves to keep man alive, who heeds entreaty, who extends mercy, who knows ...... compassion, who loves justice, who selects honesty, ......: 6-11. Repeat to the bearded one, the son of Ningal, ...... a lapis-lazuli beard, {who opens the bolts of heaven and earth} {(1 ms. has instead:) who opens the bolts}, who creates brightness in darkness; foremost lord who alone is resplendent, whose greatness is unequalled; warrior, son given birth by Ningal, who guards and gathers together the divine powers; just god, prince who determines all the fates, my lord, father of the black-headed: this is what Sin-iddinam, king of Larsam, your servant, says: 12-20. Distress has been caused in your city Larsam, which you have chosen in your heart. The broad squares where days have been passed in merriment {have been reduced to} {(1 ms. has instead:) are left (?) in} silence. Your commendable troops who were assembled have been annihilated (?) like reeds from a reed fence splitting apart. Your young men have been harvested like barley at the due time; they have been picked and have been plucked like ripened fruit (?). The people have been smashed like terracotta figurines; they (?) have perished all together. An evil storm took away the little ones from the laps (?) of their mothers. The people ......; their appearance has been (?) changed. Overwhelming troops have been set loose, ...... the Land ...... like flour. O youthful Utu, like an enemy you stand aside from your city Larsam. 21-29. The mountain land of Elam where there are no dead in great numbers (?) like ......, andSubir, a heavy cloud, which knows no reverence even towards the gods -- these districts have not been weakened; their time has not yet come. {The Cimackian does not elect nugig or lukurpriestesses for the places of the gods} {(1 ms. has instead:) The Cimackian knows neither his god nor those elected nugig and lukur priestesses} {(1 other ms. has instead:) The Cimackian...... neither the nugig nor the nubar priestesses for the places of the gods}. His soldiers are numerous like grass; his seed {is widespread} {(1 ms. has instead:) is indeed exalted}. He who lives in tents, who does not know of the places of the gods: like a wild beast which mounts, he knows nothing of {eca flour nor prayers} {(1 ms. has instead:) flour and the offering of prayers}. The evil namtar demon and the distressing asag demon {have not carried him off (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) do not approach him}. Who ...... a divine oath is committing sacrilege, yet his troops are in good health. 30-33. {For seven years, in my city there has been no battle and combat, and death (?) has not been imminent (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) For five years, in my city we have not been extinguished (?) by battle, not oppressed by death}. In the open country the lion {does not diminish} {(1 ms. has instead:) ......} devouring men. I am {treated} {(1 ms. has instead:) I have been bound (?)} like one who does not know how to entreat a god fervently. I serve the great gods daily with prayers, and my fervent entreaties are sublime. 34-44. O youthful Utu, for that reason look favourably upon your city Larsam! Say "Alas!" for your city! Say "Alas for the sanctuary!" ......! Extend sympathetic compassion to Larsam! Take heed of the causes of distress, and make ...... leave ...... Larsam! Remove ...... and distress from {its midst (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) within Larsam}! ...... the frightful (?) ...... in Larsam, so that ...... may escape the clutches of death. ...... may its seed be great! May ...... sing your praise! 45-46. And as for me, for my reverence give me life! Bestow on me long life as a gift!

The Letters I

Letter from Aradju to Culgi about Apillaca

1-2. Say to my lord: this is what Aradju, your servant, says: 3-8. You instructed me, as I was taking the direct route to Subir, to secure your provincial taxes, to inform myself precisely as to the state of the territory, and to ensure its obedience by taking counsel with (?) Apillaca, the 'Sage of the Assembly', so that he could thus return the people of Subir to their customary way of speaking (?). 9-11. But when I arrived at the palace gate, no one enquired after the well-being of my lord. No one rose from their seat before me, or bowed down. {(1 ms. adds:) They intimidated me.} 12-18. {When I came nearer} {(1 ms. has instead:) ...... carries ......} -- well, your wayside hostel where carding-combs (?) and lances inlaid with gold, silver, cornelian and lapis lazuli have been set up, covers an area of one hectare! Apillaca himself is decked out in {gold and lapis lazuli} {(1 ms. has instead:) lapis lazuli, gold, silver and cornelian}, and he sits on a raised throne furnished with a rich raiment. His feet rest upon a golden footstool. He would not remove his feet in my presence! 19-21. To his right and left he had ...... soldiers (?) stationed, five thousand at each side. He placed at their disposal six fattened oxen and {60} {(1 ms. has instead:) 20} fattened {sheep} {(1 ms. has instead:) rams} for a meal. He assumed the right to perform my lord's lustration rites. 22-25. After a close interrogation at the gate, nobody even bade me enter. When I finally entered, someone brought me a throne with studs plated with red gold and told me: "Sit down!" I replied: "I am here to present the instructions of my king. Therefore I will not sit down!"" 26-28. They brought (?) me {two fattened oxen} {(1 ms. has instead:) one fattened ox} and {20} {(the same ms. has instead:) 6} fattened sheep to my table. Then because, without ......, my lord's soldiers overturned my table, I became frightened and my flesh crept. 