Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE. Cuneiform 008

This tablet is from the Third Dynasty of Ur under King Shulgi of Ur (2094-2047 BCE). Thanks to the Babylonian Center at Yale University, we have a translation of the tablet. It lists: “3 sheqel gold (its equivalent in) silver is 20 (sheqel) each, its total (value in) silver is 1 mana; entered at harvest time. 2 sheqel gold (its equivalent in) silver is 20 (sheqel) each, its total (value) in silver is 2/3 mana. 5 sheqel gold (its equivalent in) silver is 10 (sheqel) each, its total (value) in silver is 5/6 mana. 1 mana silver for rings. Offerings of Ninkalla, Ninmelam was conveyor. 4 mana silver for…its weight loss is 1 1/3 sheqel, its weight adjustment is 4 sheqel. 2/3 mana gold (its equivalent in) silver is 7 (sheqel) each, its weight loss is 20 grains, its total (value) in silver is 4 2/3 mana, 2/3 sheqel and 20 grains. Offerings of the king. Issued by Akalla. The year after the one that Puzris-Dagan was built, the following year.” Puzris-Dagah was an ancient city in Lower Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Drehem, Iraq, established by King Shulgi of Ur.

Bibliography

Cuneiform Tablet Regarding Harvest Time Transactions, Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE. University of Oregon, Special Collections & University Archives, Cuneiform 008. https://alliance-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/3uoa1r/CP71348112200001451