Pap. Ber. P. 13446

The Story of Ahiqar / Erased Phoenician and Ionian Customs Accounts

TAD C.1.01, C.3.07 = Pap. Ber. P. 13446 pl. A–H, K–L + Pl. 13461D- P. 13445C-23 (+) Pl. P. 13461D- 13445C-28 + Cairo EM JdE 43502 (Ahiqar Manuscript)

Metadata

Collection

Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin, Germany | ÄMP (Public)

Genres

proverbs
novelle
Narrative
court tale
Narrative | Scribal Conflict Narrative
Literature
ספר מלי (Ancient)

Language

Aramaic

Script

Aramaic

Find Type

Excavation

Acquired

Otto Rubensohn and Fredriech Zucker [1906–1907]

Created by

James D. Moore

Material

papyrus

Palimpsest?

true

Updated by

James D. Moore, 2026-01-18

General Notes

Plate J is in Cairo. Measurements cm x;y A: 25.5; 30 B: 13.5; 28 C: 17; 30.5 D: 40; 31 E: 33; 32 F: 26.5; 31 G: 38.5; 31 H: c. 24; c. 30.8 (TAD) J: 30; 31 K: 40; 31 L: c. 27; 30.8 (TAD) plate, side, count pl. A, pal recto ii, 22 pl. A, pal recto iii, 23 pl. A, pal verso i, 18 pl. A, recto i, 15 pl. A, verso, 1 (+ four lines Demotic) pl. B, pal recto i, 23 pl. B, pal verso i, 17 pl. B, recto i, 15 pl. C, pal recto i, 22 pl. C, pal recto ii, 22 pl. C, recto i, 17 pl. D, pal recto i, 22 pl. D, pal recto ii, 24 pl. D, pal recto iii, 25 pl. D, pal verso i, 23 pl. D, pal verso ii, 16 pl. D, pal verso iii, 3 pl. D, recto i, 15 pl. D, recto ii, 15 pl. E, pal recto i, 23 pl. E, pal recto ii, 22 pl. E, pal verso i, 20 pl. E, pal verso ii, 20 pl. E, recto i, 16 pl. F, pal recto i, 24 pl. F, pal recto ii, 27 pl. F, pal recto iii, 25 pl. F, pal verso i, 24 pl. F, pal verso ii, 24 pl. F, pal verso iii, 25 pl. F, recto i, 15 pl. G, (pal) verso iii, 6 pl. G, pal recto i, 23 pl. G, pal recto ii, 26 pl. G, pal recto iii, 25 pl. G, pal recto iv, 25 pl. G, pal verso ii, 24 pl. G, pal verso iv, 5 pl. G, pal verso v, 25 pl. G, recto i, 16 pl. G, recto ii, 17 pl. G, verso, 1 pl. H, pal verso i, 21 pl. H, recto i, 17 pl. J, pal recto i, 28 pl. J, pal recto ii, 26 pl. J, pal recto iii, 25 pl. J, pal verso i, 25 pl. J, recto i, 16 pl. K, pal recto i, 25 pl. K, pal recto ii, 25 pl. K, pal recto iii, 25 pl. K, pal recto iv, 24 pl. K, pal verso i, 24 pl. K, pal verso ii, 25 pl. K, pal verso iii, 24 pl. K, recto i, 14 pl. K, recto ii, 17 pl. L, pal recto i, 23 pl. L, pal recto ii, 9 pl. L, pal verso i, 24 pl. L, recto i, 16 Summary of content: plate: summary pl. A: Prologue to the Ahiqar narrative. Adoption of Nadin, Ahiqar’s nephew and interview of Nadin by the king. Verso: One Aramaic inscription and illegible Demotic lines from a papyrus repair. pl. A pal: Import account. Verso: unidentified administrative text. pl. B: Retirement of Ahiqar, appointment of Nadin as scribe, and Nadin’s defamation of Ahiqar. pl. B pal: Import account. Verso: unidentified administrative text. pl. C: The hunt for Ahiqar and Ahiqar’s conspiracy to save his own life. pl. C pal: Import account. Verso: blank. pl. D: Conspiracy of Ahiqar continued. pl. D pal: Import account, recto and verso. pl. E: Proverbs. pl. E pal: Import account. Verso: second account. pl. F: Proverbs. pl. F pal: Import account. Verso: second account. pl. G: Proverbs. pl. G (pal): Name list? pl. G pal: Import account. Verso: various accounts and administrative compositions. pl. H: Proverbs. pl. H pal: Recto: import account. Verso: recension of the Story of Ahiqar. pl. J: Proverbs. pl. J pal: Import account. Verso: second account. pl. K: Proverbs. pl. K pal: Import account. Verso: second account. pl. L: Proverbs. pl. L pal: Recto: import account. Verso: recension of the Story of Ahiqar.

Text and Translation

Choose alternative texts and translations from the filter. Click individual words in a text for more details.

James Moore Last updated 14 November, 2025 by James D. Moore

[The account of] ⸢the words⸣ of the one named Ahiqar, a wise and skilled scribe who educated his son ⸢wh⸣[o …]

[… ]said, "May I have a son?" The beginning of [his] wor[ds: I] am Ahiqar, and [I] d[welt in the Gate of the Palace, in]

the house of the seal (bearer) of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. And I said,"I have no children to give my home

or my words to." (Now) Sennacherib was king of Assyria. A[fter Senna]cherib, the k[ing of Assyria, had died, I served]

the one named Esarhaddon, his son. And he was king in Assyria; he repl[aced Sennacherib,] his [fa]ther. [...]

old [...So I took my] nephew. [And I said, "He shall be my son. at d]eath[ he will bury me." And I educated him

L[… …] Es[arhaddon, the king of Assyria …]

the king of] Assyria?" Then I[ …] my son [the one named Nadin …]

I educated him, and [I have giv]en good (things) [to him (so that) I|you may appoint him at] the [Ga]te of the Pa[l]ace with[ …]

his ⸢hi⸣gh ranking courtiers." I presented him before Esarhaddon, the k⸢ing of Assy⸣ria. And he taught him [wise] w[ords …]

th]at he asked him. Then Esarhaddon the [k]ing of Assyria loved him and said, "The favor of Sh[amash is upon you. You have been/become]

the wise [s]cribe, counselor of all of Assyria who appointed his son." And [...] no(t) [...] son [...]