29-34. In the month Ezen-Ninazu, after {the 15th day} {(1 ms. has instead:) five days had passed}, my lord gave me his instructions. {By the first day} {(2 mss. have instead:) after one day had passed} of the month U-bigu, I {sent to you} {(1 ms. has instead:) I sent to my lord ......} a messenger. Now it is {midday} {(1 ms. has instead:) mid-month} {(1 other ms. has instead:) the day did not ......}, ...... approached. May my lord know! Letter from Culgi to Aradju about Apillaca 1-2. Say to Aradju: this is what Culgi, your lord, says: 3-5. The man to whom I have sent you is not your subordinate -- he will not {accept} {(1 ms. has instead:) change} orders from your hand! How can you ignore what he himself has done too, and that it is indeed so? 6-15. As I myself ordered, you were to secure the provinces, and to correctly guide the people and {make them obedient} {(2 mss. have instead:) secure the foundations of the provinces}. When you approach the cities of the provinces, inform yourself precisely of their intentions, and inform yourself of the words of their dignitaries. Let my roar {be emitted over all the lands} {(1 ms. has instead:) fill all the lands} {(1 ms. has instead:) cover all the lands}. Let my powerful arm, my heroic arm, fall upon all the lands. Let my storm {cover} {(1 ms. has instead:) be released over} the Land. Make the ...... disappear into the desert, and the robbers into the fields! Until you reach Apillaca, my 'Sage of the Assembly', ......! Let ....... 16-17. That was how I had instructed you. Why have you not acted as I ordered you? 18-26. If I do not make my 'Sage of the Assembly' feel just as important as I am, if he does not sit on a throne on a dais, furnished with a high-quality cloth cover (?), if his feet do not rest on a golden footstool, if he is not allowed by his own highest authority both to appoint and then to remove a governor from his function as governor, an official {from his charge} {(some mss. have instead:) from his function as official} {(1 ms. has instead:) from an official}, if he does not kill or blind anyone, if he does not elevate his favourite over others -- how else can he secure the provinces? 27-28. If you truly love me, you will not bear him a grudge! 29-30. You are important, {but you do not even know your own soldiers} {(1 ms. has instead:) and you even know the soldiers that are at Apillaca's disposal}. Your eyes have learnt something about {these men} {(some mss. have instead:) Apillaca's men}, and about {Apillaca's heroism} {(some mss. have instead:) my heroism}. 31-35. If {you, Aradju, are indeed my servant} {(some mss. have instead:) you, Aradju andApillaca, are indeed my servants}, you should both pay attention (?) to my written communications. Come to an understanding, you two! Secure the foundations of the provinces! It is urgent! Letter from Aradju to Culgi about irrigation work 1-2. Say to my lord: thus says Aradju, your servant: 3-6. My lord, you have given me instructions about every matter, from the sea and the land ofDilmun, {from the salt waters and the borders of the land of the Martu} {(some mss. have instead:) to the salt waters and the borders of the land of the Martu}, {to} {(1 ms. has instead:) from} the {side (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) borders (?)} of Simurrum and {the territory of ......} {(1 ms. has instead:) the territory of Subir}: 7-11. Their various cities and {all their environs} {(1 ms. has instead:) their troops}, their canals, fields, arable tracts and their embankments and ditches, 1 line unclear All the cities are listening to my lord. 1 line unclear 12-14. I have established strong guards for their fortresses, and I have made all their troops submit. 1 line unclear 15-22. I have drained the arable tracts when they were flooded. I have ...... when their embankments were leaky (?). I have ...... their fields and reedbeds. ...... bowing their heads ....... 4 lines fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Letter from Aradju to Culgi about the country Segment A 1-2. Say to my lord: This is what Aradju, your servant, says: 3-7. My lord, the vast territory which has been given to you as booty has been made obedient: it is of one mind. The people, abundant as vegetation, belong to Culgi, shepherd of the reliable word. You are the god of mankind, in the south and the highlands. They keep their gaze fixed on you. 8-15. The widespread people, abundant as vegetation, say: "Hail, my lord!", from the floodingTigris and Euphrates to the Tigris ....... ...... will rise. ...... put aside. ...... I (?) will make. ...... which is esteemed (?). When I have filled (?) ......, 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1-8. 1 line fragmentary ...... which he obtained (?), I am ....... 1 line fragmentary ...... the citizens of the territory of Gutium, ......, Mari and Rapiqum, who will listen at all times, are before me. Whatever you say, my lord, I will do. Letter from Aradju to Culgi about Aba-indasa's missing troops 1-2. Say to my lord: this is what Aradju, your servant, says: 3-4. Aba-indasa, the captain of the royal pledged troops, has sent you ....... May my lord take note most carefully concerning this matter. 5-10. When I had set my sights towards Zimudar, I was levying troops for the expedition, my lord; but when Aba-indasa had inspected the troops, 2000 men of those troops were missing. They were not ......, nor ....... They have ...... the fortress, my lord, they have taken ....... 11-15. ...... offence ....... 