The Aramaic Archive of a Jewish Garrison in Persian Egypt, c. 495–399 BCE, with the Words of Ahikar, Newly Translated from the Aramaic · First Edition (2026)
Date| 2 Epiph, year 27 of King Darius
1| On day 2 of the month Epiph, year 27 of King Darius, said Salluah daughter of
2| Qeniah, and Yethomah her sister, to Yehoor daughter of Shelomam: We have given you half
3| of the sh[ar]e that the king's judges and Ravaka the garrison commander gave us, in exchange for half of the share that
4| fell to you together with Naʾhebeth. {Tomorrow} or another day we will not be able to bring suit against you over that share of yours
5| [and] {sa}[y]: 'We did not give it to you.' No brother or sister, son or daughter, near
6| or far, shall sue you; and whoever sues you over that share of yours which we have given you shall pay you
7| silver, 5 karsh, and the share is still yours.
8| The witnesses:
9| [Ho]shea son of {Hodaviah}
10| Shelomam son of {Az}ar[iah]
11| Zephaniah son of Makki
Date| 28 Paophi, year 2 of King Xerxes
1| On the 28th of the month Paophi, year 2 of Xerxes the [ki]n[g, in Elephantine the fortress, said Hoshea
2| son of Hodaviah and Ahiab son of Gemariah to Es[pemet son of Peftuauneith the boatman
3| of] Hanani the carpenter, saying: You have given into our hands bar[ley
4| 8 (the first 3 doubtful), and lentils, 11 ardabs; for {b}[arle]y, ardabs [44
5| total of barley and lentils mixed, ardabs 54 (doubtful) [+ 1
6| {sh.} 10 (doubtful) {of} [me]n of the century of Bethel-taqum, 11; {to}[tal 5 ardabs as rations
7| men 2, to each man 1: barley, ardabs 2; g. 2 (doubtful) {m}[en 11
8| of] the century of Nabushalu, men 2, for barley ardabs [5
9| and our heart is satisfied with it. We will carry [this] grain [that you gave into our hands
10| to this garr]ison of the century of Bethel-taqum and of the {c}[entury of Nabushalu, who
11| are written in this document. We will render ac{c}[ount before the chief of the century and the officials
12| of the king's house, and before the scribes of the treasury they shall gi[ve the grain that you gave
13| into our hands to carry to these men who are written [above. And if we do not hand over all the grain that
14| is yours in full count at the king's house and before the scribes of the tr[easury,
15| we shall owe you silver, 100 karsh, silver {p}[ure
16| of the god. And you have power over the rations that are from the king's house [and over a house of bricks and all that
17| is ours; you have power to seize, until you are paid in full in grain [that is written above, and no suit.
18| Hoshea wrote at the dictation of Ahiab.
19| Witnesses: Kia son of Askishu; Nushku-idri son of {N}[abun
20| Dukkal son of Abihu; Shuri son of Kaddu; Atar-idri son of […]
21| A{s}odat son of Jehonathan; Shabbethai son of Nabda.
22| (Endorsement) [The document that] Hoshea and A[hiab] wrote for Espe[met
Date| 28 of [the month …]
1| On the 28th of [the month
2| so[n of Ho]daviah and Ah[iab
3| hold[ing property in Elephantine], to Espe[met
4| into our hands barley […]
5| lentils, ardabs 20 […]
6| all the [barle]{y} and lentil[s
7| for men, [1] + 5 (doubtful). […]
8| lentils, ardab 1 (doubtful) […]
9| th[is] grai[n], Syene […]
10| in th[is] docu[ment], and y. […]
11| the century and the officials […]
12| the grain that you gave […]
13| in full count [at the ho]use of the ki[ng
14| that you gave into [our] hand[s
15| that is {not} {ours} […]
16| trea[sury
17| of the god, silver … […]
18| and a house of bricks and […]
19| to me; [and you have pow]er to s[eize
20| that is written above, and […]
21| H[oshea] wrote at the dictation of A[…]
22| Witnesses: Shuri son of [Kaddu
23| Nushku-id[r]i son of {N}abun[…
24| Bagada[t son of] {A}smashad[…]
1| (Obverse) …] they did for me {n}[…]
2| …]-shin, and also to […]
3| …] is it true? Also […]
4| …] which {I desired}, within it
5| (Reverse) [we fo]und barley […]
6| …] here; now […]
7| …] Espemet, h-l[…]
8| …]-lin, from what n-{w}. […]
Date| 18 Elul, that is day 28 of Pahons, year 15 of King Xerxes
1| On the 18th of Elul, which is day 28 of Pahons, in year 15 of Xerxes the king, said
2| Konaiah son of Zadok, an Aramean of Syene, of the detachment of Varizath, to Mahseiah son of Yendiah, an Aramean of Syene,
3| of the detachment of Varizath, saying: I came to you, and you gave me your house's gateway, for building
4| 1 wall there. That wall is yours; it is the one that adjoins my house at its upper corner.
5| That wall shall cling to my house's side, from the ground upward to the top, from the upper corner of my house up to the house of Zechariah.
6| Tomorrow or another day I shall not be able to prevent you from building on that wall of yours.
7| If I prevent you, I will pay you silver, 5 karsh by the royal weights, pure silver, and that wall
8| is yours all the same. And if Konaiah dies tomorrow or another day, no son and no daughter, no brother and no sister,
9| near or far, member of a detachment or of a town, shall prevent Mahseiah or a son of his from building on
10| that wall of his. Whoever of them prevents him shall pay him the silver written above, and the wall
11| is yours all the same, and you have power to build on it up to the top. And I, Konaiah, shall not be able
12| to say to Mahseiah: 'That gateway does not belong to you, and you are not to go out into the street that is
13| between us and the house of Peftuauneith the boatman.' If I prevent you, I will pay you the silver written above.
14| And you have power to open that gateway and to go out into the street that is between us.
15| Peletiah son of Ahio wrote this document as dictated by Konaiah. The witnesses hereto:
16| Witness: Mahseh son of Jeshaiah. Witness: Shatibarzan son of {A}tarli.
17| Witness: Shemaiah son of Hoshea. Witness: {Fratafran} son of Artafran.
18| Witness: Bagadat son of Nabukudurri. Nabuli son of Darga.
19| Witness: Bantarish son of {Rahmara}. Witness: Shallum son of Hoshaiah.
20| (Endorsement) Document of the wall that was built, which Konaiah wrote for Mahseiah.
Date| 18 Kislev, that is day 7 (partly restored) of Thoth, year 21, the beginning of the reign when King Artaxerxes sat on his throne
1| On the 18th of Kislev, that is d[ay] 7 (partly restored) of Thoth, year 21, the start of the reign, when
2| Artaxerxes the king being seated on his throne, said Dargman son of Harshin, a Khwarazmian whose domicile
3| is in Elephantine the fortress, attached to the detachment of Artabanu, to Mahseiah son of Jedaniah, a Jew who is in the fortress of Elephantine,
4| of the detachment of Varizath, saying: You sw[or]e to me by Yahu the god in Elephantine the fortress, you and your wife
5| and your son, all 3, concerning my land, about which I brought complaint against you before
6| Damidata and his fellow judges; and they laid on you an oath for me, to be sworn by Yahu about that land,
7| that it was not land of Dargman's, mine. See, as for me: see also the boundaries of that land
8| about which you swore to me: my house, ⸢mine,⸣ Dargman's, is east of i[t], and the house of Konaiah son of Zadok,
9| a Jew of the detachment of Atrofarna, is west of it, and the house of [Jeza]niah son of Uriah,
10| a Jew of the detachment of Varizath, is below it, and the house of Espemet son of Peftuauneith,
11| boatman of the rough waters, is above it. You swore to me by Yahu and satisfied
12| my heart concerning that land. I shall not be able to bring suit or action against you, I or a son or a daughter of mine,
13| ⸢a brother or a sister of mine, near or far⸣ of mine, concerning that land, against you or a son or a daughter of yours, a brother or a sister of yours, near or far.
14| Whoever sues you in my name ⸢concerning⸣ that land shall pay you silver, 20 karsh, that is twenty, by the
15| royal weights, silver at 2 r. per ten, and the land remains yours all the same, and you are clear of
16| any suit that they may bring against you concerning that land. Ithan son of Abah penned
17| this document at Syene the fortress, as Dargman dictated. Witness: Hoshea son of Petekhnum. Witness:
18| Gaddul son of Igdal. Witness: Gemariah son of Ahio. Meshullam son of Hoshea.
19| Sinkashid son of Nabusumiskun. Witness: Hadadnuri the Babylonian.
20| Witness: Gedaliah son of Ananiah.
21| Witness: Ariyaisha son of Arvastamar.
22| (Endorsement) Deed of renunciation that [Dargman] son of Harshin wrote for Mahseiah.
Date| 18 Paophi, year 4 of King Artaxerxes
1| On the 18th of Paophi, year 4 of Artaxerxes the kin[g], in Elephantine
2| the fortress, said Malchiah son of Jashobiah, an Aramean holding property in Elephantine
3| the fo[rtress, of the de]tachment of Nabukud[urri, to Fra]tafran [son of Artaf]ran of the detach[ment of
4| Nabu[kudurri, sa]ying: [Y]ou ca[lled against me] at Nepha, [{that} you ent]ered [my house
5| by force, and struck my wife, and took goods out of my house by force,
6| and took them for [your]self. {You made} an inqui[ry], and an invocation of the gods
7| fell to me in the suit. I, Malchiah, will call to you by Herem-Bethel
8| the god, among 4 [av]engers, sa[ying]: By force I did [not] enter your house,
9| and [your] wife I did not strike, and goods from your house by f[orc]e I did not take.
10| And if [I] have called to you among these [a]{v}engers, [I can] also {ca}[ll
Date| 21 Kislev, that is day 1 of Mesore, year 6 of King Artaxerxes
1| On the 21st of Kislev, that is day 1 of Mesore, year 6 of King Artaxerxes, said Mahseiah
2| son of Jedaniah, a Je[w] holding property in Elephantine the fortress, in the detachment of {Haumadata}, to the woman Mibtahiah
3| his daughter, saying: I have given you, in my lifetime and at my death, land for 1 {house}, which is mine. Its
4| measurements: its length from below to above, 13 cubits and 1 handbreadth; its width from east
5| to west, 11 cubits according to the {measuring-rod}. Its boundaries: above it, the house of Dargman son of Harshin
6| adjoins it; below it, the house of Konaiah son of Zadok; to its east, the house of Jezan son of
7| Uriah your husband, and the house belonging to Zechariah son of Nathan; to its west, the house of Espemet son of Peftuauneith,
8| boatman of the rough waters. That house-land I have given to you in my lifetime and at my death.
9| You have power over it from this day and forever, and your children after you; to whomever
10| you love you may give it. {There is} for me none other — no son or daughter, no brother or sister, and no woman
11| or other man who has power over that land except you and your children forever. Whoever
12| brings suit or process against you, you or a son or daughter of yours or a man of yours, in the name of that land
13| which I have given you, and complains against you to a prefect or a judge, shall pay you and your children
14| silver, 10 karsh, that is ten, by the royal weights, silver at 2 r. to the ten, without suit or process,
15| and the house is your house all the same, and your children's after you. And they will not be able to produce against you
16| a new or old document in my name concerning that land, to give it to another man. That document
17| which they produce against you shall be false; I did not write it, and it shall not be accepted in court
18| while this document is in your hand. And moreover I, Mahseiah, tomorrow or another day shall not take it back
19| from you to give to others. That land is yours; build, and give it to whomever you love.
20| If tomorrow or another day I bring suit or action against you and declare: 'I did not give it to you,'
21| I will pay you silver, 10 karsh by the royal weights, silver at 2 r. to the ten, without suit
22| or process, and the house is your house all the same; and if I go to court I shall not win. And this document is in your hand.
23| Moreover, there is 1 deed of renunciation which Dargman son of Harshin the Khwarazmian wrote for me concerning
24| that land, when he brought suit about it before the judges; and I bore an oath for him, and to him I swore
25| that it belonged to me; and he wrote a deed of renunciation and gave it to me. That document I have given to you;
26| you keep it. If tomorrow or another day Dargman or a son of his brings suit
27| concerning that house, produce that document, and on the basis of it {contend} at law with him. Atarshuri
28| son of Nabuzeraban wrote this document at Syene the fortress, as Mahseiah dictated. The witnesses hereto:
29| Witness: Gemariah son of Mahseiah. Witness: Zechariah son of Nathan.
30| Witness: Hoshea son of Pelaliah. Witness: Zechariah son of Meshullam. Witness: Maaziah son of
31| Malchiah. Witness: Shemaiah son of Jedaniah. Witness: Jedaniah son of Mahseiah.
32| Witness: Nathan son of Ananiah. Zaccur son of Zephaniah.
33| Witness: Hoshea son of Reuiah. Witness: Mahseh son of Jeshaiah.
34| Witness: Hoshea son of Igdal.
35| (Endorsement) Document of a ho[use, 1, which was given] by Mahseiah son of Jedan[iah
36| (Endorsement) to Mibtah daughter of Mahseiah
Date| [21] [Kis]le[v, that is day 1] of [Meso]re, year 6 of King Artaxerxes
1| On [the 21st] of [Kis]le[v, that is day 1] of [Meso]re, year 6 of King Artaxerxes, said Mahseiah
2| son of Jedaniah, a J[ew of] {E}lephantine, of the detachment of Haumadata, to Jezaniah son of Uriah of the same detachment,
3| saying: There is land for 1 house of mine, west of your house, which I gave to Mibtahiah
4| my daughter, your wife, and I wrote a document for her concerning it. The measurements of that house: 13 cubits and a handbreadth
5| by 11, according to the measuring-rod. Now I, Mahseiah, tell you: Build on that land and fit it out,
6| and dwell in it with your wife. But that house you do not have power to sell or to give
7| as a gift to others; but your children from Mibtahiah my daughter, they have power over it
8| after you. If tomorrow or another day you build on that land, and then my daughter hates you
9| and goes out from you, she shall not have power to take it or to give it to others; rather, your children by
10| Mibtahiah, they hold power over it, in exchange for the work that you have done. If she takes it back
11| from you, half of the house [shall be] for {her} to take, and over the oth[er] half you have power, in return for
12| the building work that you have built in that house. And again, that half: your children by Mibtahiah,
13| they have power over it after you. If tomorrow or another day I bring suit or process against you
14| and say: 'I did not give you that land to build on, and I did not write you this document,' I
15| will pay you silver, 10 karsh by the royal weights, silver at 2 r. to the ten, without suit or process.
16| Atarshuri son of Nabuzeraban wrote this document in Syene the fortress, as Mahseiah dictated. The witnesses
17| hereto: Witness: Hoshea son of Pelaliah. Witness: Zechariah son of Nathan.
18| Witness: Gemariah [so]n of Mahseiah. Witness: Zechariah son of Meshullam.
19| Witness: Maaziah son of Malchiah. Witness: Shemaiah son of Jedaniah.
20| Witness: Jedaniah son of Mahseiah. Witness: Nathan son of Ananiah. Witness: Zaccur son of Zephaniah.
21| Witness: Hoshea [son of] Reuiah. Witness: Mahseh son of Jeshaiah.
22| Witness: Ho[shea son of Igda]l.
Date| 7 Kislev, that is day 4 of Thoth, year 9 of King Artaxerxes
1| On 7 Kislev, that is day 4 of the month Thoth, year 9 of Artaxerxes
2| the king, Jehohen daughter of Meshullak, a woman of Elephantine the fortress, said to Meshullam son of
3| Zaccur, a Jew of Elephantine the fortress, as follows: You have given me a loan of silver, shekels
4| 4, that is four, by the king's weights, at interest. It shall increase against me
5| at silver 2 hallurs to 1 shekel for 1 month, which comes to silver 8 hallurs
6| for one month. If the interest {reaches} the capital, the interest shall bear interest like the capital,
7| the one like the other. And if a second year comes and I have not paid you your silver
8| and its interest that is written in this document, you, Meshullam, and your children are entitled
9| to take for yourself any pledge that you find of mine: a house of bricks, silver and gold,
10| bronze and iron, male slave and female slave, barley, emmer, and any food that you find of mine,
11| until you are paid in full your silver and its interest. And I shall not be able to say to you, 'I have paid you
12| your silver and its interest,' while this document is in your hand. Nor shall I be able to complain
13| against you before prefect or judge, saying, 'You took a pledge from me,' while this document
14| is in your hand. And if I die and have not paid you this silver and its interest,
15| my children shall pay you this silver and its interest. And if
16| they do not pay you this silver and its interest, you, Meshullam, have the right
17| to take for yourself any food and pledge that you find of theirs, until you are paid in full
18| your silver and its interest. And they shall not be able to complain against you before prefect
19| or judge, with this document in your hand. Even should they go to court, they will not prevail,
20| while this document is in your hand. Nathan son of Anani wrote this document
21| at the dictation of Jehohen. And the witnesses hereto: witness Hosea son of Galgul;
22| Hodaviah son of Gedaliah; Ahio son of Pelatiah; Agur son of Ahio.
23| (Endorsement) This document of silver that Jehohen daughter of Meshullak wrote
24| (Endorsement) for Meshullam son of Zac[cur].
(above 1)| …
1| … r son of Yatma, [as follows]: You have given me silver,
2| [shekels] 4 (partly restored; one unit doubtful), [by the we]ights of Ptah, silver at 1 shekel to the 10; and it shall bear interest against me at silver 2 hallurs
3| to 1 shekel of silver per month, until the day that I pay it back to [you]. And the interest on
4| your silver shall be 8 (partly restored) hallurs for 1 month. And the month in which I fail to give you
5| the interest, it shall become capital and bear interest. And I will pay [it] {back} to you month by month
6| from my salary that they [gi]ve me from the treasury, and you are to write me a receipt covering all
7| the silver and interest that I pay you. And if I have not paid you all
8| your silver and its interest by the month of Thoth of year 9 (partly restored), it shall be added onto your silver
9| and its interest that remains owing by me, and it shall bear interest against me month by month
10| until the day that I pay it back to you.
11| The witnesses:
12| Akban son of Shamash-nuri;
13| Katsri son of Yahhadri;
14| Mahseiah son of Jedaniah;
15| Malchiah son of {Zechariah}.
16| Gemariah son of Ahio wrote the document at the word of the witnesses who are on this document.