[... The]n I bowed and prostrated [myself], saying, "Ahiqar is before Esarh[addon, king of A]ssyria (now, but) a[fter me

my son will be before you like A]hiqar." When I sa⸢w⸣ (that) the face of Esarhaddon, king of Assyria, was delighted, I responded and [said, "My lord

you know I have served ]⸢you (and) I have⸣ [ser]v⸢ed⸣ Sennache]rib, the [ki]n[g], your father [w]ho reigned[ before you.]

(Now) I am old. I will be unable to work at the Gate of the P⸢a⸣lace. […]

[In]⸢deed⸣, the one named Nadin, my son, is grown. He can replace me as [the] scribe. [I have taught him the books and he can do my work

... in the hou]se of the seal (bearer). He will be yours. Indeed, my wisdom and [my] c[ounsel I have given him." ... Esarhaddon, (4) the kin]g or Assyria, replied

and said to me, "Yes, he may be [... He may replace you as the scribe.

He may be] your [re]placement; your work he may do." [...

when the position was g]ranted, I went to my home [... my son

whom I reared] and appointed at the Gate of the Palace.[ And the kin]g Esarhaddon [gave him his right hand...]

I said [in my heart], "He see[k]s good things [for me. But he turned from my words and did not listen to my words...

[My ne]⸢ph⸣ew, whom I reared, contrived [evil] against [me in his heart. And he wrote a letter as though it were from my mouth and he said, "O my king,]

A[hiqar] has ⸢in⸣[sulted us! He wrote this letter to your enemy in order to make war against you like that which was made]

against Sennache[ri]b the king, your [fa]ther.”[ ...]

he is/was wise, and upon his counsel and [his] word[s all of Assyria had relied...]

greatly he will be angry. [...] heard words [...]

when my son, who is not my son, acted treacherously[ against me...

[...]

[... Es]⸢arhaddon, the king⸣ of Assyria [responded] and said

[to the one named Nabu-šuma-iškun, the prince, "... you are] ⸢one of⸣ the my father's princes, who [ate] my father's bread

[... Arise and go!] You ⸢must look for⸣ [this Ahiqar]. Whe⸢rever⸣ you fin⸢d⸣

[Ahiqar, you must kill him and bring me his body...Why sh]⸢ould⸣ this old [Ah]⸢iqa⸣[r,] a ⸢wise scribe⸣

[be foolish?...] Why does/will h⸢e⸣ da⸢m⸣age ⸢the land⸣ against ⸢us?" T⸣hen when

[... Esarhaddon the king of Assy]ria appointed wi⸢th him⸣ two othe⸢r⸣ men to see ⸢how⸣

[...] ⸢th⸣is [Nab]u-šuma-iš⸢ku⸣n ⸢the⸣ prince ⸢rode⸣ quickly ⸢on his⸣ lone horse

[... his cronies] ⸢with him.⸣ Af⸢t⸣er ⸢th⸣ree ⸢days⸣ [...]

[... Nabu-šuma-iškun, the prince, and the o]t⸢h⸣er [two] men wi⸢th him⸣ [...] ⸢And I was wal⸣king amo⸢ng⸣ the vineya⸢rd⸣s

[...When Nab]⸢u⸣-šuma-išku⸢n⸣, that pri⸢n⸣ce, [saw me] he began to tear ⸢his⸣ t⸢unic.⸣ He lament⸢ed⸣

[and said, "O Ahiqar,...] ⸢the wise s⸣cribe and ⸢mast⸣er of ⸢go⸣od co⸢un⸣sel whom a ⸢pe⸣rs⸢on⸣

[... o]n his couns⸢el⸣ and ⸢his⸣ words al⸢l of Assy⸣ria had relied.

[Your son who is not your son] se⸢eks⸣ you [to kill you. Nadin, whom you t]aught (and) whom ⸢you⸣ appointed ⸢at⸣ the Gate of the ⸢Pala⸣ce, he has damaged you." And again

[... Imme]⸢di⸣ately I became afraid. <I> Ahiqar respo⸢nd⸣ed and ⸢s⸣aid ⸢to⸣ Nabu-⸢š⸣[uma-iškun]

[...] "⸢I⸣ am he Ahiqar who previously saved ⸢you fr⸣om an innoce⸢nt⸣ mu⸢rd⸣er.

[... when the king Sennacherib,] the ⸢fa⸣ther of ⸢this⸣ very king Esarhaddo⸢n,⸣ was an⸢gry⸣ with ⸢you⸣

[...]⸢I⸣ brought ⸢you⸣ to ⸢my own⸣ house. There I ⸢h⸣ad been your ben⸢efactor,⸣

like a man with brother. And I hid you from him. I said, 'I had killed him' unt⸢il⸣ [an]⸢oth⸣er ti[me]. [Thus] after

many (1) days, (2) I presented you before Sennacherib the king. And I removed your sins (from) his presence.

And he did not do (anything) (2) ba[d] (3) to you. Most certainly, Sennacherib the king loved me because I had let you live. I did no⸢t⸣ [k]⸢i⸣ll you. Now (as for) you,

in accordance with what I did for you, so then d[o for me!] You mustn't kill me. Take me to your ⸢h⸣[ouse] un[til] ⸢another⸣ [time].

⸢E⸣sar⸢haddo⸣[n] the king loved m(e)/is merciful. He was/is like an acquain⸢tance. I⸣n the en⸢d⸣, (/alt. ⸢E⸣sar⸢haddo⸣[n] the king is merciful like one who knows other things.) he will remember me, and [he will] seek my counsel. T[hen] y⸢ou⸣

[will pr]esent ⸢me⸣ to him, and he will gra⸢nt⸣ me life." A[fter (this), Nab]⸢u⸣-šuma-iš⸢kun,⸣ the prince, [responded] and s⸢ai⸣[d] ⸢to⸣ me, "You mustn't f⸢ea⸣r.