2 lines fragmentary Whatever you say, my lord! May my lord know! Letter from Aradju to Culgi about the fortress Igi-hursaja Segment A 1-2. Say to my lord: This is what Aradju, your servant, says: 3-4. My lord, your word is the word of An, it ....... Your decreed destiny has been bestowed on you as on a god. 5-9. As to the fortification which my lord sent me back to, the work on it has been put into effect. The approach of the enemy is kept at a distance from the Land. My lord continues to maintain his sublime reputation in the south and the uplands, from the rising to the setting sun, as far as the borders of the entire Land. {The rebellious (?) Martu have turned back ......} {(an Akkadian gloss has instead:) The totality ......}. 10-12. {Kurgamabi} {(an Akkadian gloss has instead:) Kunci-matum} ...... to Culgi. The fortressIgi-hursaja ....... And who will rival him ......? unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1-3. {......} {(an Akkadian gloss has instead:) The letter of} my lord ....... Whatever ......, my lord, ....... My lord should ......! Letter from Culgi to Aradju about Aba-indasa's letter Version A 1-2. Say to Aradju: This is what your lord Culgi says: 3-9. Because Aba-indasa, the captain of the pledged troops, had sent a letter concerning ......, he (?) indeed insisted on clamping down heavily, when you have borne (?) the offence. Why do they (?) let him rise up from among their troops and make him enter ...... of my guard? Carry (?) it (?), and have your heart bear (?) the offence, ...... the enemy has departed, and then return him to (?) their troops! 10-17. From my own ......, ...... the fortress ....... approx. 2 lines fragmentary I had set up ....... ...... the fortress ......, you knew (?) ....... ...... sending my letter by his hand (?), ...... return him (?) to their troops! 18-22. ...... when you have made good by appointing (?) ......, ...... you ...... ruin ......! ...... was set, it was ...... for you. In a safe place where ...... before you, you should take your seat on a throne. This is urgent! Version B unknown no. of lines missing 1-7. 1 line fragmentary ...... Ur-Namma, my own father, ...... the fortress ....... ...... I have set up for their ....... From ...... the fortress ....... After ...... my letter, return ...... to their troops! 8-10. May ...... not ruin their city! Its pride ...... for their troops. ......, may you ...... on a throne. Letter from Puzur-Culgi to Culgi about the advance of the enemy 1-3. Say to my lord: this is what {Puzur-Culgi} {(1 ms. has instead:) Puzur-Marduk} {(1 other ms. has instead:) Puzur-Numucda}, the commander of the fortress Igi-hursaja, your servant, says: 4-8. All the {gold and silver} {(1 ms. has instead:) gold and lapis lazuli} {(1 other ms. has instead:) silver and gold} that my lord has been fashioning for the {(1 ms. adds:) great} gods -- is it not for his own life? For {the life} {(1 ms. has instead:) the well-being} of the troops and his land, my king has built the great fortress Igi-hursaja for the people of his land, because of the wicked enemy. 9-11. And now the enemy troops have risen up. {One} {(1 ms. has instead:) ......} man who had fled from me has been brought back. Having been caught, he has given me evidence of this, and {went ahead} {(1 ms. has instead:) "...... go!", and I (?) went}. 12-14. I am also well-informed about the oracular signs concerning the enemy: the enemy has replenished his strength for battle. However, my strength is limited. I cannot strengthen the fortress further or {guard it} {(1 ms. has instead:) guard the cities (?)} against him. 15-22. As for the sector (?) of {Cu-Numucda} {(1 ms. has instead:) Cu-Marduk} {(1 other ms. has instead:) Puzur-Numucda}, the ruler of Jirilumtura: five nindan lengths of it are cut off. As for the sector (?) of Lugal-melem, the manager of the {Cegceg watercourse} {(1 ms. has instead:) city of ...... (the correct form of this name is not known)}: {40} {(1 ms. has instead:) 25} {(1 other ms. has instead:) 30} {(1 further ms. has instead:) 45 (?)} nindan lengths of ...... on top of it are no longer fixed. As for the sector (?) of Ka-kugani, the ruler of the territory ofMurub: 45 nindan lengths were destroyed when the opposite side was captured. As for the sector (?) of Takil-ilicu, the {canal inspector} {(1 ms. has instead:) ruler} of the Ab-gal and Me-Enlila watercourses: 50 nindan lengths of the edge have been removed, and in the middle of it they collapsed. 23-25. Moreover it is not {established} {(1 ms. has instead:) stated} {(1 other ms. has instead:) known} when the enemy will pitch camp. {Once the enemy is camped I will replenish my powers} {(1 ms. has instead:) The enemy will replenish his strength for battle}. {( 1 ms. adds:) I will fortify ...... and .......} His troops are camped among the hills. 26-29. If my lord agrees, {may he send to me speedily} {(1 ms. has instead:) ......, let there be available} 7,200 soldiers as workmen who will carry baskets for me. {May he send to me speedily} {(1 ms. has instead:) May there come, at my disposal,} 70 {Cimackian attendants ......} {(1 ms. has instead:) ......} {(1 other ms. has instead:) ......}. 30-31. {The enemy has devised their plans concerning this: "I will resettle them"} {(1 ms. has instead:) The enemy has devised his plans and has resettled the people} {(1 other ms. has instead:) Plans concerning me have been devised: "I will resettle them"}. May it be known that, by night or by day the enemy's sins are forever grave. 32-34. I am the loyal servant of my lord Culgi. {(1 ms. adds:) ...... which is not negligent.} Let this not be the death of me! May my lord know! {(1 ms. adds:) It is urgent!