1| Haggai son of Nathun
2| Herman son of {Hosea}
3| Hosea son of {Yathom}
4| Hosea son of {Hodav}
5| Shammua son of Haggai
6| Nathan son of {Neriah}
7| Menahem son of Pusi
8| Jaush son of Azaniah
9| Bethel-akab son of {Akkur}
10| Total: 9 [me]n
11| {Nabu-akab} {son of}
Date| 3 (doubtful) Kislev, that is day 10 of Mesore, year 19 of King Artaxerxes
1| On {3} Kislev, that is day 10 of the month Mesore, in year 19 of Artaxerxes the king, Mahseiah son of
2| Jedaniah, an Aramean of Syene, of the detachment of Varizath, said to Mibtahiah his daughter as follows: I have given you the house
3| that Meshullam son of Zaccur son of Ater, an Aramean of Syene, gave to me for [its] price, and he wrote a document for me about it,
4| and I have given it to Mibtahiah my daughter in return for the goods that you gave me when I was stationed in the fortress. I {used}
5| them, and I did not find silver or goods to repay you. So I have given you this house
6| {in return for} {your} goods, {those}, worth silver 5 karsh, and I have given you the old document that [was written]
7| for me by Meshullam, that one, after it. This house I have given to you, and I withdraw from it. It is yours and your [children's]
8| after you, and you may give it to [whomever you] love. I shall not be able — I, my children, my descendants, or another
9| man, to bring suit or process against you in the matter of that house that I have given to [you] and the document I have written for you
10| about it. Whoever brings suit or process against you, I, or brother or sister, near or dista[nt, a member] of a detachment or a member of a town,
11| shall give you silver 10 karsh, and the house is yours all the same. Moreover, no other man shall be able to produce against you a document,
12| new or old, except this document that I have written and given to [you]. [Wh]oever {produces} against you a document, it is not I who [wrote it].
13| Moreover, these are the boundaries of that house: above it, the house of Ja{u}[sh son of Pe]nuliah; below it,
14| the temple of Yahu the God; east of it, the house of Gaddul son of Hosea, and the street between them;
15| west of it, the [{land}] of {Asruk} son of Paltu, priest {of} {Khn}[um and Sa]{ti}, the [g]{od}s. That house
16| I have given to you, and I withdraw from it. It is yours forever, and to [whomever] you wish you may give it. Wrote
17| Nathan son of Ananiah this document at the dictation of Mahseiah, and the witnesses hereto: Mahseiah wrote {for}
18| himself; Mithrasara son of Mithrasara; and [Shatibarzan] son of Atarli, a Caspian;
19| witness Barbari son of Dargi, a Caspian of that place; [{wit}ness …] son of Shemaiah;
20| Zaccur son of Shallum.
21| (Endorsement) Document concerning Mahseiah son of Jedaniah [and Mibtah]iah his daughter.
Date| 14 Ab, that is day 19 of Pahons, year 25 of King Artaxerxes
1| On 14 Ab, that is day 19 of Pahons, in year 25 of King Artaxerxes, Peu
2| son of Pahe, builder of Syene the fortress, said to Mibtahiah daughter of Mahseiah son of Jedaniah,
3| Arameans of Syene, of the detachment of Varizath: Concerning the lawsuit that we brought in Syene, we contested over silver
4| and grain and clothing and bronze and iron, all goods and property, and the marriage document. Then an oath
5| was laid upon you, and by Sati the goddess you swore to me about them, and my heart was satisfied
6| with that oath that you made to me concerning {those} goods, and I withdraw from you from
7| this day and forever. I shall not be able to bring suit or action against you, you or a son
8| or a daughter of yours, concerning those goods about which you swore to me. If I bring against you
9| suit or process, or a son of mine or {a daughter} of mine brings suit against you, in the matter of that oath, I, Peu, and my children
10| shall give to Mibtahiah silver 5 karsh by the king's weights, and there shall be no suit and no process,
11| and I am withdrawn from all suit or action. This document was written by Petisi son of Nabunathan
12| at Syene the fortress, as dictated by Peu son of Pahe. The witnesses hereto: Nabure'i son of Nabunathan;
13| Luhi son of Manki; {Udanahar} son of {Duma}; Nabure'i son of Vashtan.
14| (Endorsement) Document of withdrawal that Peu wrote for Mibta[hiah].
Date| 25 (partly restored) Tishri, that is day 6 of Epiphi, year […] of King Artaxerxes
1| On 25 ([5] restored, the 20 doubtful) [of] Tishri, [that is day] 6 of the month Epiphi, [year … of Artaxerx]es the kin[g],
2| Eshor son of [Seho], builder of the king, said to Mah[seiah, an A]ramean of Syene, of the detachment
3| of Varizath, as follows: I [ca]me to your house so that you would give me your daughter Mibtahiah in marriage.
4| She is my wife and I am her husband from this day and forever. I have given you as the bride-price
5| of your daughter Mibtahiah [silver] 5 shekels by the king's weights. It has come to you, and your heart is satisfied
6| with it. I have brought in to your [daughter] Mibtahiah, into her hand, silv[er] for an outfit, 1 karsh 2 shekels by the king's
7| weights, silver at 2 quarters to the 10. I {brought in} to {her}, into her hand, 1 garment of wool, new, striped,
8| dyed on both sides, 8 cubits long by 5, [w]orth silver 2 karsh 8 shekels
9| by the king's weights; 1 new shawl, 8 (one unit doubtful) cubits long by 5, worth
10| silver 8 shekels by the king's weights; another garment of wool, thin,
11| 6 cubits long by 4, worth silver 7 shekels; 1 mirror of bronze, worth
12| silver 1 shekel 2 quarters; 1 bo[wl] of bronze, worth silver 1 shekel 2 quarters; 2 cups of bronze,
13| worth silver 2 (partly restored) shekels; 1 jug of bronze, worth silver 2 quarters. All the silver
14| and the value of the goods: silver 6 karsh 5 shekel 20 hallurs, silver at 2 quarters to the 10, by the king's
15| weights. It has come to me, and my heart is [sat]isfied with it. 1 bed of papyrus reed, on which are 4 inlays
16| of stone; 1 dish of slq; 2 ladles, tqm, h(allurs) 8, of ivory, 1 msh'n; 1 chest of palm leaf, new.
17| Tomorrow or a[not]her day, should Eshor die and have no child, male or female,
18| by Mi[btah]iah his wife, Mibtahiah has the right to the house
19| of Eshor and [his] goods and his property and everything he owns on the face of the earth,
20| all of it. Tomorrow or any day, should Mibtahiah die and have no child, male or female,
21| by Eshor her husband, Eshor shall inherit from her her goods
22| and her property. Tomorrow [or an]other day, should [Mib]tahiah stand up in the assembly
23| and say, 'I hate Eshor my husband,' the silver of hatred is on her head: she shall sit at
24| the scale and weigh out to [Es]hor silver 7 (one unit doubtful) shekels 2 quarters, and all that she brought in
25| in her hand she shall take out, from {straw} to thread, and go away [to] wherever she wishes, and
26| there shall be no suit and no process. Tomorrow or another day, should Eshor stand up in the assembly
27| and say, 'I hate my [wi]fe Mibtahiah,' her bride-price [shall] be lost, and all that she brought in
28| in her hand she shall take out, from straw to thread, on one day, at one stroke, and go away
29| wherever she wishes, {from} no suit and no process. And [if] he rises up against Mibtahiah
30| to drive her out from the house of Eshor and his goods and his property, he shall give her
31| silver 20 karsh, and the law of this document shall [apply] to her. And I shall not be able to say,
32| 'I have another wife besides Mibtahiah, and other children besides the children whom
33| Mibtahiah will bear me.' If I say, 'I have ch[ildren] and another wife besides
34| Mibtahiah and her children,' I will give to Mibtahiah silv[er] 20 karsh by the king's
35| weights. And I shall not be able to [ta]ke away my goods and my property from Mib[tah]iah; and if I remove {them}
36| from her (erased: in accordance with a[nother docu]ment), I will give to Mibtahiah [silver] 20 karsh by the ki[ng's] weights.
37| Nathan son of {Ananiah} wrote [this document at the dictation of Eshor], and the witnesses hereto:
38| Penuliah son of Jezaniah; […]iah son of {Uriah}; Menahem son of [Za]ccur.
39| Witness Reibel {son} [of] …
1| …{up}]on {a}…m, [and upon Bag]afarna son of [Vashi …
2| this f]ield of the [detach]ments, granted to him as a holding from year 24 [to ye]ar 31 [of Artaxerxes …
3| Moreover,] I made a request [befo]re Tar[wah and] the judges, and I said before the {judges} […
4| the fi]eld I tilled, {and} [the produc]{e} from them I did [not] take. Those judge[s …
5| … and as a wrong it is done to me. And I said before Tarwah and the jud[ges …
6| … fr]om year 24 to year 31. And Bagafarna and Nephayan and Manki, the 3 (partly restored) [judges], came to Syene and took …
7| … the law-officers of Nephayan, the garrison commander of Syene, and the province's judges, how …
8| I] sent before my lord, saying, 'A wrong is done to me.' And n[ow …
9| ask Tarwah and the judges ab[out] this, so that a wrong may not be done to me. {And} …
Date| 19 Marheshwan, year 37 of Artaxerxes
1 (above line)| [To our lord]
1| Arsa]mes, your servants {Achaemenes} and his colleagues, {Bagadana} and his colleagues, and the scribes of the province. May the gods [seek after] the welfare of our lord
2| [abundantly at] all times. Now then: to us you have paid in full for all the allotment, namely what we {gave} in the province, the place where …
3| … set out kind by kind, {month} {by} month they kept sending to me. The letter, too, is written and given to us. N{ow} …
4| … {wnshth} …
5| … our lord Arsa{mes} … your [servan]ts {Achaemenes} and his colleagues, the heralds in …
6| … {who} {Nefra} Harus and his colleagues, the scribes of the prov[ince] (added below the line:) {all} {3} {the bad}
7| … {servants}; {Sinabash} the herald, their colleague. On 19 Marheshwan, year 37 of Artaxerxe[s], with them.
1| …{d}…{b}… [Mesh]ullak son of [U]ri: (in case of) a divorce suit. And Jehohen daughter of [Meshullak] shall not be able [to say to her]
2| and to Salluah her daughter, 'Since these goods and the silver which are written in this deed I gave you in affection, now I wish
3| to take them back.' If she says {so}, she is liable; she shall not be heard. Mauziah son of Nathan son of Ananiah wrote
4| this deed at the dictation of Hoshaiah [and Je]hohen, and the witnesses herein: witness Herem-nathan son of Bethel-nathan son of Seha;
5| witness Haggai son of Penuliah; witness Yaush son of [Az]aniah; witness Bethel-nathan son of Jonathan.
1| …
2| Baadiah son of {A}…
3| Oshea son of U[riah ?]
4| {Wakin} son of Shallum son of …
5| Mesh[ul]lam son of Shemai[ah]
6| Shemaiah son of Shallum
7| Menahem son of Meshul[lam]
8| Haggai son of Jezani[ah]
9| Agri son of Ash…
10| Nathan son of Hodaviah
Date| Elul, that is Payni, year 4 of King Darius
1| In the month Elul, that is Pa[yni], {year} 4 of Darius the king, then in Elephantine the fortress, declared
2| Menahem and Ananiah, both [2 sons of] Meshullam son of Shelomam, Jews of Elephantine the fortress, of the detachment of Iddinnabu,
3| to Jedaniah and Mahseiah, both 2 sons of Eshor son of Seha by Mibtahiah daughter of Mahseiah, Jews
4| of the same detachment, saying: [W]e brought suit against you in a case at Nepa before Damanadin the frataraka and Vidranga
5| the garrison commander, saying: 'Th[ere are] goods: garments of wool and linen, bronze and iron vessels, vessels of wood
6| and of palm-fibre, grain and other things.' {And we sued}, saying: 'Eshor your father took (them) from Shelomam son of Azariah.' Also
7| we said: 'There is (property) which was {deposited} as a de[posit], and he kept it and did not return it to him.' And so we sued you.
8| After you had been questioned, you, Jedaniah and Mahseiah, sons of Eshor, satisfied us concerning these goods,
9| and we are satisfied therewith. From this [da]y and for ever, I, Menahem and Ananiah, we withdraw from you
10| from this day and for ever. We shall [not] be able (to sue), we or our sons or our daughters or our brothers or any man of ours, kinsman or fellow-
11| citizen shall not be able to sue [yo]u, you Jedaniah and Mahseiah, (with) suit or process, and they shall not be able to sue your sons
12| or your brothers or any man of yours [in the na]me of the goods and silver, grain and other things of Shelomam son of Azariah. And if we
13| or sons or daughters of ours, or any man [of ours], or the sons of Shelomam son of Azariah bring suit against you or against your sons or your daughters
14| or any man of yours, then who[ever] sue[s], bringing suit against (you), shall pay to you or to your sons or to whomever they sue a penalty
15| of silver, ten karsh by the king's we[ight]s, silver at 2 quarters to the 1 karsh, and he shall still be {withdrawn} from these goods over which
16| they sue, without suit and without pro[cess]. Mauziah son of Nathan wrote this deed at the dictation of Menahem and Ananiah, both 2
17| sons of Meshullam son of Shelomam. Witne[ss: Me]nahem son of Gaddul; Gaddul son of Berechiah; Menahem son of Azariah.
18| Witness: Hodaviah son of Zaccur [son of] Hoshaiah.
19 (endorsement)| (Endorsement) Deed which Menahem and Ananiah, both [2] sons of Menahem son of Shelomam, wrote
20 (endorsement)| [for Jedani]ah and Mahseiah, both 2 sons of Eshor son of Seha.
Date| year 5 of King Darius
1| [To] {my} [brothers]
2| [Jeda]niah and his colleagues, the [J]ewish {g}[arrison], your brother Hanan[iah]. May the gods [seek after] the welfare of my brothers.
3| And now, this year, year 5 of Darius the king, word was sent from the king to Arsa[mes, saying:
4| In the month of Ta'obi let there be a Passover for the garrison of the Jew]s. Now you, count off in this way: four[teen
5| days of the month of Nisan, and the Passover kee]p; and from day 15 to day 21 of [Nisan
6| are seven days of unleavened bread. You] be clean and take heed. Work [do not do
7| on day 15 or on day 21. Also beer d]o not drink, and anything at all that has {leaven} [in it
8| do not eat, from day 15 from] sunset until day 21 of Nisa[n. For seven
9| days let it not appear among you. Do not br]ing (it) into your chambers, and {seal (it) up} during [these] days.
10| [Let it be done as was commanded by Darius the ki]{ng}.
11 (address)| (Address) [To] my brothers Jedaniah and his colleagues, the Jewish force, your brother Hanani[ah
Date| 3 Phamenoth, year 5
1| On the 3rd of Phamenoth, year 5. These are the names of the Jewish garrison that gave silver to Yahu the God, each man silver [2 shekels].
2 (Col. 1)| (column 1) — {Me}[shulle]meth da[ugh]ter of Gemar[i]ah son of Mahseiah, silver, 2 shekels
3| — Zaccur [son of Hodavi]ah son of Zaccur, silver, 2 shekels
4| — {Se}[raiah daugh]{ter} of Hoshea son of Harman, silver, 2 shekels
5| — Total: 3 (two units doubtful, one restored) […]
6| — Hosh[ea son of Beth]el-nuri, the same, silver, 2 shekels, hi[s]
7| — Hosh[aiah son of Nathan] son of Hoshaiah son of {Hanani}[ah, silver, 2 shekels, his]
8| — {Nabu}[… ]{h}, silver, 2 shekels, his
9| … {Nani} [son of] {Katal}, silver, 2 shekels, his
10| … son of Yeho[…, silver,] 2 shekels, his
11| … son of Ne[hebeth daughter of Mah]{se}h, [silver, shekels] 2 (one unit restored), his
12| Na]{th}an son of Anani so[n of] …
13| …{i} [da]ughter of Zebadi[ah]
14| …
15| … da]ughter of Pelal[iah] …
16| … daughter of …
17| …{i} s[on of] …
18| … daughter of …
19| Total for the century of Sinderin.
20| The century of Nabu-aqab: — Shalom son of Mena[hem]
21 (Col. 2)| (column 2) — Meshullam son of Shemuah, silver, 2 shekels, his
22| — Palti son of {Micah}, silver, 2 shekels, his
23| — Malchiah son of Jathom son of {Hadadnuri}, [silver,] 2 shekels, his
24| 20 — Shelemiah son of {Jashub}, silver, shekels 2 (one unit restored), [hi]s
25| — Gaddul son of Meshullam son of Mibtahi[ah, silver,] shekels 2 (one unit restored), his
26| — Menahem son of Hazzul, the same, son of {Shem}[aiah, silver, 2 shekels, his]
27| — Simmak son of Meshullam, the same, silver, 2 shekels, his
28| — {Gaddul} son of Shemuah, the same, silver, 2 shekels, his
29| — Meshullam son of {Haggai} son of Hazzul, silver, 2 shekels, his
30| — Hazzul son of {Haggai} son of Hazzul, silver, 2 shekels, his
31| {Total} [for the century of …] 1
32| … 2 shekels
33| … {silver}, 2 shekels …
34| …
35| … 1 …
36| …
37| … {silver}, {2} {shekels}
38| …
39 (Col. 3)| (column 3) — Shallum son of Hodav, [silver, shekels] 2
40| — {Hori} son of Venah, [silver, shekels] 2
41| — Shammua son of Shallum, [silver, shekels] 2
42| — Mattan son of Jedan[iah, silver, shekels] 2
43| — {U}[riah son of …, silver, shekels] 2
44| — Anan[i son of …]
45| — Zac[…, shekels] 2
46| — Anani […]
47| — Hosh[ea] son of Nathun, [silver, 2 shekels]
48| 20 — […] son of […, silver, shekels] 2
49| […] son of N[…, silver,] 2 shekels
50| […, silver, shekels] 2 (one unit restored)
51| […] son of […] son of Jeshabiah …
52| […, silver,] 2 shekels
53| […, silver, shekels] 2 (one unit restored)
54| …
55| […, shekels] 2
56| […] Hoshea, silver, 2 shekels
57| […] Jehotal, silver, [2 shekels]
58| [… A]nani, silver, 2 shekels
59| […] Jeshabiah …
60| …
61 (Col. 4)| (column 4) — {Hoshea} son of Sagri, silver, 2 shekels
62| — Menahem son of Mattan, silver, 2 shekels
63| — Nathun son of Haggai, silver, 2 shekels
64| — Haggai son of Micha, silver, 2 shekels
65| — Mahseh son of Uri, silver, 2 shekels
66| — Shalom son of Zechariah, silver, 2 shekels
67| — Menahem son of Zechariah, silver, 2 shekels
68| 40 — Meshullak son of Uri, silver, 2 shekels
69| — {Pamet} son of Sagri, silver, 2 shekels
70| — Anani son of Mauzi, silver, 2 shekels
71| — [Ho]shea son of Menahem, silver, 2 shekels
72| — {Haggai} son of Horiya, silver, 2 shekels
73| [Mena]hem son of Uri son of {Meshullak}, silver, 2 shekels
74| …
75| … silver, 2 shekels
76| … Mattan, silver, 2 shekels
77| [… s]on of Mattan, silver, 2 shekels
78| {Pe}[nul]iah son of Menahem son of Pusi, silver, 2 shekels
79| — H{o}[ri] son of Menahem [son of] Pusi, silver, 2 shekels
80| — Pelaliah son of [Ho]shea, silver, 2 shekels
81| — Menahemeth daughter of A[nani] son of {Astah}, silver, 2 shekels
82| — Meshullemeth daughter of […]h, silver, 2 shekels; sister of Mahath, {and Sh…}
83 (Col. 5)| (column 5) — Miphtah daughter of {Tashaz}, silver, 2 shekels
84| — Jehoshama daughter of Nathan, silver, 2 shekels
85| — Shebith daughter of Hori son of Shallum, silver, 2 shekels
86| — Reia daughter of {Neri}, silver, 2 shekels
87| — Jehoshama daughter of Meshullam, silver, 2 shekels
88| 60 — Miphtah daughter of Shallum, silver, 2 shekels
89| — {Jahmol} daughter of Palti son of Yaush, silver, 2 shekels
90| — Abihai daughter of Oshea, silver, 2 shekels
91| — Nehebeth daughter of Mahseh, silver, 2 shekels
92| — Jehohen daughter of Igdal, silver, 2 shekels
93| — Meshullemeth daughter of Zephaliah, silver, 2 shekels
94| …
95| {Mena}[h]emeth daughter of […, silver, shekels] 2 (one unit restored)
96| Nehebeth daughter of {Z}[…, silver,] 2 shekels
97| Jahmol daughter of [Shal]lum, silver, 2 shekels
98| 70 — Jehoshama daughter of Hoshea son of Zaccur, silver, 2 shekels
99| — Jehoshama daughter of Haggai, silver, 2 shekels
100| — Ab[ih]ai daughter of Nathun, silver, 2 shekels
101 (Col. 6)| (column 6) — Jehohen daughter of Gedaliah, silver, 2 shekels
102| — Salluah daughter of Neri, silver, 2 shekels
103| — Jehotal daughter of Jislah, silver, shekels
104| — Abeshar daughter of Hoshea, silver, 2 shekels
105| — Jehoeli daughter of Ammaniah, silver, 2 shekels
106| — Miphtah daughter of Zephaliah, silver, 2 shekels
107| — Nehebeth daughter of Zaccur, silver, 2 shekels
108| 80 — Menahemeth daughter of Jedaniah son of Anati, silver, 2 shekels
109| — Meshullam son of Mauzi, silver, 2 shekels
110| — Meshullemeth daughter of Penuliah, silver, 2 shekels
111| — Nathun son of Pelaliah son of Nathun, silver, 2 shekels
112| — Hazzul daughter of Hodaviah, silver, 2 shekels
113| — … Nathan, silver, [2 shekels]
114| … Ze]{bad}iah … 2 shekels
115| — … son of Nathan son of …h, silver, 2 shekels
116| — … son of Shallum so[n of …]h, silver, 2 shekels
117| — [Jeh]oshama daughter of Kun, silver, 2 shekels
118| — Reuiah son of Uri, silver, 2 shekels
119| 90 — Meshullam son of Shemaiah, silver, 2 shekels
120 (Col. 7)| (column 7) The silver that was on hand that day in the keeping of
121| Jedaniah son of Gemariah in the month of Phamenoth:
122| silver, 31 karsh, 8 shekels.