[You will l]ive, Ahiqar, father of all Assyrian on ⸢whose⸣ counsel Sennache[ri]b the ⸢king⸣ and the army of

[all] A⸢ss⸣yria [had relied]." ⸢Following⸣ (this), N[abu-šuma-iškun, the prin]ce, said to his cronies, those two ⸢m⸣en ⸢wi⸣th him,

"[...] ⸢In⸣[deed approach] ⸢me;⸣ I am sa⸢ying⸣ to yo⸢u⸣ these ⸢instruction(s)⸣ [of mine], ⸢good⸣ couns⸢el⸣ is

abundant (here)." ⸢A⸣[fterward, th]ose two [men replied] ⸢and⸣ sa⸢id to⸣ [him], ["Sp]⸢eak to us,⸣ Nabu-šuma-iškun, the prince,

⸢what⸣ever [you] s[ay to us, we will listen] to." ⸢Foll⸣owing (this), [Nabu-šuma-iškun, the pr]⸢in⸣ce, [replied] ⸢and⸣ said ⸢to⸣ them, "Hea⸢r⸣ me!

⸢This⸣ is [Ahi]qar, the chief [cupbearer and the seal(-bearer)] of Esar⸢ha⸣[ddon, king of Assyria; ] (it is) ⸢h⸣e. ⸢And⸣ upon ⸢his couns⸣el ⸢and his words⸣

the a⸢rmy⸣ of all [Assyria] relies. ⸢We⸣ mustn't kill him. [I have one servant,] a eu[nu]ch of m⸢ine⸣ (whom) I will ⸢give⸣ ⸢y⸣ou.

He may ⸢be killed⸣ betwe[en the]⸢se⸣ two mountains in pla⸢ce⸣ of thi[s] Ah⸢i⸣qa⸢r, and⸣ wh[en it is heard (that he is dead),] the ⸢k⸣i⸢n⸣[g will send]

othe⸢r⸣ [m]e⸢n⸣ af⸢ter⸣ us to insp⸢ect⸣ the ⸢co⸣rp⸢se o⸣f this Ahiqar. ⸢The⸣n [they will see the corpse] o⸢f⸣ this eunuch, m⸢y⸣ ser⸢va⸣nt,

until ⸢finally Esarhadddo⸣[n, the king of Assyria...]

upon him ⸢and⸣ the heart of E⸢sar⸣h⸢a⸣ddon, the king of Assyria ...]

Goods I will ⸢gi⸣ve to you, as much as ...]"

I was ⸢pl⸣eased by these ⸢t⸣[wo cronies of his...]

"⸢d⸣o to whomever you have contrived...]

This 5[servant], 6the eunuch in Ahiqar's stead...]"

At ⸢th⸣is time it was heard in the la[nd...]

the ⸢k⸣ing, "he is ⸢ki⸣lled." Then Nabu-šu[ma-iškun...]

was a benefactor to me there as [did...]

they were supported before their ⸢l⸣ord...]

a gr⸢ea⸣[t] help, abu[ndant] ⸢tr⸣easure [...]

"Go to Esarhaddon the k⸢i⸣[ng of Assyria...]

I went, I fou⸢nd⸣ [A]hiqa[r...]

⸢The king a⸣sked the [...] men...]

He s⸢ai⸣d, "⸢T⸣he⸢n⸣ as long as Esarhaddon...

Moreover, she/it is precious to the gods ˁ⸢N⸣[...]L◦[◦◦] the kingdom. In the he⸢av⸣[en]s she/it sits because/for/when the master of the holy ones is lifting [her/it] up.

[My] so⸢n⸣, do not cu[r]se the day until you se⸢e⸣ [ni]⸢gh⸣t.

Do ⸢no⸣[t] let it come into your heart when on every ⸢pl⸣ace are their ⸢e⸣[yes] and their ears. But(?) with your mouth guard yourself. Let (your mouth ?) not be [their] prey.

More than any guard post, guard your mouth. And ⸢on account of⸣ that which {[you] he[ard] |is a[sked]} take heart (lit. harden/honor heart). For a word is a bird, and a man (who) sends it out (has) no he⸢ar⸣[t].

(Take) co[un]t (of) the ones who shut your mouth! Then take out ... for more intense is the ambush of a mouth than the ambush of war.

Do not cover a word of king. Let it be medi\c/inal [to] your [hear]⸢t⸣. Soft is (the) speech of a king, (yet) severing, and it is mightier than edges of a knife.

Look before you (at) whatever is difficult! You mustn't/cannot stand [up to] the ⸢fa⸣ce of a ki[n]⸢g⸣. His anger(?) is instant, more than lightning. O You, guard yourself!

He mustn't reveal it against your sayings. You would go away, and not at your time.

... the good things of a king. If (something) is commanded \to you,/ it is an immolating fire. Quickly do it! Do not let it brand you, but you should cover it (with) your palms.

[More]over, a word of a king is in the desire of the heart. ¶ [Wh]at wood can compete with fire (or) flesh with a knife (or) man with a ⸢ki⸣[ng]?

I/you have tasted the bitter (sorb) plant and the [taste] is intense. There is (nothing) bitterer than poverty. Soft is the tongue ...

The ribs of the serpent it will break like the death which is [no]t seen. ¶ With many children your heart mustn't rejoice, but in their fewness [do not mourn/ be glad]

A king is like a merciful (man). Moreover, his voice is high. Who is he who shall rise before him except whom ˀEl/a god is with?

Handsome is a king to the look at, like Šamaš. Precious is his glory to those who walk the earth as/in ...

A good vessel covers a word in its heart, and ⸢it is that whi⸣[ch] is broken, it lets it out.

The lion went near {to a[sk repeatedly |to a[sk the peace of} the donkey], saying, "May peace be to you." The donkey replied, and said to the lion[ ...].