} Letter from Culgi to Puzur-Culgi about the fortress Igi-hursaja Version A Segment A 1-3. Say to Puzur-Culgi, the commander ......: this is what Culgi, your lord, says: 4-8. When I had ...... the fortress Igi-hursaja, and An and Enlil had ...... supreme rule over all the foreign lands and the widespread people, the cities and the Land ......, and the people of the widespread Land lay ....... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Segment B 1. They should mobilise all these cities. 2-6. When the master-builder (?) has taken up the work concerned, he is to re-establish securely any place where the fortification has fallen into ruins. Let him reinforce and also rebuild it. The neglected work load is to be completed within one month; I shall be questioning him about this work. 7-11. ...... the Tidnum have returned (?) from their mountain land. I am therefore setting over you Lu-Nanna, the ruler of the province of Zimudar, together with his troops (?). There is for you ...... together with his ....... There is not for him ....... 1 line fragmentary 13-14. May ...... be sent when (?) ...... is completed. 15-17. Should Lu-Nanna, the ruler of the province of Zimudar, together with his troops, abandon you, then you and Aradju {should not turn aside} {(1 ms. has instead:) should not feel constrained (?)}. 18-21. The orders are rigorous: you should not neglect your work load. They are to proceed with the building work by night and in the heat of noon. You will not be sleeping during the night or in the heat of noon! You should know this! It is urgent! Version B (from Susa) 1-2. Say to Puzur-Numucda: this is what Culgi, your lord, says: 3-7. When I had built the great fortress Igi-hursaja and An and Enlil had given to me the ...... over all the foreign lands and the widespread people, each of their towns and all their provinces, and the people of the widespread Land lay in green meadows. I made them rest (?) in spacious habitations, in peaceful dwelling places. 8-13. As for their men and women: the man among them goes wherever he pleases, and the woman with (?) spindle and hair clasp goes wherever she pleases. After they had set up stock-pens in the vastness of the desert, and established their tents and camps, the workmen and the labourers spend the days in the fields. 14-15. In order that the ruler and the general manager can build everything for you concerning the fortress, carry out this work on the fortress now. The reputation of this fortress shall not be diminished. 16-19. By consulting omens and according to my heart's desire (?) I have benefited (?) the life of the troops and the province ....... Now the troops have arrived. As for the work on this fortress, the men are to proceed with the building work on it. 20-22. Now I have sent Aradju to you. Let the ruler and the general manager bring these men. They are to mobilise all the settlements. 23-27. The master builder (?) has taken up his work. Where substantial work has been neglected, let him return to it. He is to reinforce and rebuild it. He is to complete the fortress within one month. Let him not question this assignment. 28-30. May Lu-Nanna, the ruler of the province of Zimudar, go to join his troops. He certainly has flour provisions (?) with him. He should not be deterred by hardship. 31. When the fortress is completed, a letter from the two of you should reach me (?). 32-36. When you have seen for yourselves, let Lu-Nanna, the ruler of the province of Zimudar, proceed to his troops. You and Aradju should not delay them! Let the building work proceed both by night and by the noonday heat. Your (?) orders are rigorous, and you should not give up this work load. It is urgent! Letter from Culgi to Puzur-Culgi about waterways 1-2. Say to Puzur-Culgi, commander of the fortress Igi-hursaja: this is what Culgi, your lord, says: 3-5. {Where} {(1 ms. has instead:) when} I had built the great fortress Igi-hursaja, the ...... not come out. The ...... cannot drink water, {because of a breach (?) in (?) the Tigris andEuphrates} {(1 ms. has instead:) ...... together with the Euphrates}. 6-9. In order that ...... should lie down, in order that ...... should be absolutely clean, in order that ...... should be put (?) ......, 1 line missing 10-14. I will make ...... change ....... After sending you back ......, I (?) instructed you ....... I (?) have built there (?) ....... They returned (?) ....... 15-16. May ...... be taken up. May he rebuild ....... 17-22. ...... is sending to me ....... I will ask you (?) ....... ...... of Zimudar shall indeed come to you ....... 1 line fragmentary ...... was taken (?). 23-28. ...... be sent. I (?) know very well ....... ...... abandon you (?). Should ...... take ......, you both ....... It is urgent! Letter from Aradju (?) to Culgi about bandits and Apillaca unknown no. of lines missing 1-7. The men (?) started irrigation work (?) on the watercourses, {...... the watercourses ......} {(1 ms. has instead:) and dug and cleaned them out thoroughly}. These bandits and brigands applied their hoes to levelling the desert completely. As for their men and their women {(1 ms. adds:) ...... the road (?) ......}: the man among them goes wherever he pleases, {the woman among them} {(1 ms. has instead:) the woman}, holding a spindle and hair clasp in her hand, {goes (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) ......} {(1 other ms. has instead:) going} the way of her choice. In the vastness of the desert {they set up} {(1 ms. has instead:) they knock up} animal pens, and {after setting up their tents and camps} {(1 ms. has instead:) they lie in (?) green meadows in their (?) tents and camps}, their workers and agricultural labourers spend the day together on the fields. 