123| Of this: for Yahu, 12 karsh, 6 shekels;
124| for Eshem-Bethel, 7 karsh;
125| for Anat-Bethel, silver, 12 karsh.
126| — Michaiah son of Jehoishma, silver, 2 shekels
127| — Oshea son of Nathan son of Hodaviah, silver, 2 shekels
128| — Ahio son of Nathan son of Anani, silver, 2 shekels
129| — {Azariah} son of Hazzul, {silver}, 2 shekels
130| — {Jeshabiah} son of {Berechi}[ah, silver, shekels] 2
131| … 2
132| — …h daughter of Ki… silver, 2 shekels
133 (Reverse)| (reverse) — Bagafarna son of Vashi, silver, 2 shekels, for {Andam}
134| — Vashi son of {Zadmar}, silver, 2 shekels, his
135| — Hani son of Maphtahiah, silver, 2 shekels; for Tab, 3
1| Ahio son of Nathan
2| Nathan son of Mauziah
3| Hur son of {Benaiah}
4| Mahseh son of Jehotal
5| Hanan son of Pakhnum
6| Shalom son of H…
7| Palti son of {Mattan}
8| 10 Cushi son of Azzur 10
9| Petekhnum son of Hori
10| Reuiah son of Zechariah
11| Menahem son of Mattan
12| Pakhnum son of Zaccur
13| Haggai son of Michaiah
14| {Didi} son of Uri son of Mahseh
15| Shawa son of Zechariah
Col. 1| (column 1)
1| [sh.] {Pe}[te]{me}[th son of E]shm{un}, barley, 1 ardab
2| sh. Zabi{s} . son of Nabushal{u}, barley, 1 ardab
3| sh. Haggai son of Shemai[ah], barley, 1 ardab
4| sh. Eshm[un son of A]{p}[a, barley,] 1 [ardab]
5| sh. Petisi son of Zaphru{t}, [barley,] 1 [ardab]
6| sh. — Seha [son of] Zephar. . l{h}, barley, 1 ardab, the same
7| k. sh. {Shemu}[ah …], barley, 1 ardab, {2 quarters}
8| sh. {Hur} …
9| sh. …
10| sh. — … sheh … 2
11| sh. … Nathan, b[arley, 1 ardab]
12| sh. … {A}halbani, [barley, 1 ardab]
13| sh. {H}[ur so]n of Nurshush, barley, 1 ardab
14| sh. Sha[{mash}]gari son of Balban, barley, 1 ardab
15| sh. Var{d} son of Zuti
16| k. sh. Hu[r] son of Jaolan, barley, 1 ardab, 2 quarters
17| sh. {Sh}… son of Abihu, barley, 1 ardab
18| sh. … Pahar{i}, barley, 1 ardab
(unnumbered, after 18) a| (fragment) … was given
(unnumbered, after 18) b| (fragment) … the provi]nce of Thebes
Col. 2| (column 2)
19| … {K}ango A. {w}. . Pabi, barley, 1 ardab, the same
20| …
21| … 100
22| … An… P. barley, 1 ardab
23| … barley, ardab(s)
24| …
25| … son of Petenat{en}, barley, 1 ardab
26| … {N}akal son of {Uri}, barley, 1 ardab
27| [To]tal: 54 persons herein.
28| [Total: 2 persons], each one barley 1 ardab, 2 quarters; in barley, 3 ardabs.
29| [Total: persons] 22, each one barley 1 ardab; in barley, 22 ardabs.
30| [Total: p]ersons 30, each one barley ardab[s 2, 2 quarters; in] barley, 75 ardabs.
31| [To]tal of the outlay {yt} …
32| [barley, ard]abs 100
(unnumbered, after 32) a| (fragment) Seha son of …
(unnumbered, after 32) b| (fragment) H…
(unnumbered, after 32) c| (fragment) M…
Col. 3| (column 3)
33| Total of the out[lay that was g]iven to the Syenian garrison [from day …
34| that is, d[ay 20 of the month of Me]chir, year 4, until day
35| 20 of Me[chir, year 5], which was given in provisions …
36| brought [… from] the province of Thebes by the hand of Wennofer
37| … son of Bar-{Awah} and Adri son of {Aw}. .
38| {Barley}, [ardabs 1,]446; g. 2, {h.} 4.
39| And from the {grain} of [T]ashtaras, the rations which were given to the gar[rison
40| {from} a {thousand} 19 (one unit restored)
41| [N{u}]rana: 1,[2]52; g. 1, h. …
42| And what [… was gi]ven as ration{s} to the garrison [… from
43| Tash[taras, ardabs,] 1,790
44| … Mechir, year
45| … a. and from a. …
46| … 176 (multiplier of the hundred lost)
(unnumbered, after 46) a| (fragment) … to the garrison h…
(unnumbered, after 46) b| (fragment) … brought …
Date| 3 Kislev, year 8, that is 12 Thoth, year 9 of King Darius
1| On 3 Kislev, year 8, that is day 12 of Thoth, year 9 of King Darius, then, in Elephantine
2| the fortress, Jedaniah son of Hoshaiah son of Uriah, an Aramean of Elephantine the fortress, declared before Vidranga the garrison commander
3| of Syene, to Jedaniah son of Nathan and Mahseiah son of Nathan his brother, whose mother is Mibtahiah daughter of Mahseiah son of Jedaniah, before
4| Vidranga the garrison commander of Syene, saying: I have withdrawn from you from the house of Jezaniah son of Uriah. Here are its boundaries:
5| above it, the house of Hosea son of Uriah adjoins it; below it, the house of Hazul son of Zechariah adjoins it
6| on its lower side, and the doorway and windows open there; east of it, the temple of Yahu the God and the king's road
7| between them; on its west, the house of Mibtahiah, Mahseiah's daughter, which her father Mahseiah gave her,
8| adjoins it. That house whose boundaries are written: the doorway is yours, you Jedaniah and Mahseiah, both of you
9| sons of Nathan, forever, and your children's after you, and to whomever you love you may give it. I, Jedaniah, shall not be able, nor my sons
10| nor a woman or man of mine; I will not be able to bring suit or action against you; nor will we be able to sue a son or a daughter of yours,
11| a brother or a sister, a woman or man of yours, or a person to whom you sell that house or to whom you give it in affection,
12| in my name, I Jedaniah, or in the name of my sons or a woman or man of mine. And if I, Jedaniah, sue you, or there sues you
13| a son or daughter of mine, a woman or man, in my name or in the name of my sons, apart from a son or daughter of Jezaniah son of Uriah,
14| and they sue a son or daughter, a woman or man of yours, or men to whom you sell it or to whom you give it in affection,
15| that house, then whoever sues you shall give you a penalty of silver, ten karsh, that is 10 karsh of silver,
16| at 2 quarters to the 1 karsh, by the king's weights, and the house is still yours forever and your children's after you, apart from
17| the sons of Jezan son of Uriah, and without suit. Mauziah son of Nathan wrote at the instruction of Jedaniah son of Hosea. And the witnesses
18| hereto: Menahem son of Shallum; Mahseiah son of Jedaniah; Menahem son of Gaddu[l] son of Baadiah; Jedaniah son of Meshullam;
19| Islah son of Gaddul; Gaddul son of Berechiah; Jezaniah son of Penuliah; Ahio son of Nathan.
Endorsement| (Endorsement)
20| Document of withdrawal which Jedaniah son of Hosea wrote concerning the house of Jezaniah son of Uriah
21| for Jedaniah son of Nathan and his brother Mahseiah, the two of them.
Date| 13 Tebeth, year 12 (units doubtful) of King Darius
1| From Arsames to Wahpremahi. And now: worn out [is the boat of Psamsineith and his colleagues, the boatmen of the fortresses. When there sent]
2| to us Mithradates the boatman, saying: thus said Psamsine[ith … the boatmen of]
3| the fortresses, thus they said: The boat which we hold in charge, the time has come to d[o] its repair. [Concerning this I have sent, saying: the material(s)
4| let it be hauled up on[to dry] land, and let word be sent to the treasury's accountants; they, together with the foremen [Shamshillek and his colleagues, that boat]
5| [shall] inspect and make its assessment, and let there be sent the {arsenic} which … the material, the handunah, {and} other things; [and the accountants all the material]
6| shall give, and let its repair be done quickly, and other things which are sent by me to them. Concerning this they sent, {and} [thus said their servants: on]
7| the {hala} which is opposite the fortress, in[side the town], Mithradates the boatman showed the boat to us, we show(?) that which is in the hand of Psamsineith and …
8| both boatmen of the fortresses; it is hauled up on dry land, and we showed it to Shamshillek and his colleagues the foremen, Shamu [son of]
9| Kanufi, chief of the carpenters, the boatwright, and thus they said: The time has come to [d]o [its] re[pair]. {This} is the material which is required for its repair
10| to be done: timbers of cedar and ar-wood, new: taph, ten cubits; shim [for the] {b}atak, eighty cubits, by three handbreadths; within, segnin, ten cubits
11| and two; shaph, fifteen, [one per] twenty [cu]bits; saabal, seventy cubits; hinin for the hull, three; qalam for the mast, one;
12| hala timbers, sixty cubits; pahtamuni for the paarar, one per two cubits; apsi beneath the hala, five; nails of bronze and iron,
13| two hundred; cedar timbers, worn, strong, whole, twenty cubits: all of these, let their replacement be brought, and the worn and broken ones to the treasury; yarn
14| of flax, thick, one hundred and eighty karsh; fine, two hundred and fifty karsh; new cedar timbers: hinin, two, each five cubits,
15| three handbreadths by three handbreadths; for the ha[l]a: bronze nails, one hundred and fifty, each three handbreadths; two hundred and seventy-five,
16| each ten fingers; all the nails, four hundred and twenty-five; plates of bronze, twenty cubits; their nails, two hundred.
Reverse| (Reverse)
17| Worn cedar timbers: reshut mesan, one talent, ten minas in all; an addition: sulfur, ten karsh; and for the handunah, arsenic, one hundred karsh.
18| And let them add to the timbers that are to be given: on the taph, in length, each three handbreadths hapush, and on the width and thickness two fingers; and on
19| the shim, in length, each three handbreadths hapush, and on the width two fingers; and on the shaph and the hinin, in length, each one handbreadth; and on
20| the saabal, hala timbers, dari, whole, in length, each three handbreadths hapush, and on the width one finger. The flax yarn, the fine ones,
21| the arsenic and the sulfur shall be given by the Persian weight; let word be sent, saying: this material shall be given into the hand of Shamu son of Kanufi, chief
22| of the carpenters, the boatwright; before our eyes let him repair that boat and do it quickly, as the order has been issued. Now Arsames says thus: You, act
23| in accordance with what the accountants say, as the order has been issued. Anani the scribe is in charge of the [ord]er. Nabuaqab wrote.
24| Wahpremahi … … … … … …
25| As the order has been issued … … wrote … (blank)
26| (Demotic)
27| (Address:) {From} Arsames, who is in …
28| Nabuaqab the scribe. On 13 [of] Tebeth, year 12 (units doubtful) of Dari[us the king].
1| …][n]tngn {we} … when detachments of the Egyptians revolted, we did not abandon our posts,
2| and [no]thing harmful was found in us. In year 14 of [Ki]ng Darius, when our lord Arsames
3| went to the king, this is the misdeed that the priests of the god Khnum [committ]ed in Elephantine the fortress,
4| in collusion with Vidranga, who was frataraka here: they gave him silver and goods. There is a part
5| of the king's barley-house which is in Elephantine the fortress; they demolished it, and a wall they {bu}[ilt in] the middle of the fortress of Elephantine.
Col. 2| (Col. 2)
6| And now that wall is built in the middle of the fortress. There is one well that has been built
7| with[in the for]tress, and it does not lack water to give the garrison drink, so that whenever they are on garrison duty
8| they drink the water in th[at] w[ell]. Those priests of Khnum have stopped up that well. If inquiry
9| is made of the judges, the police officers and the informers who are appointed in the province of Tshetres,
10| it will become kno[wn] to our lord in line with what we are saying. Moreover, we are clear
Reverse| (Reverse)
11| [of th]{at} [harm] in the {holdings} which [were] in Elephantine the f[ortress.
12| … s]o we are {clean}; {al}[so nothing
13| harmful like thi]s was found in [us. And they do not allow
14| us — [they, the pries]ts — to bring a mea[l-offering and incense
15| and burnt offering] to make there to Yahu the G[od of Heaven
16| … {…} {…} …
17| …] except {one} atrorin [they made there,
18| and the rest of] the material they took for them[selves, all of it.
19| And now, i]f it seem very good to our lord, [let] the wr[ong be remembered
20| which was don]e [to us], we of the [Jewish] garrison.
21| [If it please] our [l]ord, let [an order] be issued [thus,
22| as] we [say]. If it please [our] l[ord, let it be sent,
23| that they do not h]arm the things that b[elong to us,
24| and th]e [altar] of ours which they demolished, to [rebuild it.
Date| 24 Shebat, year 13, that is 9 Hathor, year 14 of King Darius
1| On 24 Shebat, year 13, that is day 9 of Hathor, year 14 of King Darius, in Elephantine the fortress,
2| Mahseiah son of Nathan, 1, and Jedaniah son of Nathan, 1, both Arameans of Syene of the detachment of Va[riza]th, declared, saying: We have agreed
3| together and divided among ourselves the slaves of Mibtahiah our mother. And here is the share which came to you as a portion, you Jedaniah:
4| Petosiri by name, his mother Tabi, a slave, yod 1, marked on his hand at the right with a mark reading in Aramaic thus:
5| "Mibtahiah's." And here is the share which came to me as a portion, I Mahseiah: Bela by name, his mother Tabi, a slave, yod 1,
6| marked on his hand at the right with a mark reading in Aramaic thus: "Mibtahiah's." You, Jedaniah, have rights over Petosiri,
7| that slave who came to you as a portion, from this day and forever, and your children after you, and to whomever you wish you may give him. I shall not be able,
8| I Mahseiah, nor a son or daughter of mine, a brother or sister of mine, or a person of mine, to bring suits against you or against your children concerning Petosiri
9| by name, the slave who came to you as a portion. If we bring a suit up against you, we Mahseiah and my children, or sue a son
10| or daughter of yours or a person of yours concerning Petosiri, that slave who came to you as a portion, then we shall give you a penalty of silver,
11| refined, ten karsh by the king's weight, and we are withdrawn from you and from your children {from} suit concerning that Petosiri
12| who came to you as a portion. He shall be yours and your children's after you, and to whomever you wish you may give him, without suit. Moreover, there is Tabi
13| by name, mother of these boys, and her son Lilu, whom we have not yet divided between us. When [the t]ime comes, we will divide them
14| between us, and each of us shall possess his share; and we will draw up between us a document of our division, without suit. Nabutukulti son of Nabuzeribni wrote
15| this document in Elephantine the fortress at the instruction of Mahseiah and Jedaniah his brother. The witnesses hereto: Menahem son of Gaddul;
16| witness Hanan son of Haggai; witness Nathan son of Jehour; witness Shallum son of Nathan.
17| (Endorsement) Document … of the division of the slave Petosiri, which Mahseiah son of Nathan wrote for Jedaniah son of Nathan his brother.
Date| [month of] Mesore, year 16 (partly restored) of King Darius
1| [In the mo]nth of Mesore, year 16 (partly restored) of [Da]rius the king, in Elephantine the fortress, [Nathan son of] Hosea, an Aramean of
2| Syene, of the detachment of Nabukudurri, [declared] to Isla[{h}] son of Gaddul, an Aramean of Syene, of the detachment of [… say]ing: You have a claim on me for
3| silver, kar[sh 1, shekels 4 …]tri, in number 5 [… which were] owed by me from part of the silver,
4| the price of the {house} {mn}[…for]{ever}. I, Na[than], declare: [I will repay] you this silver,
5| {1} karsh, 4 (shekels), by {…} … the month of Pahons, year [17 of Dar]ius the king,
6| within [thi]s mont[h]. And if this silver, 1 karsh, 4 shek[els, I have not re]paid, I shall give you
7| … mina …
Date| 20 (doubtful) Marheshwan, year 17 of King Darius
1| To our lord Bagohi, governor of Judah, your servants Jedaniah and his colleagues, the priests who are at Elephantine the fortress. The welfare
2| of our lord may the God of Heaven seek after abundantly at all times, and may he grant you favor before King Darius
3| and the members of the royal house a thousand times more than now, and give you long life; and be happy and strong at all times.
