Khalili IA 06

Letter from Akhrunazda to Bagavant, Marbeswan, year 6 of Artaxerxes [III], 353 BCE. Concerns camel-keepers. Hashavakhshu is the scribe.

ADAB no. A01

Metadata

Language: Aramaic
Script: Aramaic
Created by: James D. Moore
Updated by: James D. Moore, 2026-01-18

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www.khalilicollections.org

Textual Notes

Note my discussion of חיט concerning this document is Moore and Becking article (submitted to ZAW)

Text and Translation

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Naveh and Shaked

From Akhvamazda to Bagavant and the magistrates. And now: Vahuvakhshu son of Chithrabarzana said thus: "I complained earlier to my lord Akhvamazda concerning

Bagavant and the magistrates, how they removed (things) from the camel-keepers, my apprentice-servants; they despoiled and detained them, and extracted (from them) a tax which they ( viz. the camel-keepers) are not obliged (to pay), not letting

them guard the camels of the king. As a result of this, there will be (?) a flow (?) and a renewed flow (?) among the camels of the king. Therefore I inform (my lord). There after, Bagavant was interrogated

by my lord. In the meantime, before the decision was issued to him, the same Bagavant went to Khulmi. I again complained to my lord. Afterwards

(a message) was sent to Bagavant (and) an order was given to him to release those men, the detained camel-keepers, and to proclaim a prohibition concerning the camel-keepers,

[and that which he] removed to give back. The same Bagavant refused to release those men. I again complained to my lord. Afterwards, (certain) men were appointed

by the court of my lord, who released those men, the camel-keepers, from prison, and (who) issued a prohibition to Bagavant. Afterwards, finally, after the (issue of the) prohibition,

because those men complained, Bagavant, Ahuradata his foreman and the magistrates removed from the camel-keepers on bull, two donkeys

(and) 34 [sheep]. Furthermore, they imposed on them a surcharge (?) more than )is imposed on) another land. If my lord Akhvamazda deems this appropriate, may he consider (the issue) in my favour concerning this matter.” Now:

because you are removing (things from) those men and are imprisoning (them) against my decree, when you come (to me), you will be interrogated. But now, what you have removed, give back to them. Furthermore,

do not extract (from them) a surcharge (?) more than what they owe. Also, release those men, the camel-keepers, to do their own work. Do not impose on the land

[a tax] which they do not have to pay. Hashavakhshu the scribe is aware of this command.

To Bagavant and the magistrates, who are in Khulmi.

… of Marḥešvan, year 6 of Artaxerxes the king. Concerning a tax. Bring this letter.

Moore, James D.. 'Khalili IA 06.' DEAPS. 12 Dec, 2025. https://deaps.osu.edu/text_objects/12727. Accessed: 20 Jan, 2026.