NBC 04853

Nabû-zēru-iqīša/Ahhēa//Kurī (NZI) approaches Marduk-šāpik-zēri/Marduk-šumu-iddin//Rab-banê (MŠZ), the High Priest (šatammu) of Eanna for a plot of land (qaqqaru) of the Lady of Uruk for the purpose of planting (zāqipūtu) (date palms). The said land is on the bank of the Nār-šarri, from the baru(?)-canal to the intake (bābu) of the Aššurītu canal opposite Kār-Eanna. MŠZ agrees.

For the first five years, whatever grows there will be at NZIs disposal (pānu dagālu NZI). Then, he will [give] ½ of the harvest as share (zittu) from the harvest [to the Lady of Uruk?]. NZI will remove (nasāku) the shrubberies (abattu), prepare the plantation (šikittu), and build an orchard wall (igār kirî).

9 witnesses and the scribe Nergal-uballiṭ/Nabû-šumu-ēreš

Notes

The rest is fragmentary, mentioning canals and irrigation facilities.

For abattu being organic material rather than limestone, see Jursa 1995, 123.

Long term land lease for a date palm plantation belonging to the temple on a sharecropping basis. Dialogue document.

A approaches (ana pāni alāku) B, the temple administrator (šatammu) of Eanna and asks (qabû) him to give him (nadānu, wr. bīnamma) a plot of land (qaqqaru) of the Lady-of-Uruk for the purpose of planting (zāqipūtu) (date palms). The said land is on the bank of Nār-šarri, from the baru?-canal to the intake (bābu) of the Aššurītu canal facing? (ana muhhi) Kār-Eanna. B agrees (šemû, lit. listens).

For the first five years, whatever grows there (ina libbi) will be at A’s disposal (pānu dagālu N). Then, he will [give] ½ of the harvest as share (zittu) from the harvest [to the Lady-of-Uruk?]. A will remove (nasāku) the shrubberies*, prepare (šakānu) the plantation (šikittu), and build (epēšu) an orchard wall (igār kirî).

The rest is fragmentary. The readable parts mention: ... canal(s) … … and in front ... [...] irrigation district he built.

Names of 9 witnesses and the scribe.

* For abattu being organic material rather than limestone, see Jursa 1995, 123.

A= Nabû-zēru-iqīša/Ahhēa//Kurī; B= Marduk-šāpik-zēri/Marduk-šumu-iddin//Rab-banê, temple administrator (šatammu) of Eanna