4| Now your servant Jedaniah and his colleagues say thus: In the month of Tammuz, year 14 of King Darius, when Arsames
5| had left and gone to the king, the priests of Khnum the god who are in Elephantine the fortress, in collusion with Vidranga, who was frataraka here,
6| said: "Let them remove from there the temple of Yahu the God that is in Elephantine the fortress." Then that Vidranga,
7| the wretch, sent a letter to Nefayan his son, who was garrison commander in Syene the fortress, saying: "The temple which is in Elephantine
8| the fortress, let them destroy it." Then Nefayan led the Egyptians with other troops; they came to the fortress of Elephantine with their weapons; they
9| entered that temple, demolished it to the ground, and the columns of stone that were there they smashed. Moreover, there were gateways
10| of stone, 5, made of hewn stone, that were in that temple; they destroyed them. And their doors were standing, and their hinges
11| of those doors were of bronze, and the roofing of their timbers was of cedar: all of it, along with the remainder of the furnishings and other things which were there,
12| all of it they burned with fire. And the basins of gold and silver and the things that were in that temple, they took all of it
13| and made their own. Back in the days of the king of Egypt our fathers built that temple in Elephantine the fortress, and when Cambyses came into Egypt,
14| he found that temple built; but the temples of Egypt's gods they overthrew, all of them, and no one damaged anything in that temple.
15| And when this had been done, we with our wives and children were wearing sackcloth and fasting and praying to Yahu the Lord of Heaven,
16| who let us gloat over that Vidranga, the dog: they took the fetter off his feet, and all the property he had acquired was lost, and all the men
17| who sought harm for that temple were all killed, and we looked on them. Moreover, before this, at the time when this harm
18| was done to us, we dispatched a letter to our lord, and to Johanan the high priest and the priests his colleagues who are in Jerusalem, and to {Ostanes}, brother
19| of Anani, as well as to the nobles of the Jews. Not a single letter did they send us. Moreover, from the month of Tammuz, year 14 of King Darius,
20| until this day we have been wearing sackcloth and fasting; our wives are made like widows; with oil we do not anoint ourselves
21| nor do we drink wine. Moreover, from that time until the present day, year 17 of King Darius, meal-offering, inc[en]se and burnt offering
22| {they have} not made in that temple. Now your servants Jedaniah and his colleagues and the Jews, all the citizens of Elephantine, say thus:
23| If it please our lord, take thought for that temple to rebuild it, since they do not let us rebuild it. {Look} on the
24| recipients of your goodness and your friends who are here in Egypt: let a letter from you be sent to them concerning the temple of Yahu the God,
25| to rebuild it in Elephantine the fortress as it was built before; and they will offer the meal-offering, the incense and the burnt offering
26| on the altar of Yahu the God in your name, and at all times we will pray for you — we and our wives and our children and the Jews,
27| all who are here. If they do this until that temple is rebuilt, it will be a merit for you before Yahu the God of
28| Heaven greater than a man who offers him burnt offering and sacrifices worth the value of 1,000 talents of silver, and of gold. About this
29| we have sent and informed you. Moreover, all the matters we have sent, in one letter under our name, to Delaiah and Shelemiah, sons of Sanballat the governor of Samaria.
30| Moreover, of all this that has been done to us Arsames knew nothing. On 20 (doubtful) Marheshwan, year 17 of King Darius.
Date| 20 Marheshwan, year 17 (partly restored)
1| To o[ur lord Bagohi, governor of Judah, your servants Jedaniah and] his [colleagues], the pr[iests
2| may the God [of Heaven s]eek after at all times; may he [gr]a[nt you] favor [before Da]rius […]
3| and give you long life; and be happy and strong at all times. Now your serv[ant] Jedaniah […]
4| year 14 of King Darius, when Arsames went out and went [to] the {k}ing […]
5| the fortress, silver and goods they gave to Vidranga, the frataraka who was here, s[aying:
6| "Let them remove from there." Then that Vidranga, the wretch, sent a letter to Ne[fay]an his son, wh[o
7| of Yahu the God which is in Elephantine the fortress let them destroy." Then that Nefayan {led} the Egypt[ians
8| their weapons; they entered that temple, they demolished it to the ground, and the columns of s[tone
9| 5 great gateways, made of hewn stone, that were in that t[em]ple […]
10| those, of bronze; and the roofing of that temple, all of it, timbers of cedar, with the r[est
11| they burned with fire; and the basins of gold and of silver and the [thin]gs […]
12| they made. And from the time of Egypt's kings our fathers built that temple in Elephantine […]
13| found that one built; and the temples of the Egyptians' gods, [a]l[l of them, they overthrew], and anyone any[thing
14| done. We, with our wives and children, were wearing sackcloth and f[asting
15| let us gloat over that Vidranga, the dog: they took his fetters off his feet, and a[ll
16| who sought harm for that temple, all were killed, and we looked on them. Moreover […]
17| to us. A letter about this […] we sent to our lord, al[so] to Johanan […]
18| and to Ostanes, brother of Anani, and the Judean nobles; one let[ter] […]
19| year 14 of King Darius, and until this day we have been wearing sackclo[th
20| we do not anoint with oil and we do not drink wine. [Moreover, fr]om that t[im]e until th[is
21| meal-offering, incense and burnt offering {they have} not made in that temple. Now […]
22| and the Jews, all the citizens of Elephantine, say thus: If it please our lo[r]d, t[ake thought
23| they let us build it. Look on the recipients of your goodness and your friends who are here […]
24| about the temple of Yahu the God, to build it in Elephantine the fortress as […]
25| and burnt offering we will offer on the altar of Yahu the God in your name, and we will pr[ay
26| and the Jews, all who are here. If you do this, until that temple [is rebuilt
27| Heaven, more than a man who offers him burnt offering and sacrifices worth the value of a thousand talents of silver. About […]
28| the matters, in one letter, under our name, we sent to Delaiah and Shelemiah, the s[ons
29| of all that has been done to us Arsames knew nothing. On 20 Marheshwan, year 17 (partly restored).
1| Memorandum of what Bagohi and Delaiah said
2| to me. Memorandum: Let it be your part in Egypt to say
3| before Arsames concerning the altar-house of the God of
4| Heaven, which was built in Elephantine the fortress
5| formerly, before Cambyses,
6| which that wretch Vidranga destroyed
7| in year 14 of King Darius:
8| to rebuild it on its site as it was formerly,
9| also the meal-offering and the incense they shall offer on
10| that altar just as formerly
11| used to be done.
1| Your servants: Jedaniah son of Ge[mariah] by name, 1;
2| Mauzi son of Nathan by name, [1];
3| Shemaiah son of Haggai by name, 1;
4| Hosea son of Jathom by name, 1;
5| Hosea son of Nathun by name, 1. In all, 5 men,
6| Syenians who [h]o[ld propert]y in Elephantine the fortress,
7| say thus: If our lord [is fa]{vorable}
8| and the temple of Yahu the God — [our own — is rebuilt
9| in Elephantine the fortress as it was for[merly bui]lt,
10| and sheep, ox and goat are [n]ot offered there as burnt offering,
11| but only incense, meal-offering [and libation …
12| and our lord ma[kes] a declaration [about this, then
13| {we will give} to the house of our lord si[lver … and also
14| barley, a thou[sand] ardabs
1| … m-s
2| … Khnum. Here are the names of the women that were f[ound
3| [in the gateway in Thebes and were seized as] prisoners: Rami wife of Hodaw, Esorshut wife of Hosea, Pallul wife of Islah, {Reia} […]
4| {Zibia} daughter of Meshullam, {Yekola} her sister. Here are the names of those men who were found in the gateway in Thebes and were seiz[ed as prisoners]:
5| Jedaniah son of Gemariah, Hosea son of Jathom, Hosea son of Nathum, Haggai his brother, Ahio son of {Mah}[{seiah} …]
6| The houses which they entered in Elephantine and the goods which they took they have given back {ʾm} to their owners; but they reported to the lor[d … silver]
7| 120 karsh. Further, there will be no further order about them here. Greetings to your house and children until the gods let {us} see [them].
Date| 21 [Pham]enoth, year 5 of King Amyrtaeus
1| On 21 [Pham]enoth, year 5 of King Amyrtaeus, then
2| said [Menahem] son of [Shal]lum, an Aramean of Elephantine the fortress, in the detachment of Nabukudurri,
3| addressing Sallu[ah] daughter of Sa[m]uah, as follows: There is due to you from me silver, 2 sh(ekels),
4| that is, [silv]{er}, 1 stater, from the portion of the silver and goods that are in the document concerning
5| your marriage. I, Menahem, shall give it and pay it to you by
6| 30 Pharmouthi, year 5 of King Amy[rta]eus. [If I do n]ot
7| [pay] and give you this silver, 2 [s]hekels, [that is,] [1] stater,
8| [by] this [date] which is written above, [and] [1 Pa]chons [ar]rives,
9| this silver of yours [shall be owing], silver, [2] sh[ekels], that is, sil[ver, 1 stat]er,
10| [and I will give] you, [you] Salluah, your [silver] and […] your [sil]ver
11| … all {until} [if I s]ue yo[u or sue] a s[on
frag b.1| (fragment b) {t-m} … ḥ
frag b.2| (fragment b) this … ky
frag b.3| (fragment b) sh … not
frag b.4| (fragment b) y{d}
frag b.5| (fragment b) ʾ
frag c.1| (fragment c) ṣ
frag c.2| (fragment c) barley
frag c.3| (fragment c) 3 shekels
frag c.4| (fragment c) to the {prefect}
frag c.5| (fragment c) silve(r)
frag c.6| (fragment c) mn
frag d.1| (fragment d) tnq
frag d.2| (fragment d) suit … ʾ
frag d.3| (fragment d) … all
frag d.4| (fragment d) ʾ
frag e.1| (fragment e) …
frag e.2| (fragment e) {in}side
frag f.1| (fragment f) …
frag f.2| (fragment f) {s}m sh
frag f.3| (fragment f) … ʿ …
frag f.4| (fragment f) …
1| new, 11 (doubtful) {k-n} sh…
2| 5 cubits 4 handbreadths by 3 and 4 (doubtful) handbreadths, worth in silver 3 shekels; 1 {m}…{t}, new, cubits
3| 7 by 4 and a span, worth in silver 4 shekels 20 hallurs; 1 {m}…{t}h, new, of qamr, worth in silver
4| 10 hallurs; 1 bowl of bronze, worth in silver 15 (doubtful) hallurs; 1 cup of bronze …
frag b.1| (fragment b) {silver}, 2 shekels … its [pr]ice in silver, 2 k(arsh)
frag b.2| (fragment b) {price}, 8 (last two units doubtful) shekels
frag c.1| (fragment c) and to {her} {and gr}…
frag c.2| (fragment c) l … ʾ
1| To my lords Jedaniah, Mauziah, Uriah and the garrison, your servant […. The well-being of my lords may the gods]
2| seek after at all times. Here, all is well with us. Now, every day that […]
3| he complained to one investigator; Ziwak, he complained to an[other] investigator
4| As for us: because the Egyptians give a bribe, {and} since […]
5| that the Egyptians before Arsames; but they act by stealth, {also} […]
6| the province of Thebes, and they say thus: "Mazdayazna, he is the official in charge of the province" […]
7| We are afraid, because we are few, plundered. Now look, {I thought} […]
8| If we had shown our faces to Arsames before, then it would not ha[ve been] like this
9| he will speak words before Arsames. Pisina is calming our faces […]
10| you will find honey, tqm, cords, ropes, {skins}, ṣl, shp[…]
Reverse| (Reverse)
11| words to your house. Pasu son of Mannuki came to Memphis and […]
12| and the investigator, and he gave me silver, 12 staters, and one of it […]
13| Hori gave me, when they had detained him. Accordingly Tiri said, "b[…]"
14| in the king's business, and they are detaining (them), but Arsames will suffer loss, and {Zeho} denied [
15| and Hori, whom they detained. On day 6 of Paophi the letters reached [the province of Thebes, and we
16| will do the thing.
Address| (Address)
17| To my lords Jedaniah, Mauziah, [Uriah
1| To my lords Jedaniah, Uriah and the priests of Yahu the God, {Ma}ttan son of Jashobiah and Neriah son of […],
2| your servant Mauziah. The welfare of [my] lord[s may the God of Heaven at all times seek after abundantly, and] may you {be} in favor {before}
3| the God of Heaven. Now, when Vidranga the chief came to Abydos, he imprisoned me on account of one refiner's stone which
4| they found stolen in the hands of the merchants. At last Zeho and {Hor}, servants of Anani, exerted themselves with Vidranga
5| and Harnufi, under the protection of the {God} of Heaven, until they rescued me. Now see, they are coming there to you. You, look after them:
6| whatever they want, and whatever matter Zeho and Hor ask of you, stand by them in such a way that a bad thing
7| they may not find in you. {y-h-y} … {Kh}num is {against} us from the time that Hananiah was in Egypt until now.
8| And whatever you do for Hor, you do it for [the two of the]m. Hor is a servant of Hananiah. Give freely from our houses
Reverse| (Reverse)
9| goods, and in proportion to what is in your hand, {whatever it amounts to}, give. {What} I lack is {one} with you. For this reason I am sending to you. He
10| said to me: "Send a letter ahead of [th]em." Losses: a {deposit} is set to his account in the house of Anani. Whatever you do
11| for him will not be concealed from Anani.
12| To my lords Jedaniah, Uriah [and] the priests and Jews of the gar[rison], {Mauziah son of Zeho}
1| To my lady Shelowah, your servant Hosea. Gr[eetings]. At all times may all the {gods} seek after your well-being. Greetings to
2| my lord Menahem; greetings to my lady Abihi; gr[eetings to] her [son] and her daughter; greetings to Tahnum and Jehoishma; greetings to
3| Meshullemeth; greetings to Hazzul; greetings to … -n who are with you; greetings to {Kalkaliah}. Now, I have sent
4| … Yaush said to me, saying: "{Give it} {in gold}"
5| To [my] lad[y Shelowah], your {servant} …
1| To my brother Palti, your brother Hoshaiah. [The welfare of my brother may the Go]d of Heaven [s]eek after at all times. Greetings to Shewa and his sons; greetings to Ab[…]
2| I have heard of the trouble you went through when … I {went}, I and Zeho son of Pahe; we said to Pisina, and […]
3| and he sent a letter about this to Ṣʾ[… conce]rning the children. Concerning you my heart is {empty}. All that he gave […]
4| Mauziah. A matter of yours you will {send} to …
5| To my brother Pal[ti son of Jau]sh, your brother Hoshaiah son of Nathan
1| To my brother Zeh[o and his sons, your brother … For my brother's welfare may the god]s, all of them, seek af[ter] abundantly at al[l times …
2| -wt … {so} your greeting reached me; I heard it and rejoiced greatly. I heard
3| … which was {com}[i]{ng} to you. I was going to send to ask after your welfare. Now
4| … they did not tell [me] about you. I would have spoken for your house before Delaiah.
5| … {…} from Syene; not one letter about your welfare have you sent me.
Reverse| (Reverse)
6| … look after the servants and my house, as you would for your own house.
7| … far from it, fr[om] what he does in his {own sight}. Your welfare and your {news}
8| … in peace.
9| To [my brother Zeho son of Pahe and his sons] … son of {H}[… y]our brother
Date| 27 Tybi, that [is Nisa]n, year …
1| [To my brother …]{u}s, your brother H[os]ea. Peace and … abundantly … to [you] at all times. Now
2| [we are before Pi]{sina} in court, and his se[rvan]t; they are paying silver, 10 karsh, and karsh …
3| [… in] hand[s of yours], wh[o will] {give} [refined] si[lver], 5 karsh. Now …
4| with you, about his [gi]ving you silver, 5 [kars]h; and write them a document about them. And if [they do] not [give all] the si[lver
5| with the interest, and do not [sa]y to you: "Give pledges; sell the house of Zakkur and the house of Ashn…" — if they do not sell
6| them, look for a man who will buy the [g]reat house of Hodaw, and {give it} to him for the {silver} that is charged on it. And when
7| this letter [r]eaches you, do not linger; come down to Memphis quickly. If you have found silver, [co]me down quickly;
8| and if you have not found any, come down [qu]ickly all the same. Go to Bethel-taddin, and he will give you a shtatn tunic and 1 (doubtful) asah,
9| a y…{ḥh} tunic, 1, of qamr; paʿpas, 1; {sarbalaq}, 1; … {dye} {and} … qṭʾ {prʾ}, 6 k(arsh);
10| 1 [w]orn linen garment. And once he gives them to you, send word to me; and if he has not given them to you, [s]{end} word to me. Now,
11| if you go down to {Memphis}, do not leave {Ashn} . When he has {sold}, {give} me that {kandar}; {not} {k} …
Reverse| (Reverse)
12| when the Jews {bring} them in before [Arsames … l … {n} … you have [kept fa]r [from] {me} …
13| their words. Do not delay; come down quickly, and quickly bring down to me 1 tunic in your hand to [Memphis] … {k} …
14| to {me} . {…} a[bout it]. Written on 27 Tybi, th[at is Nisa]n, {year} …
15| {T}[o my brother …us son of] H{ag}[gai, your brother Hosea]
Date| [1]5 Pa[ophi], year lost
1| [On the 1]5th of Pa[ophi, that is …, year … of King …; then in Elephantine said Mibtahiah daughter of Gemariah, a Jewess]
2| of Elephantine the fortress, of her detachment, an A[ramaean], to Asori daughter of Gem[ari]ah her sister; {and she trusted her}, {sa}[ying: I], {Mibtahiah},
3| have given you silver, 6 shekels, that is, six, by the king's weights, silver {2 quarters} to 1 karsh. I, Mibtahiah, gave it to you in {affection}
4| in return for the support [that you gave me; and I have with]drawn from yo[u] from this day for ever. I will not be able to bring suit against yo[u], suit [or] action, in the name of
5| [this silver which I gave you and the document I wrote above, and] a son or a daughter of mine, a brother or a sister of mine, near or far, shall n[ot be] able
6| [to bring suit against you, suit or process. Whoever brings suit against you in the name of this silver which] I gave you shall give you a penalty of silver, 2 karsh, [ac]cording to what I said,
7| [I, Mibtahiah. Also, there is a ration of mine from the king's house; I, Mib]tahiah — that which was in your hand you have given to me, and my heart is satisfied
8| [with it. From this day for ever I have withdrawn from you from this sil]ver and from the ration which was mine from the king's house, and I shall not be able
9| [to bring suit against you, I, Mibtahiah, … son] or daughter of mine, partner or associate of mine, [in the na]me of this silver
10| [which is written above and the ration which was mine from the king's house; and anyone] of mine who brings suit against you in the name of this silver and the ra[tion that is wri]tten {above}
11| [shall give you silver, 2 karsh. … son of … wrote] this document at the dictation of Mibtahiah daughter of Gemariah, and the witnesses herein:
12| [witness … son of …; witness … son of] Pedaiah; witness Menaki son of Sepamra.
13| (Endorsement) Document of [withdrawal which Mibtahiah daughter of Gemariah wrote for Asori] her sister.