8-14. I have not neglected the instructions of my lord Culgi: both at night and in the noonday heat I ...... my neck; I ...... the workload (?) concerned. Since his childhood, Apillaca {has ......} {(1 ms. has instead:) has not ......}. A man such as he knows my heart, as your eyes {know} {(1 ms. has instead:) have seen}. My lord, with the open eye of a god, {...... to (?) an evildoer ......} {(1 ms. has instead:) you (?) know the evildoer}. While the great ...... official of all the foreign lands surpasses ......, my lord, you (?) surpass all great things, ...... an equal. 15-20. {The report is returned (?) ......;} {(1 ms. has instead:) Whatever statements have been made ......,} your matter is an important matter, and your affairs are great affairs. His pleasant words are in your heart, ....... They (?) are the people. Your eyes ....... How could I bear a grudge? I am securing the foundations of the province, and making it obedient. My lord, no king can rival you; let your heart be glad! Letter from Ur-DUN to Culgi about Apillaca 1-2. Say to my lord: this is what the merchant Ur-DUN, your servant, says: 3-9. My lord gave me silver and sent me to a distant land in order to purchase cedar resin. After I had entered the land and had purchased cedar resin, Apillaca, the 'Sage of the Assembly', sent men to me and they took away my goods. 10-16. When I arrived at his palace gate, no one enquired about my business. Aradju, your servant, and Babati, the archivist, had gone from Zimudar to Simurrum and had learnt ...... and their messengers ....... 17-18. ...... of my lord ....... Being in a weak (?) position, I was not able to ...... their illegal seizure. 19-20. He has given you a report, lord. Whatever you say, my lord! Letter from Culgi (?) to Aradju about troops 1-2. To Aradju ......: ...... Culgi (?) ......: 3-8. 2 lines fragmentary As regards your concern ....... May ....... For their troops ...... not ....... 1 line fragmentary Their troops ....... Letter from Culgi to Icbi-Erra about the purchase of grain 1-2. Say to Icbi-Erra: this is what Culgi, your lord, says: 3-5. You have made me so happy with the news and everything. Who could give me a house-born slave such as you are? Who has such a capable man, so beneficial to his lord? 6-7. Now, no sign can confirm (?) anything of what I have been sending to you, but I have sent it to you anyway (?). 8-11. I had Babati, the archivist -- who is to me a grandfather, an advisor of longstanding, who knows how to give advice -- send you 600 talents of silver and 600 talents of gold, which I had delivered (?) to you because (?) of the taking of ...... from my troops. 12-14. I have also sent you intelligence information (?) about the troops. Pass it on to Babati, and do whatever he wishes, lest his heart suddenly turns to hatred! 15-17. You are to receive the gold and silver from him, and purchase grain everywhere according to (?) whatever exchange rate they will take from you. May your ...... nothing at all. 18-19. From today (?), you are my son who makes me happy. The cities of (?) the province (?), the land of the Martu, Elam -- all of them I have placed before you: you are just as important as I am. 20-22. So sit before them on a throne on a golden dais ......! Let their messengers prostrate themselves in front of you! May your ...... at its rear; do not ...... at all! 23-27. Remove (?) a governor -- appoint a governor! Appoint a commander! Designate a captain-general! Certainly you should put a man to death, a man who has killed: blind the man who has killed! Build your house of manhood (?) for an attendant who has been favourably looked upon (?)! Make sure your recompense is great! 28-29. Now, you should not suddenly alter your word (?) about all that I have been sending to you. Letter from Carrum-bani to Cu-Suen about keeping the Martu at bay 1-2. Say to Cu-Suen, my lord: this is what Carrum-bani, the 'Sage of the Assembly', your servant, says: 3-8. You sent me a message ordering me to work on the construction of the great fortificationMuriq-Tidnim. {You presented yourself before me} {(1 ms. has instead:) A messenger presented himself before me}, announcing: "The Martu have invaded the land." {You instructed me} {(1 ms. has instead:) You have imposed on me as a task (?)} to build the fortification, so as to cut off their route; also, that no breaches of the Tigris or the Euphratesshould cover the fields with water. 9-11. When I was setting out, their ...... from the bank of the Ab-gal watercourse to the province of Zimudar. 12-16. When I was constructing this fortification to the length of 26 danna, and had reached the area between the two mountain ranges, I was informed of the Martu camping within the mountain ranges because (?) of my building work. Simurrum had come to their assistance. So I set off to the area between the mountain ranges of Ebih in order to engage in military action. 17-18. But as far as I can say, I have not seen (?) troops carrying baskets. In order to engage in military action, I went (?) to their ....... 19-21. If my lord agrees, may he provide me with additional workmen and set the wages (?) for me. ...... did not succeed ...... tribute of the provinces (?). 22-26. I sent a messenger to the province of Murub: the attitude (?) of the province has altered. I will not neglect to build the fortification -- in fact I am building and engaging in military action at the same time. After all, as 'Sage of the Assembly' I descend (?) from a great lineage! I have been advised that the attitude (?) of the province has not altered. 27-30. At the time I sent my messenger to you, I sent another messenger, after him, to {Lu-Nanna} {(1 ms. has instead:) Lu-Enki}, the ruler of the province of Zimudar. He has sent you 7200 workers. 