I have carried sand and loaded salt, and there is nothing that is heavier than ⸢a stra⸣[nger]

I have carried straw and picked up bran, and there is nothing lighter than a sojourner.

A sword roils calm waters between good neighbors.

A little man, after he becomes great, his words let loose in the air out of him. For opening his mouth is humilated (by)

gods. But if he is loved by gods, they will put a good (word) in his throat to say.

Many are the stars of the heavens, whose names no man will know. Indeed thus is the man (that) a man will not know.

A lion is not in the sea. Therefore, they shall call the QRˀ a sea-lion.

The leopard met the goat, and she was naked. The leopard answered and said to the goat, "Come, I will cover you with my skin."[ She answered,

the goat said to the leopard, "What need do I have (for) your covering? My hide do not take from me." For [the leopard] shall not [inqui]re

(about) the welfare of the the gazelle except to suck its blood. ¶ The ⸢be⸣ar went to [the] lam⸢b⸣[s ...]... [...]

I will be silent/silence. The lambs answered and said to him, "Carry yourself that which you can [ca]rry from use. We ... [...]

For it is not in the authority of the man who lifts his feet and who sets them down without [god]s ... [...]

For it is not in your authority who lifts your foot to set it down. ¶ If good comes out of the mouth of a m[an ...]

And if wickedness shall come out ⸢o⸣[f] their mouths, gods will do wickedness to them. ¶ If the eyes of gods are on [the] ma[n ...]

A man splitting wood in the dark, having not seen a man, a theif, who breaks into a house will be fou⸢n⸣[d].

... your bow nor mustn't you cock your arrow at a righteous one, lest god (pl.) would go (s.) to his/its aid and cause it to recoil on you.

[...] you O my son, harvest every harvest and do every task, then you shall eat and be satisfied and give to your children.

[... ]bent your bow and cocked your arrow at one more righteous than you. It is a sin against gods.

[...] you O my son, borrow the grain and the wheat which you shall eat and be satisfied and give to your children with you.

[...] the heavy [l]oan. And from a wicked man do not borrow. More⸢over⸣[ I]⸢f⸣ you must borrow a loan, you mustn't set rest on you soul until

[you repay] the [l]oan. [...] the loan is sweet ... and to repay it fills a house.

[...]... in your ears. For the favor of a man is his trustworthiness and his hatred are the lies of this lips.

[... If ]beforehand the throne would be checked for the liar, then later they could discover his lies and spit in his face.

[And they shall say (of) ]a man who lies, "His neck is cut like a virgin Temanite who[ ◦◦◦◦ ]to our face, like a man who shall do the wicked thing.

[...]⸢Y⸣ And from gods it/she did not go out. ¶

[Do not dispise a litt]⸢le⸣ which is in your lot. And do not desire much which may be withheld from you.

[Do not increase ]⸢the⸣ army. And do not increase the heart.

[A man ,w]⸢ho⸣ shall not exhalt in the name of his father and in the name of his mother, Šama[š ]should not shine[ on him] because he is a wicked man.

[From ]my [hou]⸢se⸣ my infirmity when out, now with whom shall I be righteous? ¶ The son of my belly groped (for) my house, now what shall I say to the strangers?

[My son ]⸢w⸣as to me a malicious witness, now who then makes me righteous? ¶ From my house ⸢my⸣ wrath went out; with whom shall I be difficult or shall I engross?

Your [{secrets |sins}] do not reveal before your[ frie]nds. Do not make your name worthless before them.

With whomever rises more than you do not make ...[...]

With whomever is imprudent or stronger than you[ do not ... For he will ...]

from your portion ⸢and⸣ that which enters him ⸢will increa⸣[se ...]

Indeed, thus is a little man, and with [...]

Do not remove from yourself wisdom and ⸢do ⸣[not ...]

Do not be clever too much[ and] may [...] not {make you known |do you evil}.

Do not be ⸢sw⸣eet and you will not be ⸢sw⸣[all]⸢owed⸣. Do not be bitter[ and they will not spit you out (...)]

If you desire, o my son, that you will be[ ...]

That which shall humble a [hi]⸢gh⸣ man ...[...]

How will l⸢i⸣ps curse the the ⸢m⸣[a]n? [...]

Good/Better is one who subjugates [...]

yourself. Do not love[ ...]

they shall loosen(?) them, but that one, ˀEl is with him.

They shall destroy my hand, but not my mouth nor[ ...]

ˀEl shall turn back the mouth of the twisted and shall tear out the tongue[ ...]

good eyes do not grow dark and [good ]ears [...]

The honest. And he shall say it.

One who drew his bow and released his arrow, shall know not its ⸢destina⸣[tion ...]

If your lord shall make you an administrator to guard water[ do not] dri⸢nk⸣[ ...]

to leave gold in your hand. ¶ do not ... [...]

... and he shall not lift[ ... ]approach me. And he shall not say to you, "be distant from me."

[... ]... and he shall not ...

[... ]... path. And ... shall not acquire

[...]K ¶ [...] ... ⸢his⸣ house with him [...] fire ...

[... ]...[ ... Ša]maš in his lawsuit when he did the wickedness to his [ma]ster.

[... ]... his master[ ...] ... ¶ The birds[ ...] ... to

[... ]...[ ... ]a wicked man who shall overpower ... [...]

[... ]... when [he shall] send (word to) you(?). Ho\w/ shall you be changed in his face?

[... ]... [... ] his ⸢face⸣. Therefore, that

[... ]... the merchant[ ...] your [d]⸢a⸣ys in life before

[... ]... one to the onager. [I shall ri]d[e ]on you and I shall support you.

[... {[loo]k |[carr]y} you support and fodder! For I, I shall not see your saddle.

[...] ... and between my sandal a sherd will not penetrate my foot.

[...] ... ¶ The rich shall not say, "In my wealth, I am celebrated!"

Wha⸢t⸣ is stronger than a braying ass/ the wine of one who roars ...

the son who is educated and ... and set on the path on [his] feet[ ...]