1| The oa[th which] Menahem son of Shallum son of
2| Ho[daviah, which he] swore to Meshullam son of Nathan
3| by {Y}[ahu the Go]{d}, in the place of prostration, and by Anat-Yahu,
4| {and} [he said to him] thus: "The she-ass which is in the hand of
5| P[amisi and Asp]emet, which you sued me
6| ab[out it. See,] half of it is mine; it is just."
7| {A}[lso he said to him]: "As to its ownership, Pamisi your father
8| [indeed] gave me an ass in exchange for the half,
9| {and} he did not [give] me silver or the value of silver in exchange for
10| [the half]."
Date| [… Nisa]n, year [… of A{r}taxerxes the k]ing
1| [On the … of …, that is, … Nisa]n, year [… of A{r}taxerxes the k]i[n]g, in Sy[ene] the fortress, [said …
2| [son of …, of the detachment of Artaban]u, to Mahseiah son of Shibah, an {Ar}amaean of Syene [the fortress …
3| [saying: I sued you] about fish, {saying}, "You took them from {me} by force," and [you were] que[stioned before
4| [the judges, and an oath was impose]d on you by Yahu the God, that fish you did not ta[ke from me by force.
5| […] I will return, or {this grain} as the price of your fish […
6| […] to you all your fish or their price which there[…
7| […] to you. If I do not give you {by} da[y …
8| [… I will give you a penal]ty: 1 kab of barley per 1 peres, every month and year […
9| [… Nathan son of] Anani [wrote this] document in [Sye]ne the fortres[s at the dictation of
10| …
1| and her property which …
2| Shelomam son of {Shenit} …
3| she has {with} …
4| … and she … and …
5| … l … ʾ …
6| a citizen or a ci[tizen …
7| to a mother, {has no right} …
8| And whoever rises up to expe[l her from this house which Shelomam gave
9| to Abihi his wife [shall give her a penalty of silver, 5 karsh
10| by the king's weights, si[lver 2 quarters to the ten, and the house is nonetheless the house
11| of the wife of Shelo[mam son of Hodaviah, which he {gave} her, and there is no suit.
12| The witnesses: Zaccur {so}[n of …; witness … son of …; witness
13| Meshullak son of Hoshai[ah; witness … son of …; witness … son of …;
14| witness Gaddul son of Ho[…; witness … son of …; witness … son of ….
15| Total 8. W[rote … son of … this document at the dictation of Abihi
16| and Shelomam son of Hod[aviah her husband.
1| … which your sons from …
2| … son or daughter of yours, before prefect and lord …
3| … I gave you, I will give you silver, karsh …
4| … {by suit} and process in the name of the ho[use …
5| … {I asked} …
6| … {nḥ} …
7| I shall be able to complain against you before prefect and {l}[ord …
8| and I gave you. Also, I shall not be able to say, "You …
1| son of Zaccur {S…} …
2| of all the {silver} which is written above, and not …
3| your daughter to take as wife; I will give to Mahseiah …
1| Said Semaki son of Sheshai to Shelomam son of Galgal, say[ing …
2| I said to you: {I have (a claim)} against you silver and wheat and barley …
3| [and] {any}thing by which a man lives, and to Shel[…
4| to you, and a daughter shall [se]n[d ag]ainst you (pl.) anything of all {z} …
5| … {ʾ} … the {witnesses} {here}[in …
Date| year 13
1| …
2| … wrote [in Pa]chons …
3| … [P]amenhotep, year 13 …
4| … he sought against you the men {d} …
5| … the men who were examined, until … yea[r …
6| … they shall stand in the {st}orehouse, the house of Nahm …
7| … 2 {m} … Kenufi …
8| … m …
9| … {talents}, 1,000; sh(ekels) 1 …
10| … m{r} …
11| … {n}ʾt {ḥ}k …
12| … l {sh} …
13| … n 4 …
14| … to give …
15| … 16 …
1| …
2| {B}atuhi
3| … b{w} …
4| {P}ahi
5| Vahishtab
6| Artabanu
7| {D}ar{g} …
8| Isk …
9| Farnam
10| (margin: 10) Bagabakhsh
11| Farnish
12| Zabman
13| Frataparna
14| Ashirdat
Col. i| (Column i)
1| … w
2| … hu
3| … d
4| … {bqʿ}
5| … and we shall judge
6| … they will cry out
7| … jud]ged concerning
8| … -diah, whom I [s]eized
Col. ii| (Column ii)
9| (mark A) {Josiah} {son of} …
10| (mark B) … son of Zechar[iah
11| … ʿdsh hsh …
12| (mark C) Shemaiah son of …
13| Hoshaiah son of [Zeph]aniah
14| (mark D) Jezaniah son of [Shep]hatiah
15| (mark A) Zechariah son of [Zeb]adiah
16| (mark E) Meshullam son of [Je]zaniah
17| (mark F) Jezaniah [son of] Hilkiah
1| … son of …
2| Petese son of Nethin
3| {Haggai} son of Beeri
4| Pasu son of {K}ushi
5| (side stroke) … {N}ahahnum son of Hanmu
6| Ashmakadri son of Ap{ʿ}
7| Hor son of A{s}kashit
8| …
Reverse| (Reverse)
9| {Esh}maram son of Nabunad …
10| Pasu son of {M}anki
11| …
1| {Your} servant [Wash]{ahi}.
2| Now, I have sent
3| to Nabunathan:
4| if you have
5| 10 asses,
6| let them release them.
7| {Also} to {you} …
8| … who is here, {his sons}, much
9| … {your} [s]ervant; we will {rescue} [him]
Reverse| (Reverse)
10| From ʿA]{qab}nabu. The welfare of my lord
11| [abundantly]. Now, if I have 10 asses
12| … {ʾ} {yours} y …
13| … {nw} Nabunathan {at his wish}
14| … to g[o] from before the chie{f}
15| … send to Nabunathan, and let him release
Obverse| (Obverse)
1| and tapsah, 1
2| and he gave me
3| Zechariah a karsh
4| … 1 which
5| I said to …
6| {gave} to {Gaddukh}
Reverse| (Reverse)
7| Bethelnad[an
8| mashan, 1, which
9| … {bw} … {w}ḥt …
10| … {N}athan
11| and a hat, 1
12| {ṣṣnn}, 2
1| … may the gods, at all times, seek after your welfare. And now …
2| … {T} son of Y{ḥ} … went to Syene and made for Yahu …
3| … y {Azibu} [so]n of Berechiah {hu} …
Reverse| (Reverse)
4| (Address) [To my brother … son of] Gaddul, your brother Yislah son of Nathan.
1| … greetings to Yatna, greetings …
2| … h]ats, 2; {bread} {nm} …
3| … y … {h}u …
4| … your (pl.) welfare …
5| … ty …
6| … bt, not …
7| … {kmyʾ} {wh}ich …
8| … welfare …
9| … time …
10| …
1| … m{ʾ}: the God of all — may he grant you (f.) welfare; welfare …
2| … welfare, all, all of me {redeem me}; welfare …
3| … son of … son of Shabbethai
Verso| (Verso, endorsement) Document of oath which Hamen wrote …
Date| [1 A]dar, year lost
1| [Me]morandum: cups of bro[nze
2| Hanan son of Haggai, into the hand of […]
3| cups of bro[nze]: 21 […]
4| a silver cup: {one}
5| bylwp, 3 …
6| … (margin: a sign)
7| bylwp … (margin: lg)
8| … of {s}[tat]ers: 2
9| rk … for eating: 3
10| Memorandum: {ʿAni} {brother of}
11| Menak[i so]n of Anani{ah},
12| on da{y} [1 of A]dar, year …
13| cups … silver (?), sh(ekels) 21
14| a {cup} of silver: 1
15| {they will} st[and] {sh} 1 …
16| {w} … 3
17| 1,000 (?) … 6
18| {s}k, 3 (doubtful) … 1
19| …
No. 1| (Fragment 1)
1.1| Hana[n
1.2| (division mark)
1.3| {myt} Nabuaqab son of […]
1.4| Memorandum: Hanan son of Azari[ah
1.5| l … concerning pt[…]
1.6| not … sh{w} bʾ[…]
1.7| … {silver}
No. 3| (Fragment 3)
3.1| q …
3.2| and to …
3.3| in it …
3.4| bḥ …
3.5| 1 bought …
3.6| 1 to …
3.7| b{ḥ} …
Date| year 15 (partly restored); year 6; Epiphi, year 13 (units doubtful); month Mesore
Col. i| (Column i)
1| … 1, year 15 (partly restored), {silver} … came to {Ḥ}[…]
2| … 4: Taweia wife of Ahartim, sh., p., 4 (partly restored)
3| … -kk daughter of Zac[cur … ]{b}k, p. 2, seahs 4
4| … l, Shelomith {sh} …
5| … p. 1
6| … {ʾ} Eliehoish[ma] son of … {ʿ}abi son of
7| … {ʾ}
Col. ii| (Column ii)
8| Zaccur son of … y, year 6[…]
9| Azariah, to Hanna the carpenter {tn}[…]
10| Memorandum concerning Menahem son of Shallum […]
11| length: cubits 3, k. 2 b … […]
12| Memorandum concerning Az[ar]iah, to Hanna {wh}[ich …]
13| second {ʿ}.ʾ ʿ … {n}ʾ the great, which … […]
14| Memorandum: the {reeds} which Hapshar, and to … […]
15| [Penu]liah son of Oshea, in Epiphi, year 13 (units doubtful) […]
16| … gave to … rin in the month Mesore […]
No. 17| (Fragment 17)
17.1| […]kryʾ
17.2| [… G]ladan
17.3| … {Ṣar}melekh […]
17.4| […]y month
No. 18| (Fragment 18)
18.1| […the k]ing; barley […]
18.2| […]{to give} concerning[ …
No. 19| (Fragment 19)
19.1| […] … I set up […]
19.2| […]m I, h[e
No. 20| (Fragment 20)
20.1| […]Xerxes[…]
20.2| […] sent to you […]
20.3| […in] {Sivan}, year […]
20.4| [… ye]ar another, h[…]
20.5| [… from] Egypt, sa[id …
20.6| […]{ʾ} with what […]
20.7| […] … {year}[…]
No. 21| (Fragment 21)
21.1| … […] … to sh[…]
21.2| […] ceased … […] bʾw[…]
No. 22| (Fragment 22)
22.1| […]{t}[…]
22.2| […]{between}[…]
No. 23| (Fragment 23)
23.1| […]{from} kb{sh}[…]
23.2| […]nkt ḥ[…]
No. 24| (Fragment 24)
24.1| […] year […]
24.2| […]{daugh}ter[…]
No. 25| (Fragment 25)
25.1| […]sh[…]
25.2| […]{h} pll? … […]
No. 26| (Fragment 26)
26.1| […]ʾ which to Qa{n}[ ]ʾb{wṭ}
26.2| […]{s}aid {Pakram}[ ]lql yšrʾ?
No. 27| (Fragment 27)
27.1| […th]ere is k[…]
27.2| […I will re]pay you[…]
No. 28| (Fragment 28)
28.1| […]{t}ʾ {w}[…]
28.2| […]ydyn[…]
28.3| […]sh bn h[…]
No. 29| (Fragment 29)
29.1| [… the me]n who are imprisoned […]
29.2| [… X]erx[e]s the king […]
No. 1| (Fragment 1)
1.1| […] and its interest […]
1.2| […] this silver […]
1.3| […]{t}w{r} vessel {z}[…]
No. 2| (Fragment 2)
2.1| […] Gaddul so[n of
2.2| […] Jedaniah son of […]
No. 3| (Fragment 3)
3.1| Said {Mattan} son of Yash[…]
3.2| to Zakkum, the detachment […]
3.3| was to possess … […]
No. 4| (Fragment 4)
4.1| […] the welfare of my brother at all
4.2| […] welfare. Now
4.3| to the sister {h}
4.4| […] you (f.), who {t}
No. 5| (Fragment 5)
5.1| […] 9 (partly restored) of the month Ḥ[…]
5.2| […] daughter of Ashin, Aramaean[s
No. 6| (Fragment 6)
6.1| […] the king […]
6.2| […]{k}ʾ in Ele[phantine
No. 7| (Fragment 7)
7.1| […]kt … {b}ʾtw[…]
7.2| … sil[ver, k]arsh five […]
7.3| {son of} Tahnu{m}, [thi]{s} document
7 demotic| (a line in Demotic)
7.5| […] Zabdi so[n of … ]el
7.6| […] house […]
No. 8| (Fragment 8)
8.1| […]{they} will question {me}[…]
8.2| […] this document […]
No. 9| (Fragment 9)
9.1| […]ml[…]
9.2| […]h{n}[…]
9.3| […they g]av{e}[…]
No. 10| (Fragment 10)
10.1| […]d […]
10.2| […] karsh 10 […]
No. 11| (Fragment 11)
11 demotic?| (Demotic?)
11.2| […] witness Pet{p}[…]
11.3| […A]chaemenes … […]
No. 12| (Fragment 12)
12.1| [thi]{s}[…]
12.2| […]{wr}itte[n
No. 13| (Fragment 13)
13.1| […] expel her […]
13.2| […] month {T}[…]
No. 14| (Fragment 14)
14.1| […] {my} son[…]
14.2| […]{ṣ}p{n}[…]
14.3| [… si]lver, th[is
14.4| […]{ny} not[…]
14.5| […] … p{rʾ}[…]
No. 15| (Fragment 15)
15.1| Nusku-baʿad[ri
No. 16| (Fragment 16)
16.1| […] 3 […]
16.2| […] ? m{r}[…]
16.3| […] ? ? pk[…]
No. 17| (Fragment 17)
17.1| […]{a}gainst him[…]
No. 18| (Fragment 18)
18.1| [… do]cument[…]
18.2| […] Hodaviah so[n of
Nos. 7 + 11 combined (Cowley's commentary, n206)| (Fragments 7 + 11 combined, as read in Cowley's commentary)
c1| […]kt … {b}ʾtw[…]
c2| […]si[lver, k]arsh five […]
c3| [… wrote], {son of} Tahnu{m}, [thi]{s} document [at the dictation of …, and the witnesses herein:
c4 demotic| (a line in Demotic)
c5| […] witness Pet{p}[ … son of …; witness] Zabdi so[n of …]el
c6| [A]chaemenes [ … ] house [ …
No. 1| (Fragment 1)
1.1| [These are the na]mes of the men […]
1.2| […]{t} son of Petenter, his na[me
1.3| […] the men whose na[mes are written above
1.4| […] men from among us, Yah[…]
1.5| [befo]re Cambyses l … […]
No. 2| (Fragment 2)
2.1| […]mt[…]
2.2| […]ʾ son of Ḥ[…]
2.3| […] written […]
2.4| […]w b{r}b … […]
2.5| […] … […]
No. 3| (Fragment 3)
3.1| […]{y}mh to you […]
3.2| […] between, nḥt[…]
3 lost| (one line lost)
3.4| […]yn y{w}[…]
No. 4| (Fragment 4)
4.1| […]{l}ḥ which m[…]
4.2| […] of the detach{ment}[…]
4.3| […]{bar}ley […]
4.4| […] you […]
No. 5| (Fragment 5)
5.1| […]y ʾ[…]
5.2| […] 1 p{y}[…]
5.3| […] … thm[…]
5.4| […] bond … […]
5.5| […]{b}tl[…]
No. 6| (Fragment 6)
6.1| […] Bagadat son of […]
6.2| [… in Elephantin]e the fortress […]
6.3| [from the days of the k]ing of Egyp[t
No. 7| (Fragment 7)
7.1| [… wor]ds adjoining {it}[…]
7.2| […]{h} at the gate of the h[ouse
7.3| […] Atarparat […]
No. 8| (Fragment 8)
8.1| {that}: karsh 1 […]
8.2| {A}nani, {th}i[s] document
8.3| Az{ani}ah, Anan[i
No. 9| (Fragment 9)
9.1| […] the welfare of your servant […]
9.2| […] and {I reaped}[…]
No. 10| (Fragment 10)
10.1| […]lwnpr[…]
10.2| […] to Jezaniah […]
No. 11| (Fragment 11)
11.1| […] {fr}om you (pl.) and from b[…]
No. 12| (Fragment 12)
12.1| […]{my por}tion[…]
12.2| […]{y} A{s}uti{s} […]
12.3| […]m the price of […]
12.4| […]m k … {belonging to}[…]
12.5| […] l […]
No. 13| (Fragment 13)
13.1| […] its boundaries [
No. 14| (Fragment 14)
14.1| […] 3 b[…]
14.2| […]{h} to him, {house}[…]
14.3| [withdra]{wal} of the house, 1 (doubtful), which {w}[rote
14.4| …
No. 15| (Fragment 15)
15.1| …
15.2| […] … ʾ ʾ … from the [ri]sing to the west […]
15.3| […] 3 (doubtful) ʿ …
No. 16| (Fragment 16)
16.1| […] you shall give him in yea[r
16.2| […] to you (pl.). If g …
No. 1| (Fragment 1)
1.1| ]of Tybi, ye[ar
1.2| ]{Adon}-Nabu, to[…]
No. 2| (Fragment 2)
2.1| …{m}] on the 5th of P[…]
2.2| ]I {sent} to[…]
2.3| … ]š{ḥ}[…]
No. 3| (Fragment 3)
3.1| ]{b}iah, an Aramean of Syene, of the detachment[…]
3.2| ]I have brought suit against you[…]
3.3| ]Yatomah and Saluah […]
No. 4| (Fragment 4)
4.1| ]of Adar, he[…]
4.2| ]-qu{n}, an Aramean of[…]
4.3| …
No. 5| (Fragment 5)
5.1| ]{and} content of heart[…]
5.2| ]I have withdrawn from you from th[is day
5.3| ]anyone of mine shall bring against you a s[uit
5.4| … which …
No. 6| (Fragment 6)
6.1| ]{z} son of Pas[…]
6.2| ]{k}m son of {kṭ}[…]
6.3| ]son of Ag{i}[…]
6.4| ]{w}r […]
No. 7| (Fragment 7)
7.1| ]-i all
7.2| [to] {him}, my lord
7.3| l- …] there is
No. 8| (Fragment 8)
8.1| month by month pq[…]
8.2| To my brother M[…]
No. 9| (Fragment 9)
9.1| ]-šn[…]
9.2| ]stater 1 … […]
No. 10| (Fragment 10)
10.1| ]{-w}š 4, of the {inter}[est
10.2| ]year 18 of Dar[ius
No. 11| (Fragment 11)
11.1| Ho]shea […]
11.2| ] greeting […]