31-33. Basket men are available; however, men fit to engage in military action are limited. If my lord should arrange the dismissal of the workers ready to work, let me pursue military action together with them, when I have removed (?) them. 34-38. The dignitaries of your provinces are sending a man to them. They have presented themselves before me, announcing: "As far as we are concerned, we are unable to guard all the cities. But how exactly will any troops be given to you?" My messenger has been sent to them (?). 39-43. Once my lord has given me instructions, I will repeatedly return to (?) work at nightfall and at midnight, as well as engaging in military action. I stand at the disposal of the fame and word of my lord, and so I (?) will bring weapons to bear. No strength has yet been displayed (?), nor any firmness shown (?) by means of weapons. Let the storm cover (?) all the lands! May my lord know! Letter from Cu-Suen to Carrum-bani about digging a trench 1-2. Say to Carrum-bani: this is what Cu-Suen, your lord, says: 3-6. The messenger whom you have sent to me ....... ...... you do not exceed ...... my instructions, as I ordered you. 1 line unclear As for myself, whatever you say to me ....... 7-14. When you went into the province -- who but you (?) has approached the province? Spending the night ....... When their dignitaries have ...... their words, if ...... 1 line unclear Their dignitaries should stand by you in (?) their quarters. When their ...... have been cast away, they themselves ...... the province. 15-20. If ...... officials should pass by (?), 1 line unclear By (?) placing the enemy, their cities, their borders ......, until {they come down} {(1 ms. has instead:) they come out from their fortress}, they must not overturn it! 21-22. When their men had killed, {their women} {(1 ms. has instead:) their soldiers} passed (?) through your cities of the province; it was not ....... 23-24. That was how I instructed you. Why did you not act as I ordered you? 25-27. You were not empowered to kill anyone, to blind (?) people or to destroy cities; but I gave you authority to do so. 28-30. When my father Culgi built the fortress ......, it was not you people who were involved -- and my throne is not the throne of Culgi! 31-34. Concerning Lu-Enki, the ruler of the province of Zimudar, he should come to you, and should bring with him 60 troops. Let them be sent together with ....... 35-36. ......, the archivist, made ...... limited (?). According to the instructions that have been given to him, he should build that fortress. 37-38. And as for you, with the soldiers who are under your authority, get the trench dug! 39-42. So as not to change the attitude of the province, you people are not to release the workers while the land has not yet been secured. 43-45. Let messengers bring me news about those eastern provinces. This is urgent! Letter from Icbi-Erra to Ibbi-Suen about the purchase of grain 1-2. Say to Ibbi-Suen, my lord: this is what Icbi-Erra, your servant, says: 3-6. You ordered me to travel to Isin and Kazallu to purchase grain. With grain reaching the exchange rate of one shekel of silver per gur, 20 talents of silver have been invested for {the purchase} {(2 mss. have instead:) ......} of grain. 7-12. I heard news that the hostile Martu have entered inside your territories. {I entered with 72,000 gur of grain} {(1 ms. has instead:) 72,000 gur of grain was brought} -- the entire amount of grain -- inside Isin. Now I have let the Martu, all of them, penetrate inside the Land, and one by one I have seized all the fortifications therein. Because of the Martu, {I am unable to hand over} {(2 mss. have instead:) I am unable to make ......} this grain for threshing. They are stronger than me, while I am condemned to sitting around. 13-16. Let my lord repair 600 {barges} {(2 mss. have instead:) boats} of 120 gur draught each; 72 solid boats, 20 ......, 30 ......, placing (?) 50 ...... and 60 (?) boat doors on the boats (?), may he also ...... all the boats. 17-21. {Let them bring it up} {(1 ms. has instead:) May he make them go out} by water, along the Kura and the Palictum watercourses, to the grain heaps (?) that are spread out. And I myself intend to {go (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) come out} and meet them (?). The place there where the boats moor will be under my responsibility. Let them load up huge amounts of grain (?), the entire amount of grain; it should reach (?) you. 22-23. If you have not got enough grain, I myself shall have grain brought in to you. 24-28. My lord has become distressed about the battles in Elam. But the Elamites' grain rations have quickly been exhausted, so do not slacken your forces! Do not fall head first into their slavery, nor follow at their heels! 29-30. I have at my disposal enough grain to meet the needs of your palace and of {all the cities} {(1 ms. has instead:) all your cities} for 15 years. 31-33. {That I should guard for you} {(2 mss. have instead:) To guard} {(1 ms. adds:) the city of} Isin, and Nibru: {let it be my responsibility.} {(1 ms. has instead:) my lord, is this my responsibility?} My lord should know this! (end of shorter version) 34-37. My lord, I am without fear! I will not delay (?); I will not ...... in their midst. Each one ofIsin's and Nibru's gods may search there for faces (?); I have indeed looked for them. Their widespread people, their population ......, huge ......, are indeed healthy; the true seed is {indeed great there} {(1 ms. has instead:) precious}. 