Do not spare your son from a rod. If not, you will not be able to save ⸢hi⸣[m ...]

If I strike you, my son, you will not die. But if I leave (it) up to your mind[ ...]

A slap for the slave, a rebuke for the temple-servitor (f.). Moreover, to all your servant, instruc[tion ...]

One who acquires a {loose |wild} servant, a stolen/thievish female-servant, ...[ ...]

the name of his father and his lineage in the name of rottenness(?) ¶ The scorpion [...]

bread. And he will not ⸢e⸣[a]t {a beast |like wickedness}, but for him is better than what he will taste[ ...]

... I {did |passed}[ ...] ... the doe. Many/increasingly ... [...]

The lion will continue to lurk ath the stag in the secret of the ditch and he [...]

and its blood he will spill and its flesh he will eat. Indeed, thus is the encounters of men. ¶ ... a lion [...]

the ass left and will not carry it. He shall bear shame(?) from his colleague. [And he shall b]ear the burden which is not his.

For the load of the camel he he shall be loaded with. ¶ The donkey road the jenny ... and the birds ...[ ...]

Two words are elegant, and a third is loved by Šamaš: (First,) one who dr[inks] the wine and libates it. (Second,) one who masters wisdom[ ...]

And (third,) he shall hear a word and not reveal it. ¶ Indeed, this is precious [befo]re Šamaš. But whoever will drink wine and not[ libate]

then his wisdom is lost ⸢and⸣ ... more than one who sees. ¶ ⸢From⸣ heavens [...] ... the people ⸢and⸣ thi[er wi]⸢sd⸣om, the gods [...]

One, whose stature is handsome and his heart good is like a strong city in whi⸢ch⸣ there is wat[er].

... one shall be watched with gods, and what shall be protected against the wickedness in him ...?

... [do]⸢o⸣rs of the belly and which no god is with him. Who will ... him?

... the person and the people passed by them. They did not leave them, and their heart is open(?).

... one what is in the heart of his colleague, and when [he shall s]ee it, a good man for every wic⸢k⸣[ed] ... alt. a good man shall look at a wic⸢k⸣[ed] man ...

... shall accompany with him ... and the employer shall not be a good man to him with a [wick]ed m[an].

The thorn bush sent (a letter) to the pomegranate, saying, "The thorn bush to the pomegranate: What good are your many thorns [to] one who touches your yield?

[Moreover,] the pome[gra]nate [an]⸢sw⸣ered and said to the thorn bush, "You are totally thorns who touches you?

Righteous is the m⸢an⸣ in his ... All are encountering him.

... of evil on the day of the wind/spirit shall be split(/cleansed?), and in ruins its gateways shall make (their) bed(?). For in spoil/weeds

[...] ¶ My eyes, which I lifted up to you, and my heart, which I gave to you, in wisdom

[... and] you gave my name into rottenness.

If the evil one shall seize the edges of your garment, leave (it) in his hand. Then submit(?) to Šamaš he

[shall] take he own and give it to you.

Appoint me, O ˀEl, as righteous with you to [...]

May my haters die, but not by my sword [...]

I left you in the secret of the cedar and ⸢I/you/she⸣ went aroun⸢d⸣[ ...]

I/You/She left your friends and hardened [...]

{The law, |admonish(?)}. A man who does not know what [...]

wise with speech. For a mouth opens [...]

there is ... his face [...]

...

[…]

[... ]the moth fell, and in the evening [...]

...

in the house of the diviner/bronze the moth fell [...]

My soul shall not know the route. On account of this, [...]

Hunger/one who is hungry shall sweeten bitterness and his(?) thirst[ ...]

Anger/one who is angry shall be satisfied by bread and it shall be quenched [ ...]

The person ... the vinegar/sand ... [...]

[... S]how an Arabian the sea and a Sidonian [(the desert?)] For their work is distinguished ...

[... ]the ⸢w⸣ine is that will taste it(?) ... [...] he will guard it.

[... ] is said, "My kid is dead." And ⸢the⸣ goat responded[ and said ... ]⸢who⸣ knows that/what will come after him.

[...] a leopard shall remove from my ⸢h⸣ide. ¶ ... [...] in the window is ... [...] ... [...]

Thus it was ... that ... to them (f.p.). And he will not save ...

[... ]... and he will no⸢t⸣ meet me[ ...] blind of eyes [...]

[...] ⸢c⸣am⸢e⸣ [af]ter ... [...] ...

[...] ... eyes [...]

[...] blind ⸢and de⸣af of ears ... [...]

[...] from the belly of knows a noble and not from[ ...]

[... ]was a man, not ... [...]

[...] a m⸢a⸣[n] who is acquired like a GRH and a woman[ ...]

[...] ... [...] ...

[... shall ]see ... [...] ...

[... shall] see the house of his neighbor engulfed with fire[ ...]

[...] my friend ⸢and⸣ from/more than my master ...[ ...]

{⸢our⸣ |⸢your⸣} lord.

Saying: 24 years belong(ed) to (the) Lord of Kings, Senn[acherib ]the[ k]ing. In Kalaḥ I advised the kingdom/kingship of Assyria.

[hou]⸢se⸣ of the se⸢al⸣(-bearer) [◦◦◦]◦◦[...]

[…]⸢RḤ⸣[…]

[...]...[...]

[…]◦◦◦◦ּ⸢MH⸣ [...]

[…]N{D|R}◦[...]

[...]◦◦◦[...]

[...]...[...]

[... t]⸢o⸣ ˀEsarḥaddon ⸢they reached⸣ ◦[…]

[...]◦◦◦ ◦L◦(◦)TH {D|R}[◦]◦M◦...

[…]T...⸣L⸢ּ◦...[...]

...

[...]◦ Nadan ◦...

Nabûsu[miskun the prince …]

[…]◦◦BT ...

[…]... [Na]⸢bû⸣su⸢m⸣[iskun the prince …]

[…]◦L ⸢h⸣im ◦ּ[◦]◦◦◦[…]...[...]