No. 12| (Fragment 12)
12.1| After me there shall be […]
12.2| …
No. 13| (Fragment 13)
13.1| ]{-mr}, wheat 2 […]
13.2| ]in the sun, 11 (doubtful) … […]
13.3| ]{y} n{ʿ}[…]
13.4| ]-ʾ{r}[…]
13.5| ]-t{r}g
13.6| ]-n{ʾ} ḥ[…]
No. 14| (Fragment 14)
14.1| ]-ti[…]
14.2| ]-t to bi{nd}[…]
14.3| ]sai{d} … […]
14.4| ] … we will go {m}[…]
14.5| ]-m you shall forget š[…]
No. 15| (Fragment 15)
15.1| ]{-k} Yahu
15.2| ]great, brother[…]
No. 16| (Fragment 16)
16.1| ]2 shekels[…]
16.2| ]the silver shall be given[…]
No. 17| (Fragment 17)
17.1| ]Seha … […]
No. 18| (Fragment 18)
18.1| ]and they shall take her[…]
18.2| …
No. 1 Obv.| (Fragment 1, obverse)
1.obv.1| fr]om you and from us …
1.obv.2| ]greetings; your brother Taqutiya; greetings […]
No. 1 Rev.| (Fragment 1, reverse)
1.rev.1| … may there be welfare[…]
1.rev.2| concerning … l-
No. 2 Obv.| (Fragment 2, obverse)
2.obv.1| ]{-š} the king. Then in [Elephantine
2.obv.2| ]{z}i to me {ḥ}[…]
2.obv.3| ]-t with you (fem.) to[…]
No. 2 Rev.| (Fragment 2, reverse)
2.rev.1| dau]ghter of Zaccur
No. 3 Obv.| (Fragment 3, obverse)
3.obv.1| ]-i p- … […]
3.obv.2| ]{b}a to[…]
3.obv.3| ]until you see[…]
3.obv.4| ]your garment, and not[…]
3.obv.5| ]-lt Pithom
No. 3 Rev.| (Fragment 3, reverse)
3.rev.1| ]l{q}, total 10 […]
3.rev.2| ] … l … […]
3.rev.3| ] … t […]
No. 4 Obv.| (Fragment 4, obverse)
4.obv.1| ]Then in Elephantine I said: Mibt[…]
4.obv.2| {š}
No. 4 Rev.| (Fragment 4, reverse)
4.rev.1| ]which I wrote. Mibtahiah da[ughter of
No. 5 Obv.| (Fragment 5, obverse)
5.obv.1| ]-h I made[…]
5.obv.2| ]karsh, in seed, zyl[…]
No. 5 Rev.| (Fragment 5, reverse)
5.rev.1| ]-mw
5.rev.2| ]{in} words … this[…]
5.rev.3| ]. R 2
No. 6 Obv.| (Fragment 6, obverse)
6.obv.1| ]{-ʾ} given […]
6.obv.2| the pr]ovince[…]
No. 6 Rev.| (Fragment 6, reverse)
6.rev.1| ]to me {ʾ}zk[…]
6.rev.2| ]took {ʾ}mš[…]
6.rev.3| ]. šml[…]
No. 7 Obv.| (Fragment 7, obverse)
7.obv.1| ]{bk}[…]
7.obv.2| ]{q}i b{t}[…]
7.obv.3| ]. -tʾl {ʾ}[…]
7.obv.4| ]-tʾl{h}[…]
No. 8 Obv.| (Fragment 8, obverse)
8.obv.1| ]Sitri, your brother[…]
8.obv.2| ]and her children, greetings […]
No. 8 Rev.| (Fragment 8, reverse)
8.rev.1| ]my sister S[itri
No. 9 Obv.| (Fragment 9, obverse)
9.obv.1| ]Nathan, wit{ness}[…]
No. 9 Rev.| (Fragment 9, reverse)
9.rev.1| My lor[d
No. 10 Obv.| (Fragment 10, obverse)
10.obv.1| ]-p{rd} . {wnḥ}[…]
10.obv.2| ]with which you shall gi[ve
10.obv.3| ] {sureties}, strong […]
No. 10 Rev.| (Fragment 10, reverse)
10.rev.1| Je]hoishma son of […]
10.rev.2| ] . your son, {son of} […]
10.rev.3| ] . {Nabu}-shedar[…]
No. 11 Obv.| (Fragment 11, obverse)
11.obv.1| On the 3rd of Tybi[…]
11.obv.2| Memorandum: Ḥem{d}[an
11.obv.3| in the {land} . […]
11.obv.4| On the 3rd of Tybi, Am[…]
11.obv.5| all[…]
No. 11 Rev.| (Fragment 11, reverse)
11.rev.1| ]. l … Ḥe{m}dan 1
11.rev.2| ]the province of Thebes
No. 12 Obv.| (Fragment 12, obverse)
12.obv.1| your servants[…]
12.obv.2| betwee{n}[…]
12.obv.3| ʾrt[…]
12.obv.4| with bricks[…]
12.obv.5| all d-[…]
12.obv.6| all d-[…]
No. 12 Rev.| (Fragment 12, reverse)
12.rev.1| The {do}c[ume]nt of {Lbḥ}ta, his wife . […]
A col. i| (Fragment A, column i)
A.i.1| …
A.i.2| ]{between}
A.i.3| …
A.i.4| ]{the sun}
A.i.5| ]-ʾ . rods, in
A.i.6| …
A.i.7| … the governor{ of}
A.i.8| ]{they took captive} {in Elephantine}, and to me
A.i.9| ]{-ntki}, which
A.i.10| ]ptyrwt, {my son, to me}
A.i.11| ]Amhut son of … -th, which
A.i.12| ]the god
A.i.13| ]left … l- …
A col. ii| (Fragment A, column ii)
A.ii.1| [he will] {make kno}wn {yw}[…]
A.ii.2| [Afterwards] he spoke about Petenephthoph[…]
A.ii.3| ]thus he said: 'Seize[…]'
A.ii.4| ʾ- … {and they bound} him and[…]
A.ii.5| they did not release him until {n}[…]
A.ii.6| ʾ- …
A.ii.7| …
A.ii.8| {all} … {ntw} in {Bab} {hn}[…]
A.ii.9| {ns.lt}; they {sealed} {it}; succe{ss}ful[…]
A.ii.10| b- … ḥ given under[…]
A.ii.11| {nhy.š}, qastar 3, {and he} spoke about[…]
A.ii.12| which I gave him not for wages; also I {gave}[…]
A.ii.13| to {Lush}an and his colleagues […]
B| (Fragment B)
B.1| They thus sa[id
B.2| {Set} for him[…]
B.3| the treasury {ʾ}[…]
B.4| {d}o{ne}[…]
B.5| {wr}
D| (Fragment D)
D.1| A]mhu[t
D.2| 12 {ḥ}[…]
D.3| {š} {š} 20[…]
D.4| {tr}ʾ {ʾ} … 20[…]
D.5| her{e}[…]
C| (Fragment C)
C.1| {Gr}eetings to {Bar}[…]
C.2| -h with whom[…]
E| (Fragment E)
E.1| 20[…]
E.2| wine of {the} outside, zyn[…]
E.3| lyn[…]
F| (Fragment F)
F.1| …
F.2| …
F.3| 4 l-[…]
F.4| 2 {l}-[…]
1| To my lord Mithravahisht, your servant Pahim. {Wel}[fare,
2| life, joy and strength! May my lord be ab[undantly
A. Recto| (Fragment A, recto)
1| and their b[ell]y shall not be filled with {br}[ead
2| each one, the pains of their {fa}thers[…]
3| before them, until they build, qr[ (side column:) ]-yn
4| and in later days he shall eat[ (side column:) ]-ʿ
5| righteousness to his father, and he shall bu[y (side column:) ]-whi
6| and he shall weigh him in {his heart}, and he shall kill a man l-[ (side column:) … / ]-t{k}
7| his lord, and he shall {release} him, a man, the {sons} of {his lord}[ (side column:) ]-ʾšh
8| bread. And the gods of Egypt shall gather[…]
9| … 44 years {p}ḥ[…]
A. Verso| (Fragment A, verso)
10| …] to the sons, on the testimony of the king, and he hea[rd
11| …] Bar Puneš, he. Then the king answered[…]
12| …] Bar Puneš the words that the king had said, and [answered
13| … you have k]{il}led them. You shall go with the sword of your army, and you[…]
14| ]{and} {that} shall {pass}, and the captives that you took captive in this year[…]
15| ]-bʾlk, and your bones shall not go down to Sheol, and your shadow[…]
16| Bar Pune]š over the thousands of the king, and … in vict[ories
B. Recto| (Fragment B, recto)
17| ]the king, and he cried out, and {anointed}[…]
18| ]this, which {happened}[…]
19| you shall h]ang him, just as you did to hi[s] sons
20| ]were it not that in the place of the s[e]a you kill[ed him
21| ]-š{ʿ}t{r}m in Tema{y} {and} Menah[em
22| th]at, you shall go and {drink}[…]
23| ]-h with gods, {and} a spell, {help}[…]
24| ]{ṣ}b . b … [and in days] later[…]
B. Verso| (Fragment B, verso)
25| ] which his father {will give} him[…]
26| shall gath]er, the gods of Egypt [who
27| Eg]ypt, and they shall be[…]
28| ]-mh, and righteousness {shall perish}, and {ʾy}[…]
29| ]-sw, and a man {was brought out}[…]
30| ]{š} because of his silver, {kšr}[…]
31| ]{his corpse} to {bury} it, [and to
32| ]{and they} {shall say} to him, and he shall answer[…]
33| ]-nth in {half} … you shall go, and to[…]
A| (Side A)
1| Its outgoings in the month of Paophi (side column:) ]{P}aophi, which {is given}
2| On the 1st of Paophi, for the meal: Sidonian wine, jar 1; Egyptian[…]
3| On the 2nd of Paophi, for the meal: Egyptian, flagon 1, jars 2 (side column:) ]Egyptian, jar 1
4| Given to Seha son of Pamet: Egyptian wine, vessels 5[ (side column:) Egypt]ian, flagon 1, jars 2
5| Within that: flagons 2, jars 3; charged to you, {a little}, š{r}
6| ]b.l; charged to you, before ʿAḥar: Eg[ypt]ian, flagon 1
7| ]Egyptian, flagon 1
8| ]{l}.lʾ: Egyptian, jar 1
9| ]{which} in ṣ- …: Egyptian, flagon 1
10| ]for the meal: Sidonian wine, jar 1; Egyptian[…]
11| ]son of Paha: Egyptian, flagon 1
12| ]for [the meal: Egyptian, f]lagon 1
B| (Side B)
13| On the 23rd, for the meal: flagon 1, jar 1
14| On the 24th, for Bagdu, 1; jars 2
15| For a libation before Apathu, the great god: jar 1
16| For a libation ⸢before⸣ Isis the {goddess}: jar 1
17| For the meal: Sidonian wine, jar 1 (side column:) ]here
18| On the 25th of Khoiak, which is the day of the vow, for the meal: flagons 2 (side column:) ]1
19| On the 26th, before ʾ-[ (side column:) ]jar 1
20| Charged to you: {ʾndwmʾ}[…]
21| On the 28th, for[ (side column:) ]1
22| On the 29th, for[ (side column:) ]-y 1
23| {ʿ}Aḥrenpi, {to} him[ (side column:) ]-p{ṣ}ta
24| For the meal[…]
25| For[…]
1| ]charged to {you}: bnpʾ npyʾ ⊔ {p}š[…]
2| [the] {servant}; that is the total
3| 23,885, {rʾ} bgrwm
4| Gi]ven to Anḥapi son of Petese, for {s}- … l- mpš
5| … 850 ⊔ to ʿ.ln
6| {m}w; in all, pasture 10
7| ex]penditure of his own … to the hand; they shall be made b- …
8| Given to Taba daughter of {M}- …, bnp{y}ʾ
9| To] Anḥebes son of Petese, for me and for my son and for {you}
10| b- … | To Shaḥpimu son of Shenut … 2
11| To {P}eteḥarpakhrat son of Pet- …, with you, {and} whkdw{ʾ}
12| ⊔ To Neftsobek 13 pš
13| pasture | To Pamsa son of Shaḥpimu, pasture 125
14| Expenditure of the province
15| šl | ⊔ To Petekhnum, pasture 60
16| ⊔ To Aḥarḥib son of Ḥapimu 60
17| Total of pasture: 814
1| Peti son of Paḥpi, his share: t.qʾ
2| Psammetichus son of Pa[me]t son of N{ʿṣ}b, b{g}- …
3| Pamun son of {B}en[t] …
4| Semtu son of Anḥmu{t}
5| Hadyu son of Pete{se}
6| Ḥan{s} son of Petese
1| Rabtakah, in the {pas}ture, {gr}ou[nd …
2| and the ḥnmyʾ, the {ne}ar one …
3| {ʾhb}th, in the {pas}ture, gr[ound
4| Paqarqaptaḥ, the {ne}[ar one
5| All the tamarisks, 30 (doubtful) …
6| Second: cubit …
7| Rabtakah, tamar{is}[ks …
8| Her sister, she …
9| [Al]l [the tamar]i[sks …
1| … Ḥotem, until as … lmy R 12 {thus} {said} … -k, the said Seha …
2| … -r and his colleagues, hnš … ⸢done⸣ to … {daughter of} the said Seha …
3| … -h, the said Seha, to Je[d]aniah on the 10th [of Pa]uni. Now …
4| … -tn concerning the request … l- . with …
1| The welfare of my lord …
2| One servant the[re …
Reverse| (Reverse)
3| … {here}, to …
Obverse| (Obverse)
1| Charged to us in the mon[th …
2| Building
3| Silver, shekels 6 …
4| Price, and thousand: 111 (doubtful)
5| Total silver, sh[ek]els 2 …
6| Total silver, karsh …
1| …
2| One structure: 12 cubits; width 1 cubit; its course, h[and]breadths 4 (partly restored) …
3| Structure, another board: 9½ cubits; width 1 cubit; its cour[se …
4| Another [b]oard: 5 cubits; width c[ubit 1]; its course, hand[breadths …
1| Concerning b- …
2| They s[a]id … {t}w {tur}[n …
3| … to them, and [the o]fficers of their hun{d}reds …
4| Ruin; a gar[rison] there is not …
5| [This] garrison {were} posse[ssing …
6| Moreover, now, in this {fo}r[tre]{ss} a gar[rison …
Reverse| (Reverse)
7| Now, thus {s}[ays] Mithradates …
8| You, the judges, say to …
9| let it be given [to] the {lords}
Col. a| (Column a)
1| Account of the grapes that I wrote down … my fathers
2| Shelam{ṣ}in, the plantation of Zebadiah: wheat, seah 1, quarter 1
3| Shabbethith daughter of {ʿ}Obadia{h}: wheat, seah 1, {Q} 7, 1 P
4| {Arsin} …: wheat, ardabs 12
5| At Ars[in]'s: {deed} 1, ʾ- …
6| …
7| … [jar]{s} . . of mine, 19
8| [From Shim]{e}on, jars 2; Johanan the priest, jar 1
9| From Shabbethai Jashib, jars 2; from Nathan 1, jar 1
10| From Haggai Diphras, jars 2
11| T{b}a daughter of {Ḥan}iah, {the house} ⟋: ardabs 3, ardab 1, against . .
12| … ʾ, and from S.grh
13| …
Col. b| (Column b)
14| The deeds in the hands of Jonathan and myself:
15| {went up} to the boat: Simeon son of Haggai
16| {At} Shammathi's: deed 1, for she-asses 40
17| At Simeon's: deed 1, for karsh 12
18| shekels 8
19| At Simeon's: deed 1, [for zuz] 400
20| [At Simeo]n's: [d]eed 1, for hallurs 4, mdlʾ
21| and months 12, mdlʾ
22| Obadiah{u} Zaccur: deed 1, for zuz 120
23| At Obadiahu Zaccur's: deed 1, for wheat, ardabs 10
24| Shabbethai Haggai, Tatan: deed 1, for his house
25| At Shabbethai Haggai's: deed 1, for wheat, ardabs 24
26| In his hands: dee[d] 1 (doubtful), Johanan son of Delui, ʿ- …
27| for zuz 100
Col. c| (Column c)
28| In the hand{s} of [Jo]nathan: the wheat [of ?] Yaḥyai son of ..baniah
29| In the hands of Jonathan: bundles 6, of wine
30| a tray of silver, 10; {nḥt}n 2, of silver
31| In the hands of Nathan: and the cup of Meshullam son of Azgad, at shekels 2
32| and my own cup is in his hands, and our great cup is in his hands
33| the great one is in his hands, {and the zwlʾ} is in his hands, k{h}..h, fine
34| In his hands … {z}ʾ of {Jedaniah} …
35| In [his] ha[nds …
36| … {wheat}, ardabs 2, quarter 1
37| [In] {his} [hands]: the bronze tool, {N}kras. daughter of Haniah . .
38| In his hands: our tool, in Mṣy . . ʾ
38a| b-
39| The wine which they gave {ytly} this year, šl- … {the pr}iest
40| in Tmas{u}, 21; vinegar, jars 2; hn- …
41| Delui the younger: garden, at 46; vinegar 1 …
42| In Midlah, Abitai: jars 3
43| Obadiahu Paḥes: jars 6, vinegar 1
44| From these: {zuz} 100
Col. d| (Column d)
45| {which} . . -ḥt, for {good}, {h}- …
46| {r} . . 4, hyd {ḥ} 1 (doubtful) …
47| lḥ . . sheep, {large}, 2 …
48| sheep, [lar]ge, 6, p{ʾ} …
49| … vinegar, one, qr{h} …
50| … y{n} . y{h} 5 {b} …
51| … {qsr} …
Col. e| (Column e)
52| tʾ w-
53| {nḥ}
54| t-
55| which
56| Hargalti, at shekel-
57| 64, quarter 1
58| ʾ š
59| š
verso, Col. f| (Verso, column f)
60| … the fourths, in the boat
61| K 10 (doubtful), ka 1, for shekel 1, quarters 2; remainder, shekel 1
62| Nakim: logs 6, for quarters 3; remainder, {K} 1 P
63| At Nakim's: logs 6, for quarters 3; remainder 1
64| Apelnim {will give}: ka 1 P, for shekels 2, quarter 1
65| ⟋Yaniya: logs 2, 2, for quarters 2
66| ⟋Yaniya: logs …
67| … for quarter 1
68| … [lo]gs 6, for quarters 3
69| Myself: logs 2
70| {N}athan Narbi: log 1, for M 1 P
71| ⟋Yaniya: logs 3, for quarter 1, M 1 P
72| At Nakim's: logs 6, for quarters 3
73| ⟋Yaniya: log …
Col. g| (Column g)
74| ⟋Nabas: logs 6, for quarters 3
75| ⟋Yaniya: logs 4, for quarters 2
76| At Nakim's: logs 6, for quarters 3
77| remainder, quarters 2
78| ⟋Judah: logs 2, for quarter 1
79| At Nakim's: log 1, M 1 P
80| ⟋Yaniya: logs 2, for {quarter} 1 (doubtful)
81| ⟋Yaniya: ka 1 P, {b}- …
82| … {b}- … quarter 1
83| in jars, five . .