38-41. Urim, your holy city, rivalling heaven and earth, whose great prince you are ......, of which the appearance is precious, which dispenses the divine powers and makes the foundations (?) and the plans firm both in the south and in the uplands, will surely escape from the grasp and will cry ....... 42-45. Elam, a raging dog, a destroyer, will not defile E-kic-nu-jal, the sanctuary which covers heaven and earth, which has no ....... Its protective spirits shall not be split apart! My lord: the loudest roarer (?), the runner, has taken flight (?)! 46-51. May An, Enlil and Enki, who have loved Ibbi-Suen from the womb, look upon him approvingly. ...... is indeed placed there; they have changed (?) their appearance. With the ...... and (?) the city-gates of Urim opening, they cry "Aee!" If ...... says, "Who is my lord?" -- You are the king to whom Enlil has given ...... no rival! 52-55. Your heart should not fret over this, ......! For ...... has avenged (?) ......; he has made its foundations firm for you. Let your heart be glad over ...... and (?) its seed. As long as my lord is alive, he will exercise kingship over Urim. 56-58. Do not suddenly reject anything that is sent as a message (?) to my lord! Before Utu, I will not change my word (?). Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Icbi-Erra about his bad conduct 1-2. Say to Icbi-Erra: this is what your lord (?), Ibbi-Suen, says: 3-10. As long as Enlil was my lord (?), what course were you following? And is this how you alter your word? Today Enlil detests me, he detests his son Suen (the principal deity of Urim) , and is handing Urim over to the enemy. Its central part (?) is gone, the enemy has risen up, and all the lands are thrown into disarray. But on the day when Enlil turns again towards his son Suen, you and your word will be marked out! 11-13. You have received 20 talents of silver to purchase grain. You purchase it at the price of one shekel of silver per 2 gur of grain, but in dealing with me, you fix the price at one shekel of silver per 1 gur of grain! 14-18. How could you allow Puzur-Numucda, the commander of the fortress Igi-hursaja, to let the hostile Martu penetrate into my Land? Until now (?) he has not (?) sent to you word (?) about engaging in battle. There are puny men in the Land! Why has he not (?) faced theMartu? Letter from Puzur-Culgi to Ibbi-Suen about Icbi-Erra's claim on Isin 1-3. Say to Ibbi-Suen, my lord: this is what Puzur-Culgi, the governor of Kazallu, your servant, says: 4-6. A messenger of Icbi-Erra came to me. He presented himself before me announcing: "Icbi-Erra, my lord, sends you a message:" 7-14. " "Enlil, my lord, has ...... the shepherdship of the land. Enlil has told me to bring beforeNinisina the cities, deities and troops of the region of the Tigris, Euphrates, Ab-gal and Me-Enlila watercourses, from the province of Hamazi {to the sea of Magan} {(1 ms. has instead:) and from the ...... of Magan}, so as to make Isin the storehouse of Enlil, to make it famous, and {to make those regions its spoils of war and to make Isin's citizens occupy their cities} {(1 ms. has instead:) to make Isin's citizens occupy the cities as spoils of war.}"" 15-17. " "Why do you oppose (?) me? {I swear by the name of my lord Enlil and by Dagan, my personal god} {(2 mss. have instead:) I swear by the name of Dagan, my personal god}, that I will indeed get hold of Kazallu!"" 18-25. " "The cities and the province which Enlil has promised me {I want to build up} {(1 ms. has instead:) I want to place} within Isin in their ....... I want to perform at their ecec festivals. I want to install my statues, my emblems, my en priests {(2 mss. add:) and lumah priests} andnindijir priestesses in their jipar shrines. Before Enlil, within the E-kur, before Nanna, within theE-kic-nu-jal, the ...... shall speak their prayers."" 26-29. " "And as for you, {I want to remove} {(2 mss. have instead:) ...... eradicate} from within his country the man in whom you placed your trust! I want to rebuild the fortification of Isin and name it Idil-pacunu!"" 30-32. Just as he said he would, he has rebuilt the fortification of Isin and named it Idil-pacunu. 33-34. He has captured Nibru and installed {his garrison} {(1 ms. has instead:) set guards} there. Also he has captured Nijdugani, the chief administrator {of Nibru} {(1 ms. has instead:) at Nibru}. 35-36. He {has imprisoned} {(1 ms. has instead:) made a prisoner of} Zinnum, the governor {ofSubir} {(1 ms. has instead:) of Kic}. He has plundered Hamazi. 37-42. He has made {Nur-ahi} {(2 mss. have instead:) Nur-Ea}, the governor of Ecnunna, Cu-Enlil, the governor of Kic, and {Puzur-Tutu} {(1 ms. has instead:) Puzur-Marduk}, the governor of Bad-ziaba, return to their posts. At his cry of victory the land ...... is covered (?) like a .......Icbi-Erra is constantly at the head of (?) his soldiers! 43-48. Just as he said he would, he has captured the regions of the Tigris, Euphrates, Ab-galand Me-Enlila watercourses. He has made Iddin enter Malgium (?). {Opposing} {(1 ms. has instead:) hating} Girbubu, the governor of Jirikal, he {cut off his strap} {(2 mss. have instead:) he removed his barley stores (?)} and captured him. {His cry of victory lies heavily upon us (?)} {(1 ms. has instead:) ...... he named ......}. 49-53. Now Icbi-Erra is looking in my direction. I have no ally, nobody with whom I can align myself. Since he has not yet been able to get me in his grasp, let me come to you when he falls upon me. My lord should know this! Letter from Ibbi-Suen to Puzur-Culgi hoping for Icbi-Erra's downfall Version A 1-3. Say to {Puzur-Culgi} {(2 mss. have instead:) Puzur-Numucda}, the governor of Kazallu: this is what Ibbi-Suen, your lord, says: 4-5. When I had chosen for you ...... from among the troops, they were at your disposal, as governor of Kazallu. But as in my own case, are not {your troops} {(1 ms. has instead:) your people} proof (?) of your importance? 