The Moon God Sîn in Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Times

The moon god Nanna/Sîn is one of the primary deities in the Sumero-Babylonian pantheon, and, for this reason, has been of interest since the early days of Assyriological research. In addition to the ubiquitous presence of Sîn in cuneiform sources, and the crescent moon in Mesopotamian art, scholarly interest in him can be attributed to his prominent role in the context of celestial divination: the lunar omens dominate the sphere of celestial divination in the 1st millennium BCE. Also, the marked interest of the Sargonid kings of Assyria in the Ḫarranian moon god in the 8th–7th centuries BCE and the veneration of Sîn by Nabonidus in the 6th century BCE have received much attention from various scholars. The theological concepts surrounding Sîn are by no means limited only to his role as the god of the moon, but he shared numerous abilities and powers with other deities of the Mesopotamian pantheon depending on the context. The sources from the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods describe the moon god Sîn first and foremost as the moon, a celestial luminary that embodies cosmic order and regulates time, conveys messages about the decisions he or other deities have made, brings stability to the reign of the king, allows people (and animals) to procreate, and afflicts them with epilepsy and skin diseases (but also heals them, if he wills). He is present not only in cult images in and around sanctuaries but also in the night sky, where he unceasingly makes himself manifest from day to day, month to month; the jewel of heavens, surrounded by rejoicing stars.

The present study is subdivided into two main parts: “Theologies of the Moon God in Assyria and Babylonia”, characterizing himself and his family and entourage, and “The Cult of Sîn in Babylonia and Assyria” on his role in the context of his places of worship and temples. These parts are supplemented by editions of selected texts and extensive indices.

Preface

I. Introduction

     I.1. The Moon God Sîn in Assyriological Research

     I.2. Reflections on Methodology and Terminology

     I.3. Sources

     I.4. Lunar Phases

II. Theologies of the Moon God in Assyria and Babylonia

     II.1. The Moon and the Moon God

     II.2. Lunar Names, Epithets and Metaphors

     II.3. The Moon God as a Celestial Light

     II.4. The Moon God, the Lunar Cycle, and Conceptions of Time

     II.5. Sîn’s Association with Anu, Ea, and Enlil

     II.6. Sîn and Divine Decisions

     II.7. Sîn and Kingship

     II.8. Sîn, Creation, Growth and Animals

     II.9. Sîn, Oaths, Curses and Punishments

     II.10. Sîn, Illness and Healing

     II.11. The Family and Household of Sîn

III. The Cult of Sîn in Babylonia and Assyria

     III.1. Ur and the Neighbouring Area

     III.2. Other Cult Places of Sîn in Babylonia

     III.3. Ḫarran

     III.4. The Temples of Sîn in the Assyrian Capital Cities

IV. Conclusions

V. Text Editions

     V.1. “Sîn 1”

     V.2. “Sîn 2”

     V.3. “Sîn 3”

     V.4. “Sîn 9”

     V.5. “Sîn 11”

     V.6. “Sîn 14”

     V.7. Ikrib-prayers to Sîn (K. 2751+//)

     V.8. Making the Unpropitious Appearance of Sîn Good (K. 6018+//)

     V.9. Avoiding Childbirth during the Month Nisannu (VAT 8004//)

     ​V.10. A War Ritual before the Moon and the Sun (CBS 1516)

Abbreviations / Bibliography / Index

Plates