84| ⟋Isidorus: logs 2, for quarter 1
85| ⟋{P}ras: ka 1, for shekel 1, quarters 2
86| ⟋Hargalti: half, for quarters 3
87| ⟋Lysimachus: logs 7, for quarters 3, M 1 P
88| ⟋Kastas: logs 6, for quarters 3
89| ⟋Diphros: logs 4, for quarters 2
90| Abitai, give{n} … {for quarters} 3
Col. h| (Column h)
91| Abi{t}ai {b}- …
92| ⟋Isidorus: logs 4 . for quarters 2
93| ⟋Yaniya: logs 6, for quarters 3
94| ⟋Bakim: logs 9, for shekel 1, M 1 P
95| ⟋the Greek: logs 2, for quarter 1
96| ⟋Judah: logs 5, for quarters 2, M 1 P
97| ⟋Yaniya: logs 3, for quarter 1, M 1 P
98| ⟋Raḥbel: log 1, for M 1 P
99| ⟋{ʿObadi} Jashi{b} l- …
100| … [logs] 4, for quarters 2
101| Y{a}[niya]: logs 4 (partly restored), for quarters 2
102| ⟋Patpi: logs 4, for quarters 2
103| ⟋Pat{u}: logs 6, for quarters 3
104| ⟋the Greek: logs 4, for quarters 2
105| ⟋Zaphrah: logs 2, for quarter 1
106| b- Patu: kas 2, for shekels 3; remainder ⸢M 6⸣
107| ⟋Arm{i}s: logs 3, [f]or quarter 1, M 1 P
108| …
Col. i| (Column i)
109| In the house of Jashib: yq{l}. lʿtyk 5
110| {In} our house: {mlʿtyn} 2, brʾmn 2, doors
111| The copper money that they paid for the dates of Paḥi
112| this year, in customs duty: karsh 7, shekels 3
113| ⟋At Patu's: logs 8, for shekel 1
114| ⟋At Patu's: logs 2, for quarters 2 (one unit doubtful) (erased:) logs 8, for shekel 1
115| ⟋Abitai, for our house … ⟋the Ara{b}: logs 3, for quarters . . ⟋
116| … k- …
117| … [logs] 4, for quarters 2
Col. k| (Column k)
118| … remainder tk- … {gi}ven
119| {at mi}ne: Nakim, price of wi{ne} . .
120| {shekels} 3
121| … -ph Nakim ḥ- …
122| 30th of Thoth
123| {d}- (erasure) ʾ
124| zuz 24, quarter 1
125| …
126| ⟋Sasrat{as}: [logs] 3, for quarter 1, M 1 P
127| Myself: logs 12 ⟋Shabbethai Haniah: logs 4 / for quarters 2
128| At my own: logs 4
129| At my own: logs 6
130| shekel 1. At my own: logs 6
131| for quarters 2. ⟋Nakim: ka 1, shekel 1, for quarters [2; rem]ainder, quarters 2 / quarters 2
132| for quarters 2. ⟋Judah: logs 12, {for} [shekels] 3 (partly restored); remainder, quarters 3
133| for quarters 2. At [my own]: logs 4
Col. l| (Column l)
134| 2, for whe[a]t, seah 1
135| 3, M 1
136| 3, for wheat, seah 1
137| quarters 2, M 1
138| 2, until
1| … {and} your servants, the judges in A[but] …
2| [son of De]lui, Delaiah son of Ḥ[aggai], Shebah son of Obadiah[u] …
3| … the house of {Z}umi in Tebah, the fortress, {came}, s{a}w …
4| … which š{wq} {p}..{y} I shall give another …
5| … Shelomith, over the heads of the {con}[gregation] …
6| … shall come forward in it, and they testified concerning all the {goo}[ds] …
7| … ʾ, and the others, according to 3 shares. Now …
8| … -phw, and there {was} no matter against me, and they shall give to …
9| … -th to them, n{ot} … son of … and they shall give a {sh}[are] …
10| … 3 [sha]res, of his ox, to Paltah his sister, to …
11| … -lyhʾ, tw{o} {which} among them shall come, šly …
12| … their father, Yashar, share …
13| … we stood at A[but] …
14| … {them}, because …
1| On the 4th of Tybi
2| Came to Seha {the Memphite}
3| On the 5th, from Pete{se}[
4| in exchange, ardabs [2]5
5| On the 6th, ardabs 25
6| On the 7th, ardabs 25 (partly restored)
7| [On the] 8th, ardabs 2[5]
8| On the 9th, ardabs 2[5]
9| On the 10th, ardabs 25
10| On the 11th, ardabs 25
11| On the 12th, ardabs 25
12| On the 13th, ardabs 25
13| On the 14th, ardabs 25
14| [On the] 15th, ardabs 25
15| On the 16th, ardabs 25
16| On the 17th (partly restored), [ardabs] 25 (partly restored)
17| On the 18th, [ardabs 2]5
18| On the 19th (partly restored), ardabs 25
19| (Reverse) {sacks} 8
20| … -{r}n 3
21| Members of the table:
22| Seha 1
23| Petenather 1
24| Paso 1
25| Seha 1
26| Ye{shem} 1
27| Pi 1
28| Outgoing: Ṣemi
29| for the myrrh, talents 3
30| servant {Seḥ}a, {to}tal 1 …
Col. i| (Col. i)
1| [These are the wo]rds of one Ahikar by name, a wise and skilful scribe, who taught his son […]
2| [For] he said: 'Surely I shall have a son.' Before his wor[d]s, Ahikar was [grea]t, and coun[sellor of all Assyria he was,
3| and bear]er of the seal of Sennacherib king of Assy[ria. And he said: 'I] have n[o] sons.' [And on my counsel
4| and my words Sennacherib king of Assyria depended. Th[en Sen]nacherib, k[ing of Assyria, died, and there arose one named
5| Esarhaddon, his son, and he became king in Assyria in pla[ce of Sennacherib his f]ather. {T}[hen I said:
6| 'I am old, [and who will be] to [me] a son afte[r me … at] {his death}? [And who will be
7| a [scribe and bearer of the sea]l to Es[arhaddon the king, just as I was to Sennacherib
8| king of] Assyria?' Then I, [Ahikar, took one named Nadin,] the son [of my sister, and I raised him
9| and taught him wisdom, and {[lavished]} kindness, [and] se[t him up at the ga]te of the palace with m[e, before the king, among
10| his courtiers. I presented him to Esarhaddon king of Assyria, and he learned the [things
11| th]at he asked him. Esarhaddon king of Assyria then loved him and said: 'A[bundant] life [be to Ahikar,
12| the wise {[sc]ribe}, counsellor of all Assyria, who has set up his son — though [he has] no son, [his sis]ter's son!'
13| [When the king of Assy]ria [had said this,] I, Ahikar, bowed down and did obeisanc[e] before Esarh[addon, king of] Assyria.
14| [Some days later I, A]hikar, when I s[a]w that the face of Esarhaddon king of Assyria was favourable, spoke up
15| [and said before the kin]g: 'I [served Senna]cherib the king, your father, [wh]o was kin[g before you;
16| …] and now, look,
Col. ii| (Col. ii)
17| I am old; I cannot serve at the gate of the palace [and do your work for you.
18| Lo]ok, Nadin by name, my son, is grown, and he will succeed me as scribe [and counsellor of the whole of Assyria, and he
19| will be bear]er of the seal for you. My wisdom too and [my {coun}sel] I have taught him.' Esarhaddon answered, 'Let it b[e',
20| the kin]g of Assyria, and he said to me: 'Just so! [Your son as scribe and counsellor and seal-bearer to me
21| [shall be] in your place; your work he shall do [for me.' Then, when I, Ahikar, heard
22| the word that was gi]ven, went off to my house [and was at ease in my house. And this son of mine,
23| whom I had rais]ed and stationed at the palace gate [before Esarhaddon king of Assyria among
24| his courtier]s — I said, 'He will seek good [for me in return for what I have done for him.' But
25| the son of] my [sis]ter, whom I had raised, plotted agai[nst me evil, and he said in his heart:
26| '[Such wo]r[ds] I can s[ay: "That old man Ahikar, who {was} seal-bearer
27| to Sennach[eri]b the king, your father, [is corrupting the land against you, for counsellor and scribe
28| wise is he, and on his counsel and [his] wo[rds all Assyria depended." Then Esarhaddon
29| will be greatly agitated, hearing words [like these that I say to him, and he will kill Ahikar.' Then,
30| when my son, who was no son of mine, had invented [this lie against me …
31| to …
Col. iii| (Col. iii)
32| [Then Esar]{haddon} king of Assyria [was filled with rage], and he said:
33| '[Let Nabusumiskun come to me, on]e of my father's officers, who my father's bread
34| [ate.' The king said: 'Ahikar —] seek him out; wherever you find him,
35| [kill him.] Surely [Ah]ik[{ar}], that old man, a wise scribe
36| [and counsellor of all Assyri]a — lest he ruin the {land} against us!' Then, when
37| [the king of A]ssyria [had said this], he appointed 2 other men with him, to see how
38| [it would be done. Off went Nab]usumiskun, that officer, {riding} on a [h]orse, a swi[ft] one,
39| [and those men] with him. Then, three [d]ays later,
40| [he, with the o]ther [men] who were with him, {[saw me]} as I was walking among the vineyards.
41| [And when Nab]usumiskun, [that] officer, [saw me, {at} on]ce he tore his tunic and lamented,
42| [and said: 'Are you] the wise scribe and master of good counsel, who
43| [was a righteous man, and o]n whose counsel and words all Assyria depended? {Your …},
44| [the son whom you rais]ed, whom you set up at the gate of the palace — he has ruined you, and the requital
45| [is evil.' At o]nce I, Ahikar, was afraid; I answered and said to Nabusum[iskun,
46| that officer: 'Yes,] I am that Ahikar who once saved you from being killed though innocent,
47| [when Sennacherib,] the father of this King Esarhaddon, was enraged against you
48| [to kill you. At o]nce I brought you to my own house; there I provided for you
Col. iv| (Col. iv)
49| as a man does for his brother, and I concealed you from him. I declared, 'I have killed him,' until, at a[n]other ti[me] and after
50| many days, I brought you before Sennacherib the king and removed your offences before him, and har[m]
51| he did not do you. Indeed, King Sennacherib loved me greatly because I had let you live and had not put you to death. Now you,
52| as I did for you, so do for me: do not kill me. Lead me to your house unt[il] other days.
53| King Esarhaddon is merciful, as is known; later on he will remember me and seek my counsel. Th[en] you
54| [will bri]ng me before him, and he will let me live.' Then Nabusumiskun the officer [answered] and said to me: 'Do not be afraid;
55| [you shall l]ive, Ahikar, father of all Assyria, on whose counsel King Sennacherib and the army of Assyria,
56| [all of it, depended.'] At once Nabusumiskun the officer spoke to his companions, those two men who accompanied him:
57| '[Lis]ten, [and pay atten]t[ion] to me, and I shall tell you [my] plan; and it is a
58| [very] good plan.' Th[en those two men answered] and said to [him]: '[You] t[e]ll us, Nabusumiskun, officer,
59| what [you] th[ink, and we will heed] you.' At once [Nabusumiskun the o]fficer [answered] and said to them: 'Listen to me:
60| this [Ahi]kar is a great man [and the bearer of the se]al of [King] Esarhaddon, and on his counsel and words
61| the whole army of [Assyr]ia depended. Let us not kill him. [An innocent slave-boy,] a eunuch of mine, I will give you;
62| let him be killed {betw}[een] [the]se two mountains in place of this Ahikar. And whe[n it is reported,] the king [will se]nd other [m]en
63| for [o]thers to view the corpse of this {Ahikar}; afterward [they will see the cor]pse of [thi]s eunuch, my slave-boy,
Col. v| (Col. v)
64| until, later on, [King] Esarhaddon [remembers Ahikar and seeks his counsel and grieves
65| over him, and the heart of [King] Esarhad[don turns back to me, and he says to his officers and courtiers:
66| "Riches I will give you, as the num[ber of the sand, if only you could find Ahikar."' And this plan
67| pleased his companions, those t[{w}o men. They replied and said to Nabusumiskun the officer:
68| 'Do as you have planned. [We will not kill him; you will give us the slave-boy,
69| that eunuch, instead of [this] Ahikar; [he will be killed between these two mountains.'
70| At that time it was heard in the pro[vince of Assyria that Ahikar, the scribe of Esarhaddon
71| the king, had been killed. Then Nabus[umiskun, that officer, brought me to his house and hid me; and
72| he provided for me there li[ke a man for his brother, and he said to me: … bread and water
73| shall be carried before my lord. I[f …
74| ample provision and plen[tiful] goods [he gave me. Then Nabusumiskun, that officer,
75| went in to Esarhaddon the ki[ng and said to him: 'As you told me, so I have done:
76| I went and found [that] Ahik[ar and killed him.' And when Esarhaddon heard this,
77| the king questioned the t[wo] men [he had appointed along with Nabusumiskun, and they said: 'It was so, as
78| he says.' Th[e]n until [King] Esarha[ddon …
Col. vi| (Col. vi)
79| Wh[at] is stronger than wine roaring in the [pr]ess?
80| A son who is taught and disciplined, and has a path set at [his] feet …
81| Do not hold back your son from the rod; otherwise you will not be able to save [him from evil].
82| If I strike you, my son, you will not die; but if I leave you to your own heart, [you will not live].
83| A blow for a slave-boy, a re[buke] for a slave-girl, and for all your servants disc[ipline]. + A man who
84| buys a law[less] slave [and] a thieving slave-girl — f[ear] he [brings into his house, and …
85| his father's name, and his offspring by the name of his wantonness. + The scorpion [finds ?]
86| bread and does not [ea]t it [until it] lives; and t[o] it that is better than what it might ta[ste
87| to […] you did […] … the doe, much …
88| The lion will lie in wait for the stag in the cover of the thicket, and he […
89| and its blood he will shed and its flesh he will eat. Just so is the encounter of [me]n. + … lion […
90| An ass that leaves it and will not carry it shall bear shame from its fellow, [and shall c]arry a lo[ad] that is not [its own]
91| and be laden with the load of a camel. + The ass bend[s] down to the she-ass [out of l]ove for her, and the birds […
92| Two things are {good}, {and} a third is dear to Shamash: one who dri[nks] wine and shares it; one who masters wisdom [?]
93| and hears a word and does not disclose it. + See, this is dear [before] Shamash. And whoever {drinks} wine and does not [share it,
94| and whose wisdom is lost, [and … ] who has seen? + … … the nations [their wisdom], the gods […
Col. vii| (Col. vii)
95| To the gods also she is precious; fo[re]v[er] the kingdom is [hers]; in hea[ve]n she is set, for the lord of holy ones has exalted [her].
96| My [son], do not ch[a]tter overmuch, until you disclose [every wo]rd
97| [that] comes to your mind; for their [eyes] and their ears are everywhere. B[ut] guard your mouth, lest it become [your] prey.
98| Above all watching, watch your mouth, and [over] what you have h[eard] harden your heart; for a word is a bird, and the man who lets it go has no s[ense].
99| … the riddles of your mouth; after that bring them out to your [brot]her at his need. For an ambush of the mouth is stronger than an ambush of battle.
100| Do not quench a king's word; may it be a healing for your [brot]her. Soft is the speech of a king, yet it is sharp, and stronger than a double-[edged] knife.
101| Look: something hard is before you [in the pr]esence of the k[ing]; do not stand still; slight as a flash beside lightning are you — be on your guard.
102| Let him not di[spl]ay it over your w[o]rds, and you depart [be]fore your days.
103| [In the presen]ce of a king, if something is commanded, it is a burning fire. Do it at once. [Do n]ot put sackcloth on yourself and cover your palms; [for
104| so] too the word of a king is in the heat of the heart. + [Wh]y should wood contend with fire, flesh with a blade, a man with [a king]?
105| I have tasted even the bitter wild fruit, and the [tast]e was strong; but there is nothing more [b]itter than poverty. A k[ing]'s tongue is soft,
106| but a dragon's ribs it will break, like death, which is [n]ot seen. + Do not let your heart rejoice in many children, and in their fewness [do not be ashamed].
107| A king is like one who is merciful; even his voice is lofty. Who is it that can stand before him, but one with whom God is?
108| A king is beautiful to behold, like the sun, and his splendour is precious to those who tread the earth in quie[t].
109| A good vessel cove[rs] a thing within it, but [one that] is broken lets it out.
110| The lion went up to gr[eet the ass, saying]: 'Peace be with you.' The ass answered, saying to the lion:
Col. viii| (Col. viii)
111| I have carried sand and borne salt, but there is nothing heavier than [debt ?].
112| I have carried straw and lifted bran, but there is nothing lighter than a sojourner.
113| A sword troubles calm waters between good neighbours.
114| A small man who multiplies his words — they fly up above him; for his mouth's opening calls up
115| the gods. And if he is beloved of the gods, they will put something good in his palate to say.
116| Many are the [s]tar[s of heaven whose] names no one knows; just so, mankind no one knows.
117| In the sea [there is no] lion; that is why they call the qappa a lion.
118| The leopard came upon the goat, and she was bare. The leopard spoke up and said to the goat: 'Come here, and I will cover you with my hide.' [answered]
119| the goat and said to the leopard: 'What use is that to me, my lord? Do not take my own skin from me.' For [he] does not [as]k after
120| the welfare of the gazelle except to suck its blood. + The great one went to the la[mbs] … …
121| fell silent. The lamb[s] answered and said to him: 'Take for yourself what you will [ca]rry from us; we are [your la]mbs.'
122| For it is not in the hands of m[e]n to l[if]t their feet and to set them down apart fr[om the gods]; b[ut …
123| for it is not in your hands to l[if]t your foot [and] to set it down. + If good comes out of the mouth of m[en, good;
124| but if evil comes out [of] their mouth, the gods will do evil to them. + If the gods' eyes are on m[en,
125| a man splits wood in darkness and does not see, like a thief breaking into a house and being [caught ?].
Col. ix| (Col. ix)
126| [Do not bend] your [b]ow and do not set your arrow against a righteous man, lest God come to his aid and turn it back against you.
127| … You, O my son, reap every harvest and do every work; then you will eat and be satisfied and give to your children.
128| [If you ben]d your bow and set your arrow against a righteous man, the sin is from you; from the gods …
129| … You, O my son, borrow grain and wheat, so that you may eat and be satisfied and give to your children with you.
130| A heavy [l]oan, and from an evil man, do not borrow. A[nd if] you do borrow a loan, give yourself no rest until
131| the [l]oan [you repay. A loa]n is sweet wh[en one is in n]eed, but repaying it fills a [h]ouse.
132| [Whatever you hear, test i]t with your ears; for a man's charm is his trustworthiness, [and] his hatefulness the lying of his lips.
133| [At fir]st the throne is for the liar, [. .]{…}; but at the e[nd] his lies [will over]take him, and they will spit in his face.
134| The liar — his neck is cut, like a southern maiden who [hides ?] her face, like a man doing evil
135| that did not come from the gods. +
136| [Do not despise] what is in your lot, and do not covet a great thing that is withheld from you.
137| [Do not heap up] wealth, and do not make the heart great.
138| [One who] does not take pride in his father's name and his mother's name — may the su[n] not shine [on him], for he is an evil man.
139| [From me] my evil has gone out, and with whom shall I be in the right? + The son of my own body has spied out my house; [? and wh]at shall I say to strangers?
140| He [h]as been a lying witness against me, so who will justify me? + From my own house the wrath has gone out; with whom shall I contend and struggle?
141| Do not reveal [your sec]rets before your [fri]ends, [and] let your name not be made light before them.