6-9. Why have you sent me somebody saying: "Icbi-Erra has got his eyes upon me -- so let me come to you when he falls upon me"? 10-14. How come you did not know how long it would take to make Icbi-Erra return to the mountain lands? Why have you and Girbubu, the governor of Jirikal, not confronted him with the troops which you had at hand? How could you allow (?) him to restore (?) ......? 15-19. Today (?) Enlil loathes Sumer and has elevated to the shepherdship of the Land an ape which has {descended} {(2 mss. have instead:) come forth} from those mountain lands. {Now Enlil has given kingship to a dishonest man, {a seller of} {(1 ms. has instead:) who values} asafoetida} {(1 ms. has instead:) At this moment Enlil ...... to somebody who sells asafoetida, a peripatetic criminal} -- to Icbi-Erra, who is not of Sumerian origin. 20-24. See, the assembly where the gods are and Sumer itself have been dispersed! FatherEnlil, whose words prevail (?), said: "Until the enemy has been expelled (?) from Urim, Icbi-Erra, the man from Mari, will tear out Urim's foundations. He will indeed measure out Sumerlike grain." He has spoken just so. 25-28. Even though you were installed as governors of the various ...... the others will defect toIcbi-Erra, in accordance with Enlil's word. Should you hand over your city to the enemy like your companions, {Icbi-Erra will not recognise you as his faithful and agreeable servant.} {(1 ms. has instead:) will Icbi-Erra recognise you as his faithful and agreeable servant?} 29-34. May it now be brought about (?) that good words should be restored and treason extinguished. Let Icbi-Erra (?) participate in the harvest among the people there; but you yourself, {do not turn back} {(1 ms. has instead:) do not harvest}, and do not come to me! His grasp should not get hold of the city! This man from Mari, with the understanding of a dog, should not exercise lordship! 35-38. {Now Enlil, my helper, has made the Martu rise from their mountain lands} {(1 ms. has instead:) Now Enlil has ...... the Tidnum as ...... from their mountain lands}. They will repelElam and seize Icbi-Erra. To regain the Land will indeed make our might known in all the foreign lands. It is urgent! {Do not be neglectful} {(1 ms. has instead:) Do not all give up}! Version B unknown no. of lines missing 1-4. ...... sent ......: 1 line missing ...... come (?). ...... they stood ....... 5-8. How come you did not know ...... to make ...... return to the mountain lands? ...... of Jirikal, they had ......, they have not confronted him. How could you allow him (?) to ......? 9-13. ...... detests ....... After (?) he has elevated ...... to the shepherdship of the Land. ...... has given kingship to ...... asafoetida ......, who is ....... 14-19. After ...... has been dispersed, 3 lines missing Enlil spoke thus: "...... will ......." 20-23. 1 line fragmentary He (?) will defect to Icbi-Erra ....... So long as ...... has indeed not been handed over to (?) the enemy, will Icbi-Erra himself (?) recognise ......? 24-35. You ....... ...... he (?) destroyed (?) for you. 1 line fragmentary ...... he (?) overturns (?) there. ...... returning (?) ....... ...... in my having ....... I (?) had in mind ....... ...... was set there in prosperity. ...... is supreme over ......, after I (?) have made ...... there. I will seize him with my own hands ....... 1 line fragmentary unknown no. of lines missing Letter from Aba-indasa to Culgi about his neglect 1-8. Say to my lord, and repeat to my kid of the mountains, with beautiful horns; to my horse of the mountains, with an eagle's claws; my date-palm, growing on untouched ground and with fresh (?) dates hanging from it: this is what the captain of pledged {troops} {(2 mss. have instead:) soldiers}, Aba-indasa -- who, by means of prayers for his king, greatly pleases his king's heart -- your servant, says: 9-10. You are mighty, {my lord; I will follow you} {(1 ms. has instead:) let me be your soldier}! {Let me be the courier of your business} {(1 ms. has instead:) I will stand (?) before him attentively}! 11-13. When a boat is available, I will steer (?) with the rudder; {when water is available} {(1 ms. has instead:) when a father is available}, I will plunge in; {(2 mss. add:) when a son is available, I will thresh (?);} {(1 ms. adds:) ...... I will make ...... shiny;} when wind is available, {I will winnow} {(1 ms. has instead:) I will ......}. 14-15. I am a scribe and I write on stelae. {(2 ms. add:) ...... business concerning the troops.} I will ...... business which has been neglected in the assembly, when it ....... {(1 ms. adds:) ...... business which makes good ...... equal.} 16-19. But like a tree planted in riverine thickets, I am bowed down in dirt. They have bound a rope around my hands, on my chair where they have tied me. In my city, where I would wear clean clothes, I am clothed instead in mourning dress. When I wash away clods of soil, dust still gets into my eyes. 20-23. Dogs devour corpses, lifting their chests. When dragons kill, what is left from their mouths is put aside. Fire consumes reedbeds even though they have waterways. Utu, who eats butter, who eats cream, nevertheless touches the table of the poor. {(1 ms. adds:) Grant me my life and hold my hands! I am a son of a widow, and I have no one to take care of me.} 24. As for me, when will the heart of Culgi, my lord, be restored to me? {(1 ms. adds:) May my lord attend to me and restore me to my mother.}