Mesopotamian Abrogation of Marriage Agreement

(Translator: J.J. Finkelstein)

Alalakh, fifteenth century, B.C. Text: D. J. Wiseman, The Alalakh Tablets, No. 17, Pl. IX; transliteration and translation, ibid., p. 40. [a]

Seal of Niqmepa (seal impression of Idrimi)[1]

Shatuwa son of Zuwa, citizen of Luba, asked Apra for (the hand of) his daughter to be his daughter-in-law, (5) and, in accordance with the rules of Aleppo, brought him the marriage gift. Apra (subsequently) committed treason, [2] was executed for his crime, (10) and his estate was confiscated by[3] the palace. Shatuwa came, in the light of his (rights to his) possessions—six ingots of copper and two bronze daggers—and took them (back). (X5? And as of this day, Niqmepa (is considered to have) satisfied Shatuwa. For (all) future time, Shatuwa [will have no further] legal claim with reference to his pos[sessions]. Seven witnesses, including the scribe.

[1] Niqmepa was the son of Idrimi, kings of Alalakh in the first half of the 15th century B.C.
[2] Lit. "became an evildoer (bel masikti)."
[3] Lit.: "entered (the palace)."

[a] ANET p. {546}.