Col. x| (Col. x)
142| With one who is higher than you, do not enter into a qu[arrel ?].
143| With one who is nob[ler] and stronger than you [do not go to law, for he will take
144| from your portion [and to] his own [will {add} ?].
145| Just so is a small man who [goes to law] with [a great man].
146| Do not remove wisdom from yourself, and [ …
147| Do not be overly clever, [and] let your w[isdom] not be snuffed out.
148| Do not be sweet, lest [they swal]low you; do not be bitter, [lest they spit you out].
149| If you wish, my son, to be [exalted, humble yourself before God,
150| who brings low the exalted man (?) and [raises up the lowly man].
151| What the l[ip]s of [me]n curse, [the gods do] n[ot curse].
152| It is good to subdue …
153| your soul; let it not love …
154| they let them fall, except one with whom God is …
155| they will ruin my hands, and not my mouth, and not …
156| God will twist the mouth of the twister and tear out [his] tongue.
157| Let good [ey]es not be darkened, and [good] ears [not be stopped, and let a good mouth love
158| the truth and {speak it}.
Col. xi| (Col. xi)
159| A man of [fi]ne bearing with a good heart is like a strong [bo]w that is dr[awn] by a m[an] of strength.
160| [If] a man [does not] stand with the gods, how will he be guarded by the strength within him?
161| … who … womb; and one who has God with him — who will b[e his j]udge?
162| … … men and peoples passed through them and did not leave them, and their heart [was open ?].
163| [No] one [knows] what is in his fellow's heart. And when a good man [se]es an e[vil] man, [let him beware of him];
164| [let him not] keep company with him on [the road], nor {be} a partner for hire to him — a good man [wi]th an [evi]l m[an].
165| [The bram]ble sent to the pomegranat[e], saying: 'Bramble to Pomegranate: what good are your man[y] thor[ns to one who t]ouches your [fr]uit?'
166| … The [pomegranat]e [answer]ed and said to the bramble: 'You are thorns, al[l of you], to whoever touches you.'
167| As for the righteous among men, all who strike against him become his help.
168| [The house] of the wicked will be shaken on a day of wind, and in calm its gates will sink down; for the plunder
169| [of the righteous are they.] + My eyes that I raised toward you, and my heart that I gave you in wisdom,
170| [you have despised, and have gi]ven my name over to wanton[ness].
171| If the wicked seizes the skirts of your garment, leave it in his hand. Then draw near to Shamash: he
172| will take what is his and give it to you.
Col. xii| (Col. xii)
173| Establish me, O God, as a righteous man with you, [for
174| my enemies will die, and not by my sword […]
175| I left you in the shade of the cedar, and [you went around ?]
176| You abandoned your friends and honoured [my enemies].
177| … a man who does not know what […]
178| Wise in speech, for the opening of the mouth […]
179| The she-ass […] and she […]
180| […]
181-183| …
184| … the moth [f]ell into the woof […]
185| … water […]
186| … … the bronze, the moth fell […]
187| My soul does not know its way; therefore [ …
188| Hunger makes bitterness sweet, [and] thirst […]
189| Let him be sated like a people, from bread, and let [the soul of the poor] be refreshed [with wine].
190| men … sand … …
Col. xiii| (Col. xiii)
191| One bent his bow and set his [arr]ow, and not […]
192| If your master entrusts water to you to keep […]
193| to leave gold in your hand. + Do not [ … ‖ … ? … ?
194| … and he does not {interpret} ‖ Approach me, and let him not tell you, 'Keep f[a]r from me.'
195| … and he does not … to him.
196| [A slave on whose fe]et is the road, and [who is a thi]ef, is not to be [b]ought.
197| … + ‖ … his house with him; [f]ire [has gone ou]t fr[om the pre]sence
198| [of God. +] … to [his] m[aster] … … in his judgment, when he did ev[il] to his [m]aster.
199| … {…} his master … the father was … + The birds … … upon …
200| … … an evil man who overtakes …
201| … when he [s]ends [you], why should you change colour before him?
202| … likeness … his face, because
203| … the seller … [be]fore you, tested before
204| … one to help him: '[Let me ride] on you, and [I] will provide for you.'
205| '[Yours be] your provender and your covering, and I will not see your rider.'
206| [Between fle]sh and my sandal, let no pebble get into my foot.
207| If … + Let the rich man not say, 'In my riches I am glorious.'
(c)| (fragment c)
197*| … +
198*| to …
199*| {…} his master
200*| …
(d)| (fragment d)
d1| know … you
d2| you hate
Col. xiv| (Col. xiv)
208| (A) [Do not sh]ow the Arabs the sea, nor the Sidonians the c[ountry]; (B) for their work is {distinct}.
209| … the wine — {it is he} who ought to taste it, and … ‖ he will [g]uard it.
210| … {…} {said}: 'Dead is {my enemy}', and you answered, and [does not ‖ k]now what will [c]ome after him.
211| … {he will tear out} and blood from {my skin}. + {…} … ‖ in weeping {if} … {…} … from … {your} mind
212| … {so} {it} … … ‖ … but {…} …
213| … ‖ … blind of eyes …
214| … will come … (B) … {to him} …
215| … eyes … (D) … water …
216| … a young child and one deaf of ears to … (C) … {…} … children …
217| … from {the womb} a freeborn son knows, and not {fr}[om] … {…} …
218| … {let no man acquire} a woman not {[m]arried} (C) who … … (E) {for good}
219| … is acquired, his n[eighbour] like his neighbour, and [his] wife (H) … (G) … (F) …
220| … {…} … {all} … upon …
221| … what … what … who … (H) a thief (G) … (F) …
222| … {this}: the house of his neighbour he sets {on fire}.
223| … {merciful} … from {the lord of} {…}
heading| (Col. i. Sachau, plate 52)
1| [they killed among them] 827 (partly restored) and took alive […] hundred and 6. [A second time the rebels gathere]d; they went
2| [against Dadarshi] to do battle. [Th]en they fought the battle [a]t a fortress named Tigra in Urartu. Ahuramazda help[ed me; by the protection of
3| Ahuramazda my army] killed the rebels. On Iyyar the 18th they fought a battle; they killed among them 5,04[6].
4| [… time, the rebels ga]thered; they went agains[t] Dadarshi to do battle. Then they fought a battle at Hiyu [by name,
5| a fortress in Urartu. Ahura]mazda helped me; by the protection of Ahu[ramazda] my army [k]illed the reb[e]ls. On the 9th (partly restored) [of Sivan
6| they fought a battle; they killed am]ong them 472 (partly restored) and took aliv[e …] hundred and 2. Then Dadarshi did no[thi]ng; he was wait[ing for me in Urartu.
7| Darius the king says:] One named Vaumisa, {my servant}, a Persian, [to Urartu] I s[ent]. I said: Go; that rebel a[rm]y [which does not
8| obey me, kill them]. Then Vaumisa went to Urartu. On his arrival the reb[el]s gat[h]ered; [they] wen[t against] Va[umisa to do
9| battle. Then they fought the battle]; he killed among them 2,034.
10| [A second time the reb]els gathered; they w[e]nt against Vaumisa to do battle. They [fo]ught the battle [on the 30th] of Iyyar; [they] fo[ught the battle;
11| they killed among them 2,04]5 [and] took alive 1,578 (partly restored). Then Va[umi]sa did [no]thing; he was [wa]iting for me [in Urartu.
12| Darius the king says: Then I from Babyl]on [went ou]t; I went to Me[dia]. On arriving [in] Media, at a place named Kunduru in Med[ia, that Fravar]tish w[ith
13| an army came to do battle; we fought the battle]. Ahura]ma[zda he]lped m[e]; by the pro[tec]tion of Ahuramazda the army of [Fravartish I ki]lled. On [the 25th
14| of Marheshwan (?) we fought the battle; I killed among them …] 5, [and] I took alive 108 thousand and 10[… Then that Fravartish
15| …… Then I sent] the ar[my
heading| (Col. ii. Sachau, plate 54, col. 1)
16| [Darius the king says: Then the land became] mine. This I did in Parthia.
17| [Darius the king says: A land rebelled,] named Margiana; they made a king over them,
18| [one named Frada. Then I sent one named Dadarshi, the gov]ernor [of Bactri]a. I said: Go, [k]ill
19| [the rebel army. Then Dadarshi fought the ba]ttle with the M[argian]s. Ahuramazda helped me;
20| [by the protection of Ahuramazda they killed the rebels], those. On the 2[3rd of Kis]lev they fought a battle;
21| they killed among them 55,243 [and took alive] 6,972 (partly restored).
22| [Darius the king says: A man named Vahyaz]{data}, a Persian, was living in Persia. [He said:
23| 'I am Bardiya, son of Cyrus.' After that the Persian army], as much of it as was in the houses, among those {o}f the fo[r]tre[ss,
24| rebelled against him; they went (over to him); he became the king in Per]sia. Then I: the army that was in Persia, small,
25| [which did not rebel, and the army of Media that was with me], I sent; one named Artavardiya, a Persian,
26| [at their head I sent. Then the army of] Persia and Medi[a] with me we[nt]. Then Arta[vardiya
27| went with the army to a place named Rakha in Persia. Then Vahyazd]ata, [that one,] who sai[d] 'I am B[ar]diya' [ca]{me} [wi]th
28| [an army to do battle; they fought the battle]. Ahuramazda helped me; by the protection of Ah[uramazda
29| my army killed the army of Vahyazdata. On the 12th of Iyyar] they fought the battle; they [k]illed among them 303 ‥
30| [and took alive … Then that Vahyazdata went with] a smal[l] army, horsemen, t[o
31| [a fortress named Pishiyauda. Then with an army he ca]me against Artavardiya to do
32| [battle; they fought the battle; my army killed] the arm[y of Vahyazd]ata in the month of T[ishri (?)
heading| (Plate 56³, parallel copy)
18*| … nam[ed
19*| {ʾ} then {D}[…]
20*| the army of m[ine
21*| 5,220[…]
21a*| [it be]came; this is what I[…]
22*| sa[ys:] Vahyazdata by na[me
23*| [the so]n of C[y]rus. Then [{h}
24*| [aga]inst him; they went; he (was) k[ing
25*| [reb]elled, and the army of Media[…]
26*| […]m I sent, and š[…]
27*| [the ar]my [to] Rakh[a] by name[…]
28*| … {b}[att]le z{q}[…]
heading| (Sachau, p. 203, no. 7)
19†| [the M]arg[ians
20†| 3
21†| [thou]sand
heading| (Col. iii. Sachau, plate 54, col. 2)
33| they fought the battle; they killed among th[em … and took alive …
34| Vahyazdata they seized, and the nobles that were with [him they seized. Darius the king says: Then
35| I set 10 (doubtful) ‥ slain, and the no[bles who were at his side I impaled at a place named Hudizya (?) in Persia.
36| 52. This is what {I} [did] in Persia.
37| Darius the king says: That V[ahyazdata who said 'I am Bardiya' an army to Arachosia
38| sent, and one man at the[ir] head, [against one named Vivana, my servant, a Persian, the governor
39| in Arachosia, saying: Go; [Vivana and the army that obeys Darius the king
40| kill. The army of Vahyazdata [went against Vivana to do battle; they fought the battle.
41| Ahuramazda helped me; [by the protection of Ahuramazda my army killed the rebels; they killed
42| among them 4,570 (partly restored) [‥ and took alive … On the 13th of Tebeth
43| they fought a battle. Ahuramazda h[elped me; by the protection of Ahuramazda my army killed the army of
44| the rebels; they killed among them 3[‥ and took alive … Then
45| that man who was chief [over them went with a small army, horsemen; he came
46| and fl]ed (to) Ar[sha]da, the [for]tress in the pr[ovince of Arachosia. Then Vivana went with an army against him
47| to do battle; he fou]ght a bat[tle; he seized him, and the nobles who were with him he killed. The total of the slain
48| and the living whom my ar]my killed [and seized … Darius the king says: Then the land became mine.
49| This is what in Arach]osia I di[d. Darius the king says: …
heading| (Plate 56⁸, parallel copy; followed by blank)
46*| […]{army}[…]
47*| […]total {s}[…]
48*| […]then the la[nd…]
heading| (Col. iv. Sachau, plate 55, col. 1)
50| [Darius the king says: Yo]u, the king who will be after me, a man who lies
51| …… ]from many lies; beware {ʿ} … who lies
52| …… ]make known how you are acting [and how (?)] your conduct (is)
53| …… y]ou; he will say: {hear} what the fratar will say (?)
54| …… ]d, which he will do {deviously}; that, look, (it is) also before you
55| …… ]your good; {ʾymnyš} you will be, {wrk}lyk over children (?)
56| …… ]ḥrʾ t … the lie {n} … [wh]ich …
57| …… th]is … do not {conceal} …
58| …… ab]undantly, and your days will be long; and i[f you conceal
59| [Darius the king says: These are the me]n who stood with me un[til] I [killed] G[au]m[ata],
60| [that Magian who said 'I am Bardiya'; they] greatly [with me] exerted themselves:
61| [one named Vindafarna, son of Vayaspara], a P{er}[sian; Gaubaruva], son of Mardunya (?),
62| a Persian; …… a Per]sian; m … mnʾ, his son (?)
63| …… ʾ sbl ……
heading| (Plate 56⁸ reverse, parallel copy)
62*| a Pers[ian
63*| l
64| son
heading| (Fragments of a copy or copies, n300ff. Sachau, plate 56¹ obv.)
56.1:1| […] which was ours was taken; that, I[…]
56.1:2| […] their property and their houses […]
56.1:3| […]this I did; I[…]
56.1:4| […]t by the protection o[f] Ahu[ramazda
heading| (Sachau, plate 56² obv.)
56.2:1| […] . did[…]
56.2:2| [they w]{ent} to d[o
56.2:3| […]and alive […]
56.2:4| [the Mar]gians […]
56.2:5| […] in Per[sia
56.2:6| [the ar]my o[f
56.2:7| […]ʾ in[…]
56.2:8| […] who (were) with[…]
heading| (Sachau, plate 56² rev.)
56.2r:1| 3
56.2r:2| I gave
heading| (Sachau, plate 56⁴ obv.)
56.4:1| […]ʾ {wḥ}[…]
56.4:2| [my army killed] the ar[my of
56.4:3| […] hundred and 76[…]
56.4:4| [A{h}]uramazda, the army [of mine
56.4:5| [and took al]ive 300[…]
56.4:6| […]ʿy{b}
heading| (Sachau, plate 56⁴ rev.)
56.4r:1| ‥ {n} l[…]
56.4r:2| Ahuramazda yb
56.4r:3| Ahuramazda y{q}[…]
56.4r:4| Darius[…]
heading| (Sachau, plate 56⁵ obv.)
56.5:1| […]army […]
56.5:2| […]{q}n […]
56.5:3| [by the pro]tection[…]
heading| (Sachau, plate 56⁵ rev.)
56.5r:1| …
56.5r:2| […]šʾ[…]
56.5r:3| […]{yb}r[…]
56.5r:4| […]y[…]
heading| (Plate 56⁶ obv.)
56.6:1| […]b 1[…]
56.6:2| […]kil[l
heading| (Plate 56⁶ rev.)
56.6r:1| ‥
56.6r:2| […]rd[…]
heading| (Plate 56⁷ rev., obv.: see under ll. 19–21)
56.7r:1| […]tt[…]
56.7r:2| […]{h} […]
heading| (Plate 56⁹ rev., obv. illegible)
56.9r:1| […]{g} […]
heading| (Plate 56¹⁰ rev., obv. illegible)
56.10r:1| […]š 1 {y}[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹¹ obv.)
56.11:1| […]{m}y[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹¹ rev.)
56.11r:1| […]{mzd}[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹³ obv.)
56.13:1| [the arm]y of[…]
56.13:2| [the bat]tle[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹³ rev.)
56.13r:1| 2 […]
56.13r:2| […] 3 […]
56.13r:3| […] 3 […]
56.13r:4| […] 3 […]
heading| (Plate 56¹⁴ obv., rev. nothing certain)
56.14:1| […]{ḥy}[…]
56.14:2| […]{mrt}[…]
56.14:3| […] not […]
56.14:4| […] 100 […]
56.14:5| [Ah]ur[amazda
heading| (Plate 56¹⁵ obv., rev. blank)
56.15:1| […]5[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹⁶ obv.)
56.16:1| […]which l[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹⁷ obv.)
56.17:1| […]and aliv[e
heading| (Plate 56¹⁸ obv.)
56.18:1| […]{pr}t[…]
56.18:2| […]Parthia[…]
heading| (Plate 56¹⁹ obv., rev. blank)
56.19:1| […]ʾly[…]
heading| (Sachau, plate 57)
57.1:1| […]the arm[y
57.1:2| [they o]bey me[…]
57.1:3| [in Med]ia, great[…]
57.2:1| […]h[…]
57.2:2| […the]m 3[…]
57.2:3| […]n{d}n[…]
57.3:1| [at] Maru by na[me
57.3:2| [Ahu]ramazda, the ar[my
57.3:3| [and] thousand 6[…]
57.3:4| [my se]rvant[…]
57.3:5| [Dari]us the king[…]
57.3:6| […]against[…]
57.3:7| [Ahura]mazda helped me[…]
57.4:1| [any]thing he did not d[o
57.4:2| [they ga]there[d
57.4:3| […]{man}[…]
57.7:1| [Da]darshi w[ent
57.7:2| […]to do[…]
57.7:3| […]by the protection of Ahuram[azda
57.8:1| …
57.8:2| {the}[n
57.9:1| w{r}
57.11:1| […]301[…]
57.11:2| […]w[…]
57.12:1| […]3[…]
57.13:1| on the Euphrates
57.14:1| […]{m}[…]
57.14:2| [Dada]rshi[…]
57.15:1| [a Pe]rsian[…]
57.15:2| […]ʾ[…]
57.16:1| …
57.16:2| […]r . […]
heading| (Cowley's conjectural combination of pl. 57 nos. 1, 3, 7, n305)
57r:1| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) …… [the army of Persia
57r:2| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) and Media that was with me was small. Then I] an ar[my sent to Media, and one named Vidarna at their head.
57r:3| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) I said: Go; the army of Media that does not o]bey me, [kill them (?). Then Vidarna went to Media; he fought
57r:4| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) a battle at] a place named Maru; [a man who in Med]ia (was) great [did not stand (?). Ahuramazda helped me; by the protection
57r:5| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) of Ahu]ramazda the ar[my of mine killed those rebels. On the 17th of Tebeth they fought the battle;
57r:6| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) they killed …] thousand 6[ hundred … and took alive …… Darius the king says: Dadarshi
57r:7| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) by name, my se]rvant, [an Urartian, I sent to Urartu. I said: The rebel army that does not obey me, kill them (?).
57r:8| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) Dari]us the king [says: Then Da]darshi w[ent to Urartu. On his arrival the rebels gathered;
57r:9| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) they went] against [Dadarshi] to do [battle. Then they fought the battle at a place named Zuz in Urartu.
57r:10| (Cowley's combined reconstruction) Ahura]mazda helped me; by the protection of Ahuram[azda my army killed those rebels.