[...]...◦LN◦ [...]...[...]

...

[…]… [ˀA]⸢ḥîqa⸣[r ]…

[...]⸢T⸣ [on] ⸢whose council (and) whose words a⸣ll ⸢A⸣ssyria [had (relied) ...]

[...]whom you [es]tablished ◦[...]◦◦...◦⸢T⸣ ... ◦B◦[...]

[...]◦⸢ˀ⸣◦[...] {K|P}[◦◦]◦...[...]◦ ...⸢ˀK⸣◦ ...[...]

[...]◦◦◦◦ ּ◦[...]◦ּ...[...]

[...]◦ [...]...ˀ ...[...]

[...]⸢L⸣◦[...]⸢L⸣[...]...[...]

[◦]...[...]...[...]

(after) many other (days) I presented you[ ...]

he did not do [to you. Most] certainly Se[nnacherib the king ...]

in [acc]ordance with what[ I did for you, so then ...]

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and ma[de to] the house of the king:

Gold: 12 staters for gold: [# karš]

Silver: [#] karš.

The portion of the oil which was found [therein: oil, # …]

The [si]lver of the ⸢m⸣e[n], whi⸢ch⸣[ was made to the house of the king]

Silver: 3[(+)] Š(ekels)

Wine: 21 and a half KND-jars.

Oi[l]: ⸢9 and a ha⸣[lf] SP-jars.

[woo]⸢d⸣: 1 support.

[...]

Silver: 50 [Ka]rš, 6(+) […]

Wine: ⸢21 and a half KND-jars⸣

[O]i[l: ]6[(+)] SP-jars, ⸢10⸣[(+) …]

Wood: 1 (+?) support.

Empty SP-jars: 30 herein. 10[ which are not ]coated.

On the 30th of Athyr, they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians.

1 Ship of [PN son of PN]

Ionian, Ps⸢l⸣[{d|r}šy …]

⸢ˀ⸣[SWT] KḤ[MWŠ, it is a large ship]

[The ]⸢mi⸣[ndattu-payment which was paid in tax from him and made to the house of the king:

⸢Gol⸣[d …]

⸢Si⸣[lver # karš …]

[...]

⸢MN⸣[…]

[...]

[Total, silver: # ]⸢karš⸣[ …]

From {B|S}◦[… ]⸢ˀSWT⸣[ …]

⸢From him⸣ accor[ding to …]

Gold: [#] state[rs …]

[Silver: ]⸢60⸣[(+) ]⸢karš⸣[ …]

[Wine: # KND-jars]

Oil: ⸢9⸣ SP-jars, 2 kap, ⸢10 YW-measures⸣ […]

Wood: 1 support.

Empty SP-jars: 30 herein. [10 ]which are not coa[ted.]

Month of Choiak. ⸢Year⸣ 1⸢1⸣ ◦[ ◦◦]◦[…]

On the ⸢2nd⸣ of Choiak ⸢they⸣[ in]⸢spected for E⸣[gypt/Egyptians.]

1 Ship of Mr◦g◦s son of Pq◦[…]

An [Io]nian of PSL{D|R}ŠY […]

[ˀS]WT K[ḤM]WŠ, [it is a large ]shi[p].

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made to

the [h]ouse of the king:

[Gol]d: 10 staters for 8 Š(eqels), 10[(+)] Ḥ(allurs).

[Silve]r: 10 karš, 2 Ḥ(allur), 2 Q(uarters).

[On the … ]of Choiak they inspected for Egypt/Egytians. [1 ]sh[ip of PN son of PN]

[An Ionian of PSL{D|R}ŠY …]

It is [1 large ship] according to [its measurements]

The oil which was found therein: ⸢O⸣[il # SP-jars]

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made[ to the house of the king:]

Gold: 1⸢2⸣ staters for gold, [#] kar[š].

Silver: 30 karš, 12 Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters).

The portion of the oil which was found [therein: oil, # …]

ha⸢lf⸣[ …]

[…]

[The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made to the hou]se of the king:

[Gold: # staters for # karš,] 6 ⸢Ḥ(allurs)⸣.

[…]

[The portion of the oil which was found therein:] oil, ⸢ḤMW⸣Š, [# …]

[The silver of the men which made to the hou]se of the king:

[…]

[Empty jars: # herein.] ⸢10⸣[ which are ]⸢not⸣ coated.

[Total of the mandattu-payment and other things which were paid in taxes fr]rom him and made ⸢t⸣[o]

[the house of the king]

[Gold: # staters for ]1 [kar]š, 6 Ḥ(allurs).

[Silver: #+]1[ karš,] 2⸢8⸣ Ḥ(allurs).

[…]

Wood: 1 support.

Empty SP-jars: 30 herein. ⸢10⸣ which are not coated.

On the 16th of Tybi they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians

1 Ship of So⸢me⸣nes son of Simo⸢nid⸣es an Ionian of [PSL{D|R}ŠY]

[It is 1 ]large[ ship ]according to ⸢its measurements⸣.

The oil which was f[ound ]therein: Oil [# SP-jars]

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax ⸢from him⸣ and [made to the house of the king:]

Go[ld: 12 sta]t[ers for gold # karš]

[Silve]⸢r⸣: 5⸢0⸣ karš, [#] ⸢Ḥ(allurs)⸣.

The portion of the oil which was fou[nd therein:]

⸢Oil, ḤMW⸣Š ⸢20[(+)] Y⸢W-measurements⸣.

The silver of the men which was made to the h[ouse of the king:]

[Silver ]5 Š(eqels), 12[(+)] Ḥ(allurs), […]

Wine: ⸢21 SP-jars⸣ and a half.

Oil: 9 SP-jars and a half

⸢Wood:⸣[ 1 support].

Empty SP-jars: 30 herein.[ 10 which are not coated.]

Total mandattu-payment and oth[er things] which [was paid in tax from him]

and made to the house of the king:

Gold: 12 staters for gold: [# karš, # ]⸢Ḥ(allurs)⸣.

