Article

Measuring Barley with Šamaš in Old Babylonian Sippar

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Abstract

This article examines the occurrence of the (gis)BAN(2) (UTU)-U-d ('the sutum-measure of Samas) in published texts from Old Babylonian Sippar (ca. 2000-1600 BC.). There were several measures connected to the Sun God Samas. The (gis)BAN(2) (UTU)-U-d was a dry volume measure used to quantify barley and other agricultural products. More than half of the ca. 350 attestations concern naditum 'devotees'. The measure was mostly used to pay the rent of field leases and other obligations such as hiring out workers. It was also used for issuing loans of barley. In addition to this, the (gis)BAN(2) (UTU)-U-d occurs in organizations using granaries. These organizations used many different measures and accounting practices, which makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about the measure's actual volume, specific usages or uniform accounting practices. However, there must have been some connection between Samas role as the dispenser of justice and the (fair) usage of measures in Mesopotamia.

How to Cite:

De Boer, R., (2013) “Measuring Barley with Šamaš in Old Babylonian Sippar”, Akkadica 134(2), 103–116. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/akkadica.99634

Rights: © The author