How the ancient kings of Assyria spoke
Listen to a reading of the Nimrud Genie in Akkadian cuneiform, a language that’s been dead for 3000 years. Read by Martin Worthington of Cambridge University.
Listen to a reading of The Nimrud Genie in Akkadian cuneiform, a language that’s been dead for 3000 years. Read by Martin Worthington of Cambridge University.
The text is what’s known as Ashurnasirpal’s Standard Inscription: King Ashurnasirpal II had it etched across many of his palace reliefs. It lays out in minute detail his many accomplishments:
'Property of the palace of Ashurnarsipal, vice regent of Assur, chosen of the Gods Enlil and Ninurta, beloved of the gods Anu and Dagan, destructive weapon of the great gods, strong king, king of the universe, king of Assyria, son of Tukulti-Ninurta, great king, strong king, king of the universe, king of Assyria, son of Adad-narari, also great king, strong king, king of the universe, king of Assyria; valiant man who acts with the support of Aššur, his lord, and has no rival among the princes of the four quarters, marvellous shepherd, fearless in battle, mighty flood-tide which has no opponent, the king who subdues those insubordinate to him, he who rules all peoples, strong male who treads upon the necks of his foes, trampler of all enemies, he who breaks up the forces of the rebellious, the king who acts with the support of the great gods, his lords, and has conquered all lands, gained dominion over all the highlands and received their tribute, capturer of hostages, he who is victorious over all countries!'