Silver: 30 karš[ …]

⸢Oil: 21⸣ SP-jars and a half.

Wood: 1 support.

Empty SP-jars: 30 herein. ⸢10⸣ which are not coated.

On the 18th of Tybi they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians

1 Sh[i]p of [PN son of PN and Ionian of]

[PSL{D|R}]ŠY,

ˀSWT KḤMWŠ, it is a larger ship.

The ma[ndattu-payment, whi]ch[ was pa]⸢id⸣[ in tax from him and made to the house of the king]

Gold: 10 staters for gold[ …]

Silver: 10 karš, 2 Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters).

Total of the ship which they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians.

[On ]the month Tybi [… ship(s) herein.] 2 are a great ship.

[ˀ]SWT KḤMWŠ,[ one larger ship.]

[The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made to]

[the house of the king]

[Gold: # staters for gold # [karš]

[... ]4[ …]

[Silve]r: [#+]⸢10⸣ karš, 27 ⸢Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters)⸣.

The portion of the oil which was found therein:

⸢Oi⸣[l …]

[The silver of] ⸢the men which mad⸣e[ to the house of the king:

⸢Fr⸣om 2 larger ship(s).

Fr⸢om all⸣[ …]◦◦◦⸢H⸣[…].

Silver:[ # karš].

Wine[ # KND-jars].

Oil: 1⸢9⸣ SP-jars.

Wood: 1 support.

Empty SP-jars: 4[0(+) ]herein. 20 which are not coated.

Total manda[ttu-payment] and oth[er things paid in tax from them and made] ⸢to⸣

the house of the k[ing].

Gold: 11 s[ta]t[ers for #] ⸢karš⸣

[…+]1, 27 Ḥ(allurs).

⸢Silve⸣[r # karš]

Wine: [# KDN-jars]

Oil: 9[(+)] SP-jars, ⸢2 h(andfuls), 10⸣[(+) YW-measures].

[Woo]⸢d⸣:[ 1 support].

[Empty jars: # herein. # which are not] coated.

[Month of Mehir, ]⸢year 11⸣

[On the 6(+)th] ⸢of⸣ [Mehir they inspected for ]⸢Egypt/Egyptians

1 [shi]p of [PN son of PN, an Ionian]

[PSL{D|R}]ŠY,

[ˀSWT KḤ]MWŠ, one larger ship.

The [manda]ttu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made to

the [hou]se of the king.

[Gol]d: ⸢10⸣ staters ⸢to gold⸣[ …]

[Silve]r: 10 karš, 2 Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters).

On the[ … of ] ⸢Mehi⸣[r they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians:

1 Ship o[f PN son of PN, an Ionian of]

PSL{D|R}ŠY,

ˀS[W]T K[ḤMWŠ, it is a larger ship.]

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made to the house of the king

Gold: 10 staters for gold[ …]

Silver: 10 karš, 2 ⸢Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters).⸣

On the 20 of Mehir they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians:

1 Ship ⸢of Tmt⸣◦◦[ son of PN, and Ionian of]

PSL{D|R}ŠY,

It is 1 large ship[ according to its measurement]

The oil which was foun⸢d⸣[ therein: Oil # SP-jars]

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from [him and made to the house of the king]

Gold: 12 staters ⸢for⸣[ gold: # karš]

[Sillver: ]⸢50⸣[ karš]

The portion of the oil which [was found therein: oil]

⸢ḤMWŠ⸣ ◦◦◦◦[…]

[The silver of the men which made to the house of the king:]

Silver: 5 Š(eqels), [#] Ḥ(allurs).

Wine: 21 [and a half] K[ND]-jars.

Oil: 5[(+)] SP-jars.

Wood: 1 support.

Empty SP-jars: 30[ herein. # which are not ]coated.

Total mandattu-payment and oth[er things which was paid in tax from him]

and made to [the house of the king:]

[The portion of the oil] which was found there[in: oil, ḤMWŠ, # …]

The [si]lver of the men which was made to the house of the [kin]g:[ silver # š(eqels)], 2[(+) Ḥ(allurs),] 2 q(uarters).

[Wi]ne [# ]⸢KND-jars⸣[ and a ha]lf

[Oi]l: [9] SP-jars[ and a half]

[Wood: 1 support].

Empty ⸢SP-jars:⸣ 30 herein. # which are not coated.

Total mandattu-payment and other things which was paid in tax from him [and made t]o the h[ouse of] the [kin]g:

Go[l]d: 12 staters for gold, 1 karš, [#] Ḥ(allurs).

[Si]lver: ⸢50⸣ karš, 5 [š(eqels)], 20[(+)] Ḥ(allurs).

[Wine: ]21 SP-jars and a half.

[Oil: ]9 [S]P-jars, ⸢2⸣ h(andfuls), ⸢15⸣ ◦.

[Wood: 1 support].

Empty [S]P-jars[: # he]re[in. # which are not ]co[at]ed.

[On the ]7th of [Pa]hons they inspected for ⸢Egypt/Egyptian⸣s

[1 S]hip [of ]◦◦GW⸢T⸣◦ [son of PN …]

It is [1] large [s]hip according to its measurement

[The ]oil which was found therein: oil 20[(+)] ⸢SP-jars⸣

[The ]mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him[ and made t]o ⸢the h⸣[ou]⸢se⸣[ of the king]

Gold: 2[2] staters for [gold] 1 ⸢k⸣arš, 5 Ḥ(allurs).

Silver: ⸢50⸣ karš, [12] Ḥ(allurs), ⸢2 q(uarters).⸣

The portion of [the] oil [which was] fou[nd] therein: oi[l ]⸢ḤMWŠ⸣[ ◦◦]ŠR[ …]

⸢The silve⸣r of ⸢the m⸣[e]n[ which was given t]o the house of [the] k[ing: Silver 5 š(eqels)] 1[5 Ḥ(allurs)], ⸢2⸣ q(uarters).

Wine: 21 ⸢KN⸣[D-jars] and a half.

