‘Ionians’ in Neo-Assyrian sources (1)

Text
A letter written in around 730 BCE by a certain Qurdi-Aššur-lāmur – an official of the Assyrian empire who was possibly stationed around the areas of Tyre and Sidon – addressed to the Assyrian king, is the earliest known reference to the Aegean in Neo-Assyrian sources. In this letter the ‘Ionians’ (“KUR.ia-⌜ú⌝-na-a-a”) are treated as enemies and perceived as a threat at least for the district Qurdi-Aššur-lāmur was in charge of.

NL 69 (ND 2370):
To the king my lord,
your servant Qurdi-Aššur-lāmur:
The ‘Ionians’ have [a]ppear[ed].
They have battled at the city of [Samsim][uruna?],
at the city of Hārī[su], and at the ci[ty of …].
A ca[valryman] [c]ame to the city of [Dana][bu?] (to report this to me).
I gathered up regular soldiers and conscripted men
and went after them. Not anything
did they (the Ionians) carry away. As soon as they [sa]w
my soldiers they [fled] on their boats. In the midst of the sea
they [disappeared]. After my [ … ]
…
… at the harbor of the city of …
Just me (?), before I go up to …
The city of Danabu
I shall accomplish. The Itu’ayans
who are at my side and the Itu’ayans
who [are coming?] I shall settle therein.

Source (list of abbreviations)
NL 69 (ND 2370)

Bibliography

Christina Tsouparopoulou

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