Oil: [9 SP-jars] and a half.

⸢Wood:⸣[ 1 support].

Empty ⸢S⸣[P-jar]⸢s:⸣[ 3]0 herein. [# which are not ]⸢c⸣oated.

Total mi⸢nda⸣ttu-payment and other things which was pa[id] in tax from him[ and made to the house of the king:]

Gold: [22] staters ⸢for gold, 1 karš, ⸣[#]⸢Ḥ(allurs)⸣.

Silver: 5[0] karš, 3[(+)] š(eqels).

[Wine: ]⸢20⸣[(+) KND-jars[ …]

⸢Oil: 10 and a quar⸣[ter SP-jars].

Wood: ⸢1⸣[ suppor]t.

[Empty] SP-jars: 30 herein. [# ]which are not ⸢c⸣[oated.]

On the 10th [of Pah]⸢ons⸣ they inspected for Egypt/Egyptians

1 S[hip] of P[…]⸢t⸣l⸢n⸣ son of ⸢Mo⸣scho⸢s⸣[, an Ionian of PSL{D|R}ŠY].

ˀ⸢S⸣[WT KḤMWŠ, it is ]⸢a larger ship.⸣

The mandattu-payment, which was paid in tax from him and made [to the house of the king]

[Gold:] 10 staters for 6[(+)] š(eqels).

Silver: 10 karš, 2 Ḥ(allurs), 2 q(uarters).

[On the … ]of Pahons the inspected for E[gypt]/E[gyptians]

1 [Shi]p [of] ◦◦◦◦ son of Ergilo[s, an Ionian of PSL{D|R}ŠY,]

It is 1 [lar]⸢ge⸣ ship according to [its ]⸢mea⸣[surements].

The oil [which was]⸢ fou⸣[n]d therein: ⸢O⸣il, [# SP-jars].

The mandattu-payment, whi[ch] was paid in tax from him and ma[de to the house of the king]

Gol[d:] 1⸢2⸣[ sta]⸢t⸣[er]s for gold, [#] kar[š].

[gold, # staters] ⸢as⸣ gold: [#] karsh, 3[(+)...]

[...] 1 sh(ekel), 24 ḥ(allurs), [#] q(uarters)

[…]⸢1⸣[(+)…]

[...] 60 [(+#)...]; wood, 2 SMKs

[Empty jugs # herein;] ⸢20⸣ which are not coated.

[... of] 3 Ghazerian [sh]ips herein.

[...]

[…] 5(+) [here]⸢in⸣

[… #],100(+).

[... 9]00.

[...]

[... ]5[(+)] herein.

[...]

[New Oars: ]10[(+)]. Old oar⸢s … 10⸣.

[... which is made ]to the house of the king.

[...]◦◦◦◦ in the possession of DWGY-[…]

[…]◦◦ L◦◦◦YN fr⸢om them⸣.

Wine of year 10: ⸢1⸣5 KND-jars, ⸢1 h(andfull)⸣

Old Oar: 1.

The silver of the men which was made to the [house of ]the[ king:]

From 2 DWGY-QN{D|R}TŠYRY-ships of[ …]⸢ˀ⸣

Wine of year 11:[ #] KDN-jars.

Total silver of men which was paid in tax by them and made

to the house of the king:

Silver: 1 karš, 2 š(eqels), 3 Ḥ(allurs).

Wine of Year 10[ …]

⸢Wine of Year 11: [#] KN[D]-jars.

[O]⸢ld O⸣[ars]: 1.

Tot[al] mandattu-payment and tithe which was paid in tax by them

and ⸢ma⸣de to the house of [the] king:

Silver 3 karš, 6 ⸢š(eqels), 12 Ḥ(allurs)⸣.

Wine: [#] K[ND-jars].

Wind of Year 10: ⸢110⸣ K⸢ND⸣-jars.

Wine of Year 11: 160 KND-jars.

[...]

[Wine ]of Yea[r 10: …]

Wine of year 1[1: …]

[W]⸢ool⸣: ◦[…]

[...]

[... ]⸢4 Š⸣[…]

[... ]⸢5⸣, 2 q(uarters).

[...]

[…]⸢3⸣[…]

[...]

[...] 1 DWGY-QN{D|R}Tˁˀ-ship.

[...]

[…]P⸢T⸣[…]

[...]

[... made to the house of] ⸢the⸣ [k]⸢ing⸣

[...]

[... p]aid in tax by him and made to the house

[of the king …]1, 3(+) Ḥ(allurs).

[...] 126(+).

[…]◦◦◦◦◦⸢T⸣ 10.

Old Oar: 1.

Total mandattu-payment \and other things/ which were paid in tax by the⸢m⸣ and made to the house of the king.

◦◦◦◦◦◦◦ ⸢10⸣

Total tithe which was paid in tax by him[ and made to]

the house of the king.

[...]◦◦◦◦◦

⸢Win⸣[e: …]

⸢Wood:⸣[ …]

Silver:[ …]

[...]

⸢Win⸣[e: …]

Oar[ …]

Total[ …]

⸢B⸣[…]

[...]

Wood:[ …]

⸢Wood:⸣[ …]

O⸢ar:⸣[ …]

⸢B⸣◦[…]

Sh⸢i⸣[p …]

[...]...

[...]...⸢L⸣[ּ◦(◦)◦]⸢L⸣...

[...]... ⸢herein which⸣ ...[...]◦◦ M◦◦[...]

[...]... ⸢from it⸣ ...[...]

[...]... ◦◦◦◦ 10 staters[...]

[...]◦... ...⸢Š⸣ ּ◦[...]

[...]...[...]

[...o]⸢i⸣l ◦◦[...]

[...]...L◦[...]

[...]⸢L⸣◦( )M[...]

[...]

[…]⸢

[...]

––

[...]

Silver

Ghazerian ships,

[...]

Moore, James D.. 'Pap. Ber. P. 13446.' DEAPS. 12 Dec, 2025. https://deaps.osu.edu/text_objects/12283. Accessed: 18 Jan, 2026.